September 2007 - Military Chaplain Association

MCA
THE M I L I TARY CHAPLA INS
A SS O C I AT I ON OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The Military Chaplain
Volume Eighty ★ Number Three ★ September 2007
In Memoriam
John Murdo MacGregor, USA (Ret)
29 July 2007, Marietta, GA
Member 1968
Richard E. Robinson, USA (Ret)
8 June 2007, San Antonio, TX
Member 1942 - Life Member 1969
Emerson Foundation 2005
Memorial D onations
IN MEMORY OF
THOMAS DAVID PARHAM, JR.
CAPT, CHC, USN (RET)
Marion Cordice Parham
Virginia Beach, VA
New Associate Life Members
Martin R. McCarty, Colorado Springs, CO
New Members
Norman W. Byerly, CAP Act, Bethania, NC
Paul D. Campbell, CAP Act, Hillsboro, OH
Stephen E. Gruber, CAP Act , Riverside, CA
Daniel J. Knaup, Jr., USAR, Pepper Pike, OH
Richard G. Poindexter, USA Act, Manassas, VA
Joseph R. Primeaux, USN Act, Galveston, TX
Margaret A. Robertson, USN Act, San Diego, CA
Robert E. Smith, CAP Act, Youngtown, AZ
James R. Taylor, VA Act, Lutz, FL
Roger Van Pelt, USA Act, San Antonio, TX
Jared A. Watson, 1LT, USA, DC Guard, Alexandria, VA
New Associate Members
Clark Hearn, Blue Springs, MS
Richard K. Olsen, Radford, VA
Patrick Peralta, Silver Spring, MD
Reactivated Members
Christian F. Dahlberg, USA Ret, Pittsburgh, PA
Joseph P. Howe, CAP Ret, North Chicago, IL
Steven. Rountree, CAP Act, Mesa, AZ
Daniel W. Thompson, USAF Act, McGuire AFB, NJ
Barbara G. Selden
Virginia Beach, VA
Introductory Members From
Chaplain School Basic Courses
Jacqueline Sharpe
Suffolk, VA
Jason R. Barker, USAF Res, Bremerton, WA
Brian M. Minietta, USA Act, Fort Drum, NY
William D. Payton, USA Act , Guyton, GA
★
IN MEMORY OF
RICHARD E. ROBINSON
CH (COL), USA (Ret)
CH (LTC) Richard Baker, USA (Ret)
Thank You!
CHAPEL COMMUNITY DONATIONS
All Faith Chapel Protestant Community
Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, CA
Protestant Parish
RAF Menwith Hill Station Chapel
USAF unit in the United Kingdom
ON THE FRONT COVER
Top: Chaplain Douglas L. Carver receives Major General
shoulder boards from his wife, Sunny, and General Campbell
during the Promotion Ceremony at Fort Myer Memorial
Chapel, 12 July 2007.
Middle: LTG James Campbell, Director of the Army Staff,
recalls personal experiences with Chaplain and Mrs. Carver
during the promotion ceremony.
Bottom: Chaplain Carver offers a Psalm of Praise to God
before making his promotion acceptance remarks.
ESTATE DONATION
Marlin D. “Smokey” Seiders
Captain, CHC, USN (Ret)
MCA Past President, 1984 -1986
Emerson Foundation Member #66
FROM OUR NATIONAL PRESIDENT
ARMY CHAPLAIN CORPS
CHANGES LEADERSHIP
This issue of The Military Chaplain highlights the
current transition of leadership in the Army
chaplaincy. On 12 July 2007 Chaplain (MG) David
Hicks retired, and Chaplain (MG) Douglas Carver
assumed the mantle as the Army Chief of Chaplains.
Chaplain Hicks’ military career spanned six decades
(1958-2007). A master parachutist who answered
the call to ministry as a young sergeant, he was
educated at Princeton and Duke, and during the
next thirty-three years earned a reputation
throughout the Corps as a soldier’s chaplain and a
pastor’s pastor.
During the past four years of high optempo,
incredible stress, and constant deployments, he has
kept Army Unit Ministry Teams focused on their main
purpose — in battle or in the motor pool, at home or
abroad, at every level of command, and in every
circumstance — he has led them in holding
unswervingly to the course of “taking spiritual
leadership to the next level.” For his prophetic and
pastoral leadership, and for his wife’s constant
encouragement and support, we are truly grateful.
As Dave and Janice walked off the Fort Myer parade
field that Thursday morning when they retired, it was
clear to us all that their legacy of pastoral leadership
will leave an indelible spiritual imprint on the
Chaplain Corps and our Armed Forces.
The promotion ceremony in honor of Chaplain
Carver took place that afternoon at Fort Myer
Memorial Chapel. Watching the Director of the Army
Staff LTG James Campbell pass the pastoral stole
from Chaplain Hicks to
our new and twentysecond Army Chief of
Chaplains, I felt greatly
re-assured.
Though
future days likely will
become even more
stressful and difficult for
our military, my strong
impression is that, in
Doug and Sunny Carver,
God has raised up
another couple who are
leaders “for such a time
as this.” They clearly are
more than equal to the
task.
...continued on page 4
Religious Leadership for the Army ... Courageous in Spirit, Compassionate in Service
The Military Chaplain
3
After six years as a combat arms officer, Carver
attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
in Louisville and then served as pastor of churches in
Kentucky, Colorado, and Virginia. For the past
twenty-three years, he too has become known as a
soldier’s chaplain — an Airborne, Air Assault Ranger
never shrinking from any challenge — always with
the troops and for the troops in every conceivable
garrison and field context — a steady hand in every
type of ministry from mass casualty situations to the
throes of combat. As the V Corps Chaplain and the
Command Chaplain of CJTF-7 that launched
Operation Iraqi Freedom, he proved his mettle as a
seasoned combat veteran who knows how to work
with general officers at the highest levels of
command and who understands how to lead
chaplains in times of high stress, rapid mobilization,
constant deployment, and difficult ministry in hostile
environments.
For twenty years, military chaplains have faced everchanging paradigms and increasingly difficult
problems that have made them develop new
strategies for doing ministry. Today those challenges
extend far beyond the battlefield — caring for
wounded warriors, building strong families, protecting
force structure, restructuring installations, guarding
free exercise, and defending the constitutionality of
the Corps — to name just a few. It encourages me to
know that, as Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Doug
Carver worked hard with the OCCH staff to develop a
new strategic plan for the Army chaplaincy that will
reinforce what the Corps has done so well and will
enable it to meet such challenges ahead. We look
forward to seeing this plan unveiled.
Sunny Carver, Chaplain Robert Whitlock, Chaplain Carver,
SGM Tommie Marrero
4
Receiving the new “two star” chaplain flag
While this magazine highlights the Army chaplaincy,
we should be reminded of the challenges facing all
military chaplains and gain renewed appreciation for
the outstanding leadership given by all our chiefs of
chaplains and their staffs. Please join me in praying
for them as they empower hosts of chaplains who
minister to our military and veterans.
Saxophone prelude by
Chaplain David Giamonna
Rabbi Jacob Z. Goldstein
offers the Benediction
The Military Chaplain
Membership Renewal Honor Roll
National
Officers
During our 2007 Regular Membership renewal, the following members
sent additional contributions. Thank you for your support!
Sustaining Members
Benjamin H. Adams, Jr.
Melba R. Banks
Gary H. Coad
Charles W. Marvin
John P. McDonough
Jimmy L. Myers
Dewey E. Painter, Sr.
John G. Sackett
William T. Schooler
Michael L. Schutz
Terry A. Sparks
Ray A. Strawser
David H. Webb
AF Ret, Hackettstown, NJ
VA Ret, Ridgecrest, NC
USA Ret, El Dorado, CA
USN Ret, San Diego, CA
AF Ret, Winthrop, MA
USN Act, Advance, NC
CAP Act, Jacksonville, FL
AF Act, APO AP
VA Act, Atherton, CA
USN Act, Pearl City, HI
VA Act, Oklahoma City, OK
USA Ret, Frederick, MD
AF Ret, Bradenton,FL
President
James T. Spivey
Contributing Members
Arvid E. Bidne
John O. Blom
Frank W. Clawson
John M. Crotty
Noel C. Dawes
Fannalou Guggisberg
Ronald E. Harrison
Jerry Holmes
James A. Leath, Jr.
Daniel E. McKay
Homer L. Ontman
Ronald K. Pace
John L. Prater
Gordon R. Prout
Phillip J. Rapp
Mark A. Robertson
Edwin W. Rogers
William S. Schuermann
James Shannon
David J. Shortt
Richard Sweatt
Jack E. Trethewey
Robert B. Webb, Jr.
William R. Wiemers
James A. Withers
Wendell T. Wright
USN Ret, North Oaks, MN
USA Ret, Troy, ID
AF Ret, Salt Lake City, UT
AF Ret, Bronx, NY
British Army Ret, Chesapeake, VA
AF Ret, Sun City West, AZ
CAP Act, Latham, NY
CAP Act, Southfield, MI
USA Ret, Matthews, NC
USN Act, Alexandria, VA
CAP Act, Independence, MO
CAP Act, Clearwater, FL
VA Act, Newton, IA
USA Ret, Colorado Springs, CO
USA Ret, Clifton, VA
USAF Act, Lompoc. CA
USN Ret, Columbia, SC
USAF Ret, Williamsburg, VA
USN Ret, Minneapolis, MN
CAP Act, Youngstown, OH
CAP Act, St. Matthews, SC
USN Ret, Milwaukee, WI
USA Ret, Chattanooga, TN
AF Ret, Fredericksburg, TX
USAF Res, Hermitage, TX
USA Ret, Lowesville, VA
Military Relations Division
LDS Church, Salt Lake City, UT
The Military Chaplain
Vice President
Michael L. McCoy, Sr.
Secretary
David P. Peterson
Treasurer
Edward T. Brogan
5
Life Member Takes New
Humanitarian Mission
Tom and Ellie Pocock depart Washington DC on 15
September for the Missionary Training Center in
Provo, UT.
They are undertaking a second
assignment as humanitarian volunteers under
auspices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints with travel and living expenses funded from
their own personal resources. Tom and Ellie worked in
Belarus [a former Soviet republic] from 2002-2004.
water wells in villages throughout Kenya and
Tanzania. Tom and Ellie will serve as Country
Directors for LDS Charities, which offers assistance
free of charge to needy individuals without regard to
race, religion, or national origin.
The Pococks expect to arrive in Nairobi on 28
September and remain in Africa 18 to 23 months.
They appreciate our prayers throughout this new
mission. tomandellie@hotmail.com.
Tom is a retired Navy chaplain. He joined the MCA in
1982 and became a Life Member in 1987. He is
Emerson Foundation Member #70. Tom served as
President of the MCA National Capital Chapter and
Trustee on the MCA National Executive Committee.
After retirement from the Navy in 1989, he founded
Pocock Financial Services, now centered in Fairfax,
VA with licenses in 22 states to serve 452 clients.
In Provo, the training covers “how to order and
distribute” containers of such items as wheelchairs,
clothing, medical equipment, food supplements, and
school supplies. Another key element is “how to
approve, contract, and pay for” the installation of
Ellie and Tom Pocock in winter gear
during their Belarus mission
We Goofed
Dear Sirs:
On page 12 of the June 2007 issue, we printed a
“down range” photo below the article by Chaplain
(Captain) Roger “Brian” Van Pelt. It wasn’t him. We
should have noticed. Rather it was a handsome
colleague also serving at Brooke Army Medical
Center, Chaplain (Major) Howard Fields. Here is a
photo of Chaplain Van Pelt. Gentlemen, thanks for
your patience and good humor.
I am in the hopes you can pass on to your men and
women that they are prayed for on a constant basis
(year round) by this family. Several organizations
we belong to also are in constant prayer for their
safety, comfort, protection, their families and open
doors. As a military brat, I can relate to the fears of
their kids and the patience they need. I try to cover
all the bases for them. Stay safe and God bless!!
The Howard Family
Carrollton, Texas
This letter came from Linda Fordyce Howard. Her
father was a CW4 in the Army. After thirty years of
service with numerous overseas tours, he retired at
Ft. Bliss, TX in 1970. Linda was born in Linz, Austria.
She attends Stonebriar Community Church, a nondenominational Bible church in Frisco, TX.
6
The Military Chaplain
Retirement Dinner Honoring
Testing out matching rockers given by the staff
Chaplain (Major General) David H.
Hicks and Mrs. Janice L. Hicks
July 11, 2007
Fort Belvoir Officers’ Club
The Hicks’ daughter Sharon Grenz with granddaughter
Mykayla, the real “star” of the show
The Military Chaplain
Initiation into “The Smooze”
Dinner Entertainment by “The Smooze Brothers”
CH (COL) Steve Moon, CH (COL) David Smartt
CH (LTC) David Giammona, MSG Leamon Duncan
Mr. Kelvin Davis, Mrs. Jody Dunning
7
Retirement Parade
Fort Myer, 12 July 2007
General George W. Casey, Jr., Army Chief of Staff, awards the Distinguished Service Medal to Chaplain Hicks
Army Chaplain Feature Photos:
CH (LTC) David M. Brown, USA
8
The Military Chaplain
Insight from an Army Wife
Many of us have enjoyed the privilege of hearing Chaplain
Hicks. Some of us have also experienced the humble
manner and perceptive comments of Janice Hicks. She
ought to write a book. Maybe she will. During all the
demands of retirement transition, Janice offered some
precious moments to reflect on her experiences as an
Army spouse throughout many years of ministry as well as
the wife of a retiring Chief Chaplain. The following gems
are summarized from that conversation.
“Be flexible.” Crucial for Army life or for that matter
military life in general. Janice has plenty of stories. What
struck me though was the fact that this particular day, the
Hicks’ were dealing with a major housing problem.
Imagine that! They went up to Biglerville, PA the previous
Friday in order to wind up the paperwork on their new
Janice Hicks receives the
house. The closing agent never appeared. They [and the
“Outstanding Civilian Service Award”
contractor] waited all day. They had to go back the
following Monday. Meanwhile, the movers were coming on Monday to pack them out of their Alexandria, VA
residence. Whew!
“Let God worry about your ministry career.” Do your job the best you know how to do – wherever and
whenever you are called to serve. Make your needs known. But be careful that your own agenda does not
become the center. We had plenty of disappointments and several assignments we didn’t expect or like along
the way. Dave and I learned to lay all of this at God’s feet. The Lord always took care of us and directed us to
be where we needed to be.
Thanks Janice! We hope that you and Chaplain Hicks
will share more from your wisdom and experiences.
The Military Chaplain
9
Generational Mentoring: Reflections from One
Mentoring Team of Chaplains
R EFLECTIONS
FROM THE P AST
Reverend Les Felker
Chaplain, Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Professional Chaplain Mentor, Denver Seminary
seminary student in a formal mentoring program
sponsored by Denver Seminary and administered by
retired AF Chaplain Jan McCormack.
I met this young man 20 years ago as an “ankle biter.” After
ROTC in college, he was commissioned in the USAF
Chaplain Candidate Program. He is committed to the
USAF Chaplaincy. It has been a joy meeting with him on a
weekly basis in this structured mentoring program.
So, Chaplain, keep your eyes and ears open so you don’t
miss an incredible opportunity to mentor a future chaplain
to carry on where you left off.
REFLECTIONS
FROM THE PRESENT
Reverend Dr. Jan McCormack, BCC
Chaplain, Lt Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Chaplaincy Training Center Director
Associate Professor of Chaplaincy & Pastoral
Counseling, Denver Seminary
Ch, Capt Les Felker during flight line
visitation at Kadena
Most military chaplain retirees will be quick to tell you that
it was a very rewarding career. Most chaplain retirees feel
that their ministry is not over. I’m reminded of the prayer
that many of us pray, though not necessarily in these words
“0 Thou Great Undertaker. Undertake in all our
undertakings, until the undertaker undertakes to take us
under.” For me, so far, that’s been 23 years. I have retired
3 times, but have become fond of retirement parties. So I
went on staff part-time with a dynamic young 7 year-old
church with just over 2,900 people showing up for worship
every weekend.
Like many military chaplain retirees, I have found many
opportunities of ministry these past 23 years. Those
connected with the Air Force are especially rewarding
because that is where my heart is. My heart beats a little
faster when a fighter takes off from Buckley AFB and kicks
in the after burner. My mind races back to Kadena AB,
Okinawa, standing on the tarmac as one of my
parishioners took off in an FIOS “Thud”, an RF 101
“Voodoo,” an SR 71 “Blackbird,” a KC 135 tanker or a B 52
bomber.
One of the most rewarding opportunities in retirement has
been mentoring. Most of us have had mentoring
opportunities through the years, formally and informally.
Currently I have the privilege of mentoring a young
10
For the majority of my chaplaincy career, mentoring
was an informal and unintentional process. In my first
assignment at Lackland AFB there were over 35 JudeoChristian male chaplains in San Antonio to learn from. I
took advantage of all their vast knowledge and experience.
As I gained experience myself, I kept soaking up all I could
learn from others, including peers. Eventually, I gave some
of that knowledge and experience back to other peers and
subordinates and the few woman chaplains that were
coming into the military. I never thought of myself as a
mentor, only a friend, trainer, supervisor, etc. I’m sure that
none of the chaplains I consider to be my mentors ever
saw themselves that way
either because “mentor”
was not an “in word,” we
didn’t differentiate very
well between our various
“dual relationship” roles
(supervisor/subordinate;
trainer/trainee;
peers/
pastor) and we weren’t
trained on how to be
mentors or mentorees.
Close to the end of my
career, the term mentor
was coming into vogue
and we were encouraged
by our Chief to “find a
mentor.” The Senior Staff
Chaplain I asked agreed
The Military Chaplain
to mentor me, but I don’t think either one of us knew what
it meant or what to do so the relationship stagnated. I think
the stigma and fear about cross-gender mentoring
contributed to the problem too. We few senior women
chaplains were better at seeking to intentionally try to
mentor junior women chaplains, but our motives were
sometimes suspect by our male colleagues so we were
not as helpful to these junior chaplains as we intended to
be.
During my last assignment, I began my DMin work at
Denver Seminary just as the paradigm of seminary
education was changing there. A Training and Mentoring
(T/M) program was being developed and I was hired on as
adjunct faculty to create and run the Chaplaincy Training
Center. The concept of the T/M program is that in a very
student-centered way, we could add to the already stellar
theological content students received and help them
individualize their competency and character education as
well.
Each student is to choose one of eight training centers
closest to their perceived calling. If a student wants to be
a chaplain of any kind, I am assigned to be their Training
Center Director (head mentor). Students are then put into
a Spiritual Formation Group with peers and a faculty
mentor that meet weekly. I assist students in finding two
mentors external to the seminary to meet with weekly. I
have my chaplaincy students choose two professional
mentors: one in the denomination they belong to and want
to be endorsed by and one who is a professional chaplain
in the type of chaplaincy they are called to.
All mentors and students are giving training in mentoring.
Students create two “Learning Contracts” (like an
individualized study course each) per semester: one in a
skill they want to learn and one in a character issue they
want to develop, deepen or change. They work these
contracts with all four mentors and their peer group. This
is an extremely labor intensive program for all concerned
but the growth for students and mentors is incredible! This
is exactly the type of help I wished I had gotten in
seminary and in the military — especially as an
evangelical woman chaplain who felt I had to make it all
up as I went along and do so alone! We have been at this
T/M educational process now for nine years and the
results speak to the value of an intentional, multi-mentor,
multi-generational process.
Here are but two success stories of this intentional
mentoring process: My first MDiv-Chaplaincy graduate,
Chaplain Carol Carr, was selected as the Part-time VA
Chaplain of the Year soon after graduation. Now she is
the Chief of a VA Chaplaincy Department!
Chaplain Candidate Warner and Chaplain Felker
during a mentoring session
Washington DC the day of 9/11 as the plane hit the
Pentagon. He was told to “make himself useful” as the
hotel he was in became the control center for the
Next-of-Kin.
Later, the Navy Chief Chaplain’s Executive Officer stated,
“That was Wayne’s interview...He was better prepared
then some chaplains we have had on active duty for 15+
years...if that is the type of chaplain Denver Seminary is
turning out, we will take every one you send us!” In an
article for his denomination and the seminary magazine,
Wayne attributed his ability to minister in that crisis (while
still only a Chaplain Candidate) to, “... the T/M process,
our required CPE course during seminary, and my
Chaplaincy Training Center Director.” All three of which
he strongly resisted as a student!
In this article you will hear about the value of mentoring
from P. J. Werner, a current chaplain candidate student on
the front-end of our T/M program. Mentoring has become
so important in our military services and Denver
Seminary’s T/M process so successful that the Army Chief
of Chaplains hired Denver Seminary as a consultant to
help them create a chaplain service mentoring program.
The Air Force Chaplain Service Chief selected me as one
of the retired “Leaving a Legacy” mentors for active duty
chaplains and the USN Chaplain Service hired me as one
of three instructors for their “Institutional Excellence”
course.
How wonderful it feels to know that I am able to “pass on
that which I have received” as a mentor to future
chaplains and to witness them doing far more than I was
able to do, perhaps in part, because of my mentoring
...continued on page 12
My first MDiv military chaplain graduate, Chaplain Wayne
Hall, USN, was being interviewed for active duty in
The Military Chaplain
11
investment in their ministry success! Just as Chaplain
Felker brought me into the USAFR as a chaplain
candidate in 1978 and invested himself in me and my
ministry, now he and I are mentoring 2d Lt P. J. Werner in
our seminary program — generation to generation.
I am convinced that mentoring is not the latest fad or buzz
word, but a necessity of professional and spiritual growth
for both mentors and mentorees; both persons are
changed for the better in this highly personal and intensive
intentional relationship. As a Christian chaplain, I can’t
help but think that was what Jesus intentionally did with the
disciples for their sake and the future of the church. I
encourage all MCA chaplains-active, reserve, guard,
retirees and chaplain candidates to find and nurture an
intentional multi-mentor relationship as both mentor and
metoree. The commitment is great but the rewards are
evident here and now, as well as in the Kingdom to come!
R EFLECTIONS
TOWARD THE F UTURE
2d Lieutenant P. J. Warner, USAFR
MDiv-Chaplaincy student, Denver Seminary
The closer I get to active duty, the more confident I am that
being a Chaplain is exactly what God has planned for me.
When I received the Eagle rank in Boy Scouts I didn’t
know it would get me the Air Force Scholarship. When I
started my Religious Studies major I didn’t know that
learning about all the major religions would be a part of my
future job description. When I started ROTC, I didn’t know
what I would do in the service. Now I see how all of this
worked perfectly towards becoming a chaplain. I count
myself fortunate to have this hindsight. However, that
doesn’t mean that I am always completely resolute and
confident in my abilities. For any of you who never have a
moment’s doubt, both of you are very lucky!
In order to fulfill my Training and Mentoring requirements
for my MDiv degree at Denver Seminary, I had to find two
professional mentors external to the seminary who were
willing to meet with me weekly and pour themselves into
my life throughout my entire seminary education. I am
blessed to have the support of both my high school youth
leader and Chaplain Les Felker as my professional
mentors, one who knew my past and one who knew my
future ministry calling, respectively. Despite their busy
schedules, they still find time to meet with me each week
Chaplain McCormack, 2d Lt Warner, Chaplain Felker
in front of the Denver Seminary Education Building
and actively work towards encouraging and challenging
me in specific ways each semester. They also effectively
serve as my unofficial pastoral counselors.
As a new student at Denver seminary, I was overwhelmed
by the workload and the superior intelligence of my
professors and classmates. As if that stress was not bad
enough, this year my parents got divorced. I have friends
at other seminaries who have complained to me about a
lack of mentors and support. They have senior pastors
who occasionally talk to them, but nothing official,
intentional or regular. Because of our T/M program, I am
blessed that these two incredible men, in addition to my
Chaplaincy Training Center Director and my Faculty
Spiritual Formation Group Leader, are all committed to
mentor me through these trying transitions in my life.
Each time we meet together in our mentoring relationship,
this comes to mind. In 2nd Timothy, Paul encourages
Timothy to be a good soldier of Christ and to pass on what
he has learned. Considering the recent negative publicity
of some religious leaders in the news, I can attest to the
importance of having mentors in my life that will do for me
what Paul asked of Timothy. My mentors model for me
what Paul urged Timothy to do. So I urge all of you MCA
chaplains out there—take someone under your wing as a
mentee to guide and also allow yourself to be guided by
your mentee too. That is the easiest way to make use of
the wisdom and experience of your past and present and
to help create credible chaplains for the future.
Glorifying God
Honoring Airmen
Serving All
12
The Military Chaplain
RETIRING BEFORE
VICTORY IS WON
Chaplain, Lt Colonel Robert C. Stroud, USAF (Ret)
Caught up in the President’s call for volunteers, Chauncey
Stroud enlisted in 1861 to fight to preserve his nation.
Following three bloody years of war, oath kept, his
obligation was completed. He was free to honorably return
home and allow others to complete what he had begun.
But, like most of his comrades, Chauncey chose to reenlist
for the duration. Despite the continuing risk to his own life,
he longed to see the war through to its ultimate conclusion
— through to victory. Due to his sacrifices, combined with
those of hundreds of thousands of other soldiers, troopers,
sailors and Marines, the Union was preserved.
Nearly a century and a half later, I am approaching the end
of my own military service, and rather than “reenlisting” to
remain in the ranks for the duration, I am laying aside my
figurative sword, and retiring to make room for others to
carry on the noble fight. Yet, even as I do, I reflect on the
unrelenting path followed by my great-grandfather, and I
experience pangs of regret. It is not a comfortable thing —
nor should it be — to retire before one’s mission is
completed … before the war has been won.
Like many others, I have arrived at the end of my active
military career while our nation remains at war with the
vilest enemy it has ever faced. Unlike rational, conventional
foes, these terrorists do not seek geographic concessions.
They are not after economic advantages. They wage war
not to advance a political agenda. In fact, at the most
fundamental level they desire nothing more than the utter
destruction of Democracy and — ultimately — the
imposition of their particular religious laws, upon all the
world. Thus, despite the inability of many to recognize the
profound truth, this conflict is accurately described as
nothing less than a clash of civilizations. What hangs in the
balance is future existence of the fundamental principles
upon which this nation was founded.
It is precisely because this war is of such great magnitude
that retiring while it still rages is so unsettling. This is no
mere regional power struggle in which limited stakes are at
risk or where superpowers contend with one another
through surrogates. This is a struggle of epic proportions,
with the end results as yet undetermined. Aside from the
global aspect of the second world war, I believe only the
war between the states possessed a similar significance for
America. All arguments about its causes laid aside, the
simple fact remains that had the Confederacy prevailed, the
United States would have been torn asunder and the world
as we know it today would simply not exist.
The Military Chaplain
Athletes do not “quit” their team
in the midst of a key game. Nor
would warriors desert their
comrades in the middle of a
battle. Still, at the close of a
twenty-four year military career,
few if any would argue it is wrong
to retire. Yet if that is so … why
does it feel wrong?
I suspect that the emotional
reservations we who retire during
these troubled days experience,
come from yearning to see this
bloody thing through to its end. Through to victory. And
that, I believe, is a natural sentiment for all who truly believe
in the cause for which they are fighting. There is something
so crucial at stake that we are uncompromisingly committed
to the goal. Like the Union soldiers who elected not to
return to their families and farms, but chose instead to
continue placing their lives in danger’s way — we too desire
to remain in the fight until it is won.
And, of course, even when we retire from active service,
there are ways in which we still can.
Although we may no longer wear our uniform, there are
countless avenues through which we can aid those who
continue to guard our shores. It is inspiring to see so many
support efforts rising up to assist and encourage our
defenders and their families. It may seem trite to those who
have never been part of the military community, but I
believe there is truth to the notion that “we” retirees remain
forever a genuine part of the military family. Thus, in the
months ahead, I can continue to help chaplains still in
active status as they care for our soldiers, sailors, airmen
and Marines. And assist them I will. In concrete ways, and
in that much more powerful way, through prayer.
The prospect of never again deploying seems alien. The
idea of resting safe beside my fireplace while others make
painful sacrifices and take grave risks leaves me feeling
guilty. But, God-willing, in the months ahead I will come to
peace with the fact that my retirement occurred during the
conduct of this vital war. And, I will have the confidence that
if Chauncey were here today, after my own service, he
would not begrudge me the privilege of joining him in the
ranks of retired veterans.
Robert Stroud recently retired from his position as wing
chaplain at Edwards AFB, CA to leave the arid beauty of the
Mojave for the lush forests of Puget Sound. He is a fourth
generation veteran. His grandfather served in the Army
during the First World War, and his father retired as a
sergeant major in the Marine Corps, having served in both
Korea and Viet Nam.
13
Chaplains Distribute Strength for Service Books
Daily Devotional Offers Comfort and Hope
“Strength for Service speaks right to the heart of a
warrior and hits on the topics that are at the forefront of
our thoughts. The size is ideal for carrying in a cargo
pocket or in the pouch of a pack. The recruits seem to
enjoy reading it and are blessed by the stories and
prayers,” says Chaplain Lieutenant Jason Rochester.
Rochester is one of many United States military
chaplains who request hundreds, even thousands, of the
daily devotional Strength for Service to God and Country
each week. The books are provided free of charge to
chaplains and military personnel thanks to the
generosity of people across the nation who financially
support the project.
Strength for Service was first written for World War II
troops and went out of print after the Korean conflict. A
young Eagle Scout pursued getting the book
republished and in 2001 he successfully accomplished
his goal. Since 2001, almost 300,000 books have been
distributed both stateside and abroad.
Marines in a “Strength for Service” devotional group
“There are a variety of resources that I hand out to the
recruits, but I think [Strength for Service] is the best and
most relevant,” says Rochester, who is based at the
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
(Required by 39 USC ( 3685)
1. Publication Title: The Military Chaplain
2. Publication Number: 0026-3958
3. Filing Date: 1 September 2007
4. Issue Frequency: Bi-monthly
5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 4
6. Annual Subscription Price: $24.00
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Military Chaplains Association of the USA, P.O. Box 7056, Arlington, VA 22207-7056
8. Complete Mailing address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher:
Military Chaplains Association of the USA, 5541 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207
9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor:
Military Chaplains Association of the USA, P.O. Box 7056, Arlington, VA 22207-7056
Editor Name and complete mailing address: Gary R. Pollitt, P.O. Box 7056, Arlington, VA 22207-7056
10. Owner Full Name: Military Chaplains Association of the USA
Complete Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7056, Arlington, VA 22207-7056
Extent and Nature of Circulation
Total No. Copies(net press run)
Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions
Sales Through Dealers/Carriers/Vendors
Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation
Free distribution by mail
Free Distribution outside the mail
Total free distribution
Total Distribution
Copies not distributed
Total
Percent paid and/or requested circulation
Signature and Title Gary R. Pollitt, Editor
14
Average No. Copies
Each Issue During
Preceding 12 Months
2300
1890
N/A
1890
0
385
385
2275
25
2300
82
Date
Number of Copies of
Single Issue Published
Nearest to Filing Date
2300
1890
N/A
1890
0
385
385
2275
25
2300
82
1 September 2007
The Military Chaplain
THE MILITARY
CHAPLAIN
Marine Corps Training center in Paris
Island, South Carolina.
ISSN-0026-3958
The non-denominational daily devotions
are written specifically for those serving
others, like military personnel. Pastors,
college personnel, missionaries and
others involved in churches, ministries,
etc. contributed to the book. Since the
military is made-up of people from many
different faith backgrounds, the variety is
important.
Volume Eighty, Number Three
September 2007
THE MILITARY CHAPLAIN (ISSN 0026-3958) is
published quarterly with one additional special
issue by The Military Chaplains Association, 5541
Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, 22207-1613. Articles
in this publication express the point of view of the
authors only and are not necessarily those of the
Association,
the
Military
Services,
the
Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Civil Air
Patrol.
“So many of the other resources are
great, but don’t address the issues that
we face here,” Chaplain Colonel Curtis
Wells adds, “Military personnel are not
always able to attend religious services
for various reasons, which makes
religious literature like this critical to help
sustain their faith.”
Similarly, the advertisements do not
reflect an endorsement by the Association
unless so indicated. This publication is mailed to
all members of the Association.
Membership
dues are $50.00 per year, $24.00 allocated for the
magazine. Subscriptions to all non-members is
Domestic $24.00 per calendar year, Foreign
$36.00. Phone/fax is (703) 533-5890. Periodicals
Postage Paid at Arlington, VA and at additional
mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes
to
EDITOR,
THE
MILITARY
CHAPLAIN, P.O. Box 7056, Arlington, VA 222077056. If this publication is addressed to a member
Navy Chaplain David Glassmire says he
cannot keep the books in stock. He
reports that Marines read the books and
also give them to their Iraqi counter-parts
“to share from their hearts about what
faith in God meant for them.”
of the U.S. Military service whose address has
been changed by official orders, it is to be
forwarded, except to overseas APO's without
payment of additional postage. Send form 3579 to
EDITOR, THE MILITARY CHAPLAIN, P.O. Box
7056, Arlington, VA 22207-7056. Copyright 2007 by
The Military Chaplains Association of the USA.
Copyright is not claimed for editorial material in
While many chaplains distribute the
books for individual meditations, some
use it for group devotional times. Marine
Major Tom Conner, stationed in Fallujah,
uses the book for a daily devotional
period with 15 other Marines.
the
public
domain.
Reproduction
without
permission is prohibited.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PUBLICATION EDITOR
Gary R. Pollitt
Major Tom Conner, USMC is an avid
promoter of the “Strength for Service”
devotional resource
The book’s impact is immeasurable. As
Captain Vincent Dominique, chaplain at
Walter Reed Army Medical Center in
Washington, D.C., reflects, “When I place a copy of Strength for Service to God and
Country in the hands of wounded soldiers, they are elated beyond measure. They
see the book as a tangible manifestation of God’s help and protection. They get so
much out of the daily devotionals that it is unbelievable.”
If you or someone you know would be interested in receiving copies of Strength for
Service, please email Larry Coppock at lcoppock@gcumm.org or call him at 615620-7261. For information about the book and to learn how churches can support
this effort, please visit www.strengthforservice.org.
Submitted by:
Jessica Turner
Lovell Communications Inc.
Nashville, TN
ASSOCIATE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
George E. Dobes
NATIONAL OFFICE
P.O. Box 7056
Arlington, VA 22207-7056
Phone: 703-533-5890
chaplains@mca-usa.org or
www.mca-usa.org
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