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 Two ★ June 2007
In Memoriam
Joseph Russell Andrews, USA (Ret)
22 January 2007, Lake Junalaska, NC
Member 1942 - Life Member 1969
Thomas David Parham, Jr., USN (Ret)
16 April 2007, Norfolk, VA
Member 1965 - Life Member 1969
Samuel Sobel, USN & VA (Ret)
5 April 2007, Virginia Beach, VA
Member 1945 - Life Member 1969
Me morial Donat ion s
In Memory of
Howard Easley
CH (LTC), USA (Ret)
By MG Carl H. McNair, Jr., USA (Ret)
★
In Memory of
Thomas David Parham, Jr.
CAPT, CHC, USN (Ret)
Grover McCants
Rochester Hills, MI
James E. C. Norris, M.D.
New York, NY
Alex Wainer
West Palm Beach, FL
★
In Memory of
Zelma F. Pollitt
By Captain Rex B. Pollitt
U. S. Merchant Marine
Front Cover. Joint conference book cover design
by Marla Wirt, VA National Chaplain Center staff.
Conference Photos. Thanks to John Batten, Will
Kinnaird, John Murdoch, and Jim Spivey for making
their photos available.
Membership Information as of 1 June 2007.
New Lif e Me mbers
Ulis D. Hekel, USN Ret / VA Act, Madison, WI
Douglas E. Lee, USA Act, Alexandria, VA
New Members
Peter L. Agdamag, Jr., USA Res, Temple Terrace, FL
John W. Bailey, USAF NG Act / VA Act, Memphis, TN
Norman B. Barnette, Jr., CAP Act, Calhan, CO
Alex R. Bauer, USA CCPO, Denville, NJ
George W. Bearden, USA Ret, Garden Ridge, TX
Stephen J. Brandow, VA Act, Tioga, LA
Robert O. Brooke, Jr., USA Ret, Moore, OK
Jimmy M. Browning, USAF Act, Aviano Italy
Paul D. Campbell, CAP Act, Hillsboro, OH
Joseph C. Cappar, USN Ret, Jacksonville, NC
Robert W. Collins, USA Ret, Harker Heights, TX
Donald F. Davidson, USA NG, Topeka, KS
Merle R. Dech, USA Ret, Summerfield, FL
Bogdan Djurdjulov, CAP Act, McKinney, TX
Nathan L. German, USA CCPO, Brooks, KY
Donald E. Hamilton, VA Act, Bear, DE
Joseph Hilton III, VA Act, North Royalton, OH
George S. Kelly, CAP Act, Cedar Park, TX
Kathryn Knapp, USA Res, Rochester, NY
Joseph A. Moldon, CAP Act, Miami, FL
Hugh H. Morgan, USAF Ret, Winder, GA
David C. Myers, CAP Act, Bemidji, MN
Theodore C. Nicholson, USAF Res, Fort Worth, TX
Barry L. Phillips USA Ret / VA Act, Prince George, VA
Thaddeus J. Posey, USA Res, Victoria, KS
Charles M. Purinton, Jr., USANG Act, Richmond, VT
Lee M. Thompson, VA Act, Castle Rock, CO
Anthony J. Vilardo, CAP Act, Prescott, AZ
N ew A ss o cia t e Memb ers
Lt Col Mary O. Ouzts, CAP Act, Duncan, AZ
LCPL Patrick Peralta, USMC Act, Silver Spring, MD
S peci al Co nt r i bu ti o ns
Life Member Appeal
Raymond A. Acker, USA Ret, Lancaster, PA
Robert G. Balnicky, CAP Active, St. Petersburg, FL
Darold Bigger, USN Ret, Walla Walla, WA
Reuben M. Katz, CAP Ret, Freeport, NY
David B. Kennedy, USA Ret, Grand Rapids, MI
Maurice F. Knott, USA Ret, Irvine, CA
National Institute Support
Friday Breakfast for Active Duty Chaplains
Richard and Marjorie Baker, Brenham, TX
Brian Bohlman, USAF Res, Columbia, SC
FROM OUR NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Last month we conducted our 82nd Annual Meeting and National Institute in
conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs National Chaplain
Leadership Convocation. Our mutual theme was “Care for Returning Warriors
and Wounded Healers.” Our pooling of resources and energies resulted in a
superb conference. Thanks to all of you who participated, whether through the
MCA or the Department of Veterans Affairs. We look forward to further
collaboration with Veterans Affairs chaplains.
This issue of the magazine highlights the meeting in San Antonio with
photographs and excerpts from presentations that were available at press
time. As more material becomes available later this summer, we will post it on
our website. In addition to reporting on the Institute, this magazine contains
other articles related to the military chaplains’ core competency of “caring for
the wounded.”
National
Officers
President
James T. Spivey
I encourage you to visit www.mca-usa.org. There you will see a newly
renovated website that forms the basis for our virtual “National Office and
Library.” We will soon add more features and “furnishings.” We welcome your
suggestions and contributions.
On behalf of our Association, I want to thank George Kelly, Edward Kelley, and
Jack Klugh, who have completed their terms of service on our National
Executive Committee. George, Ed, and Jack, we are grateful for your
voluntary labors to advance the mission of the MCA. We also welcome
Chaplains Kenneth Colton [Air Force retired], Philip Hill [Army active], and Paul
Swerdlow [Army retired / VA active] to new terms as national leaders. We look
forward to benefiting from your talent and vision as we press forward in support
of chaplains.
At a recent meeting of MCA national leaders, our Executive Director reviewed
what we have undertaken to accomplish during the next eighteen months. Let
me highlight two of these “numerous enterprises”. First, as we explore
possible sites for next year’s meeting, we are planning to structure the National
Institute to complement this year’s theme. We are developing a one-day
workshop on assisting our combat wounded - whether they are wounded
physically, socially, psychologically, or spiritually. We intend to reach beyond
the normal constituency of our Institute by inviting others to this training who
have a stake in this task - particularly first responders and local religious and
community leaders. Many worthy and effective initiatives are underway to
support returning war veterans, we believe the need for education-advocacyministry is a vital one that MCA is uniquely positioned to meet for many years
to come.
Vice President
Michael L. McCoy, Sr.
Secretary
David P. Peterson
Second, our turn to host the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery is
Veterans Day 2008. This opportunity comes every 25 years as a result of our
participation as a full member of the Veterans Day National Committee. This
will be a huge undertaking for the MCA but also a wonderful opportunity to
showcase the ministry of chaplains. I hope you will make plans to be involved
in supporting this effort.
Our membership is a marvelous tapestry of ministerial capabilities and interest.
What makes the MCA unique? Your enduring dedication to the religious
freedom and the spiritual welfare of America’s military families at all stages of
life and career. Thank you for serving and for being “Chaplains for Life.”
The Military Chaplain
Treasurer
Edward T. Brogan
3
MILITARY CHAPLAINS
ASSOCIATION
2007 NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP
AWARD
Presented to
The Honorable R. James Nicholson
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
The Military Chaplains Association, chartered by the
Congress of the United States of America, annually
recognizes an eminent American whose life and work
exemplify leadership in public service, courage in
moral conviction, and loyalty and personal faith while
serving God and Country. R. James Nicholson is
such an American.
In recognition of his outstanding concern for the
citizens who defend our Nation and their well-being
at every stage of life and career, his tireless service
as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and his ardent
support for religious freedom witnessed by his high
regard for the ministries of chaplains as well as his
own personal faith, the Military Chaplains
Association is honored to commend R. James
Nicholson with the 2007 National Citizenship Award.
Given this 17th day of May, Two Thousand and Seven
San Antonio, Texas
Jim Nicholson was nominated
by President George W. Bush
to serve as Secretary of
Veterans Affairs, December 9,
2004, and was unanimously
confirmed by the Senate on
January 26, 2005. He was
sworn into office on February
1, 2005.
Mr. Nicholson is the principal
advocate for veterans in the
U.S. government and directs the nation’s second largest
Cabinet Department, responsible for a nationwide system
of health care services, benefits programs, and national
cemeteries for America’s veterans and dependents. VA
employs more than 235,000 people at hundreds of
medical centers, clinics, nursing homes, benefits offices,
and national cemeteries throughout the country. VA’s
budget for fiscal year 2007 is $77.3 billion.
4
Mr. Nicholson was born in 1938, and grew up on a
tenant farm in northwest Iowa, in a family of seven
children. He is a 1961 graduate of the United
States Military Academy at West Point, NY. Mr.
Nicholson served eight years on active duty as a
paratrooper and Ranger-qualified Army officer,
then 22 years in the Army Reserve, retiring with the
rank of colonel. While serving in Vietnam, he
earned the Bronze Star Medal, Combat
Infantryman Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal,
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and two Air
Medals. He comes from a family of veterans. His
father was a veteran of WWII and his father-in-law
was a veteran of WWII and Korea. His son is a
veteran; his brother is a veteran; and he has four
nephews on active duty in the Army and Air Force.
Prior to his nomination as VA Secretary, Mr.
Nicholson served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy
See, a position he assumed in 2001. He became
a well-known advocate in Rome for the elevation of
human dignity, giving special emphasis to human
trafficking, religious freedom, starvation and biotech food, HIV-AIDS, and international terrorism.
He was knighted by Pope John Paul II in October
2003 for work on these issues while representing
the United States to the Vatican.
In May 2005, the U.S. Military Academy awarded
Mr. Nicholson its 2005 Distinguished Graduate
Award in ceremonies held at West Point, N.Y. Mr.
Nicholson is married to the former Suzanne Marie
Ferrell of Highland Falls, N.Y., who is an
accomplished artist. They are the parents of three
adult children.
Joint Awards Banquet
The Military Chaplains Association and the
Veterans Affairs Chaplains held an Awards Banquet
on 17 May during our conference in San Antonio.
We began with the 2007 MCA Distinguished
Service Awards.
The Honorable R. James
Nicholson presented the 2007 Secretary’s Awards.
And then we honored him with the 2007 MCA
National Citizenship Award. In acceptance remarks,
Secretary Nicholson described his personal
experience of the power of prayer during youthful
days in Iowa. He appealed for us to continue
diligently in our work together for improving
Veterans’ care. Secretary Nicholson gave a stirring
affirmation for the value of chaplains in the Armed
Services and Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Military Chaplain
2007 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS
The MCA Distinguished Service Award was initiated in 1991. Since then, the Chief Chaplains of our five
constituent services annually forward nominees. These chaplains are recognized within the MCA’s Joint
and inter-agency forum for their “excellence in the practice of chaplaincy and professionalism in ministry.”
Left side of photo
Award winners with Secretary Nicholson:
Chaplain (Captain) Roger B. Van Pelt, USA
Department of Ministry & Pastoral Care
Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX
Chaplain (Colonel) Paul Swerdlow, USA (Ret)
Lead Chaplain, Northport VA Medical Center
Chaplain (Major) Raymond A. Robinson, Jr., USA
U. S. Army Installation Management Command
Headquarters, U. S. Army Garrison Humphreys
Chaplain, Lt. Colonel Jimmy L. Browning, USAF
Commander 9th RW, Beale AFB, CA
Secretary’s Awards
Secretary Nicholson presented awards for
excellence in ministry to four chaplains who
serving within the Veterans Affairs Department.
Congratulations!
Supervisory Chaplain:
W. Douglas Ensminger, Houston VAMC
Full-time Staff Chaplain:
Dick D. Millspaugh, San Diego VAMC
Part-time Staff Chaplain:
Tonia J. Hatchett, Dallas VAMC
Contract Chaplain:
Nancy I. McCoy, East Orange/Lyons VAMC
The Military Chaplain
Right side of photo
Chaplain, Colonel Charles M. Bolin, USAF
Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command
Chaplain (Lt. Colonel) Richard J. Stiliha, CAP
Southeast Region Wing, Unit 001
Lieutenant Shane R. Dillman, CHC, USN
Religious Ministries Department
USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70)
Lieutenant John G. Anderson, CHC, USN
Third Battalion, Second Marine Regiment
Second Marine Division
(Not pictured. Enroute to a new assignment.)
Master of Ceremonies
Ron Phelps
introduces
John Fosdick to sing
our National Anthem.
Barely one measure
into Mr. Fosdick’s
powerful baritone
rendition, the entire
room of over 200
people joined him.
5
2 0 0 7 D AVID E . W HITE
L EADERSHIP A WARD
Captain Stanley J. Beach
Chaplain Corps, U. S. Navy (Ret)
The
Military
Officers
Association of America
(MOAA) and the Military
Chaplains
Association
(MCA) are delighted to
announce that Chaplain
Stanley J. Beach was
chosen as the third
recipient of the annual
David E. White Leadership
Award.
Background of the Award
The award was created and first conferred on Rear
Admiral David E. White, CHC, USN (Ret) in April 2005
upon his completion of service as Executive Director
for the Military Chaplain’s Association of the USA.
During nine years in that role, Chaplain White
faithfully represented MCA with The Military
Coalition. MOAA is a Coalition partner and major
participant.
While conferring the first award, the MOAA
President, Vice Admiral Norbert Ryan, Jr., USN (Ret),
conveyed his deep appreciation for Chaplain White’s
distinguished service while on active duty and
afterwards. Annual nominees for the award from
among senior leaders of military chaplaincies are
considered in terms of the following values as a
chaplain who:
- Sees the calling as a “Chaplain for Life.”
Chaplain Beach resides in Leesburg, FL with his wife
Ellen. Stan is a retired Navy chaplain. He currently
serves as an Associate Director for the Presbyterian
and Reformed Joint Commission on Chaplains;
Chaplain for the Lake Area Chapter of the Military
Officer’s Association; and Chaplain to the Third
Battalion, Fourth Marines Association.
Chaplain Beach served in a reserve status from 19531960 and then on active duty from 1960-1987. Stan
sustained serious leg and stomach injuries while
aiding Marine casualties on 28 September 1966
during “Operation Prairie” in Viet Nam. His
decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze
Star with “V”, and the Purple Heart.
- Is committed to serving the spiritual welfare and
religious free exercise of all our Troops and their
family members.
- Provides mature and pro-active leadership on a wide
variety of platforms within or on behalf of the
military institution.
- Energetically cultivates professionalism as both
clergy-person and military officer.
- Exhibits the Military Officer Association of
America’s objectives of care for the welfare of
military personnel at all stages of life and career.
Stan’s award was presented by Colonel Michael
Jordan, USAF (Ret), Director of Contract Services
and Marketing for MOAA during the Emerson
Foundation Luncheon in San Antonio on 16 May 2007.
Colonel Jordan and Chaplain Beach
6
The Military Chaplain
The Military Chaplain
7
THE EMERSON FOUNDATION
The Trustees of the Military Chaplains Association established the
Emerson Foundation in 1991. They sought to provide a means
whereby members and friends could contribute to funds held in trust
for long-term resource development. Membership may be granted to
those who contribute or are honored by a contribution of $1,000 or
more. New members each year are recognized officially at our
National Institute.
The Foundation was named for Chaplain William Emerson. Emerson
was pastor of First Parish at Concord, Massachusetts. Using his
pulpit to declare the injustices of British rule at the time, he was
selected chaplain to the Provincial Congress when it met at Concord
in 1774. On the morning of 19 April 1775, word came that British
regulars were moving from Lexington Green toward Concord.
Emerson grabbed his musket and appeared on the Common. The
militia moved to approach the British at the Concord Bridge.
Tradition holds that Emerson exhorted them, “Let us stand our
ground; if we die, let us die here.”
The Continental Congress took action to establish the chaplaincy a
few months later on 29 July 1775. William Emerson left First Parish to
become an Army chaplain on 16 April 1776. He is often honored as
the first chaplain in the Revolution.
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Alva R. Appel
E. James Kingsley
Herbert B. Cleveland
James B. Martin
Edward A. Synan
Wilma J. Appel
J. Harold Ellens
Rita DeSanto Pollard
M. Douglas Blair
Howard A. Andrews
Frank H. Noll
William S. Koschny
Rudolf Devik
Ralph L. Smith
G. William Dando
Edward G. Wulfekuehler, Jr.
William H. Sanford
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Ernest B. Newsom
Cecil J. Knight
Mark R. Thompson
Jean W. Thompson
Harry Rhodes Miller
S. David Chambers
Robert H. Pepple
Edward B. Mulligan
John R. Knight
Betty Chambers
James P. Lauer
James E. Shaw
Richard C. Baker
H. Scudder Edwards
William E. Stone
James V. Coleman
JoAnn Knight
The Military Chaplain
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Frank R. Griepp
Diane M. Dando
Robert A. Sinclair
John R. McLaughlin
John L. Daniel
Edward J. Kelley
Walter K. Sauer
John V. Wheeler
David E. White
Paul H. Easley
Louis H. Bier
Samuel Azo F. Wagner
Lowell A. Ronne
Robert M. Schwyhart
Walton G. Sugg, Jr.
George B. Vogel
Dick J. Oostenink, Jr.
William J. McConnell
William E. Thompson, Jr.
Judy B. Lauer
Robert F. Griffin
William J. Menster
E. H. Jim Ammerman
Roderic L. Smith
John W. Simpson
Philip L. Green, Sr.
John L. Hall
Wayne W. Hoffmann
David E. Spradling
John B. White
H. Lawrence Martin
Marlin D. Seiders
Mark A. Jumper
Harold S. Johnson
John H. Craven
Thomas R. Pocock
Thomas A. Summey, Jr.
William W. Campbell
Arthur B. Ingalls
Wanda L. Weidman
Carolyn T. Martin
Allen Brown, Jr.
Betty F. Thompson
The Military Chaplain
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Edward A. Sterling, III
J. Sydney Carnes
Marjorie A. Wilke-Baker
James V. Harvester
Mary F. White
Richard M. Black
Mitchell S. Ackerson
Arvid E. Bidne
Constance Cleveland
Eugene S. Peterson
Dorothy P. Ferguson
Leonard F. Stegman
Karen H. Stocks
Alvin B. Koeneman
Dorothy Ault Stone
Stan J. Beach
Virgil W. Daley
Jefferson E. Davis, Jr.
Robert E. Schlortt
Francis E. Jeffery
Darold F. Bigger
Donald W. Beers
Kenneth R. Colton
R. Eugene Price
Goldwin I. Pollard
Joseph L. Coffey
Henry P. Nichols
Carl A. Nissen, Jr.
Harold T. Elmore
Donald E. den Dulk
Richard E. Robinson
Harry W. Webster
Charles J. Lercara
Nancy H. Lercara
Grover G. DeVault
Zelma F. Pollitt
Rex B. Pollitt
George F. Kelly
Eric S. Renne, Sr.
Gary R. Pollitt
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Karen Stocks offers the meal blessing.
Wayne Hoffman recalls Emerson Foundation origins.
Bill Sanford gives tribute to Al Appel, Emerson #1.
Arvid Bidne presents Emerson #116 to Ric Renne.
Jim Spivey presents Lamar & Shirley Hunt with a charter
for the new "Kingdom of the Sun" MCA Chapter in Ocala
and Marion County, Florida.
6. RADM Connelly reviews First Amendment history.
7. Herb Cleveland prepares for the Benediction.
8. Emersons L to R. Gary Pollitt, Bill Sanford, Arvid Bidne,
Marjorie Wilke-Baker, George Vogel, Richard Baker,
Constance Cleveland, John White, Syd Carnes, Karen
Stocks, Ken Colton, Ric Renne, Herb Cleveland.
Delayed enroute: Stan Beach, Wayne Hoffmann.
The Military Chaplain
“CARE
FOR RETURNING WARRIORS AND WOUNDED HEALERS”
MINISTRY INSIGHTS ON THE MCA/VA CONFERENCE THEME
Ch, Lt Col Jimmy M. Browning, USAF
“Don’t Forget Your Battle-Rattle”
When I deployed to Baghdad, one phrase I quickly
learned was my need to wear my “battle-rattle.” Given
the risks associated with being in Baghdad, Iraq, this
individual protective equipment of a helmet and
protective vest with embedded ceramic plates were
important additions to my uniform. Given an attack,
this individual protective equipment
might make the difference between
surviving a rocket, mortar or an
Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
or not.
This mindset of survival preparation
applies not just to a war-torn country
but to everyday life. It is not if
explosions will happen in life but
when. Life is filled with traumatic
events that can have a long term
impact. Some life changing events,
like Improvised Vehicle Explosive
Devices, can be so forceful it
completely overwhelms any of our
protective measures. That being
said, however, we can take some
measures
to
increase
our
survivability.
Caring for our wounded warriors is
not just about recovery. A critical part of caring for our
wounded warriors and healers is what happens long
before the explosion. Thorough preparation and
fitness is vital! The more fit I am before the injury may
very well determine my survival and how quickly I
recovery. Additionally, wounding is more than
physical. One can become significantly wounded
emotionally, relationally, intellectually, professionally
or spiritually. With some preparation we can help
mitigate our wounds created by life’s explosions like
serious illness, injury, tragedy, difficult circumstances,
etc. Thus, caring for our wounded warriors must
include preparation in all areas of our lives. As
chaplains, we must prepare ourselves as well as help
those in the fight to become spiritually fit.
In my association with chaplaincy for over 30 years, I
have seen up close what human tragedy can do to us
in these areas of fitness. In my 18 years as an active
duty chaplain in the Air Force, I have sought to help
many wounded warriors. I have even had to deal with
my own wounds.
In Baghdad, I’ve held a piece of shrapnel left over
from an explosion. It is heavy, jagged and has sharp
edges. Shrapnel can create very
ugly wounds. I’ve seen what it does
to the human body. I’ve seen too
many of those wounds. For the
living, those explosions leave all
kind of scars. I have my own
emotional scars of being around so
many dead.
I traversed the
smoldering ground, now turned
sacred for four souls, created when
a KC-135A tanker crashed near
Loring Air Force Base, Maine.
I’ve walked in the Port Mortuary at
Dover Air Force Base, Delaware
where an incredible team returned
the dignity of so many of our fallen
warriors.
We returned to the
families the men and women from
the USS Cole, the Pentagon of 9/11,
Afghanistan and now Iraq. In the
belly of cargo planes at Baghdad
International Air Port, I have prayed over too many
warriors returning home in an aluminum transfer case.
Those scars are now permanently etched in my soul.
Memorial Day has a very different meaning for me.
And yet, my scars do not even compare to others who
have stood directly in the line of fire and have lost
buddies up close. Some call it “post traumatic stress
disorder”. It is a wound of the heart and soul!
In light of this, as care-givers we must prepare
ourselves to be physically, emotionally, relationally,
intellectually, professionally and spiritually fit. How
can we help others with their wounds if we are as
wounded as they?
...continued on page 12
The Military Chaplain
11
Obviously, we should strive
to be fit in each of these
areas. I exercise. I seek to
be emotionally healthy and
balanced. I work to keep my
marriage of 31 years fresh
and vibrant. I try not to leave
affirmation and appreciation
left unsaid. I am a life-long
student who seeks to learn
something new every day. I take advantage of every
professional opportunity. And, I desire continued
spiritual growth relationship with my God. Some days
I do better than others.
Having counseled hundreds of individuals and
couples over the years, I have recognized these six
areas of fitness are interdependent. We can typically
manage one unfit area fairly easily. Let additional
areas become unfit, then the impact in the remaining
areas grow exponentially. The more unfit we are in
these six areas, then the harder time we will have to
recover from life’s explosions!
As chaplains, we must help today’s warriors and their
families to prepare their battle-rattle long in advance
of combat. We can help them survive the wounds of
long deployments and tragic events by helping them
to armor up emotionally, relationally and spiritually.
Then, when life does explode, they are more likely to
survive and recover!
It is not easy to be fit. It is building disciplines in our
lives that nurtures fitness in each of these areas. As
a culture, we are so over-indulging and so use to
taking the easy way that we have gotten flabby and
soft. Challenge, hardship, trials, discomfort and
struggle do have their place in building fitness.
Additionally, it is as much as a state of being as it is
doing. Life won’t always be easy. Ultimately, no one
is self-sufficient. I need others and I need my God. I
need to be mentored by survivors. I can learn how
others recovered. In doing so, I have placed another
piece to my “battle-rattle.”
Life will have explosions. It is not if but when. The
real question is have I prepared myself to the best of
my abilities for that moment? Or, have I forgotten my
battle-rattle?
Chaplain Browning is enroute for duty as the Wing
Chaplain in Aviano, Italy. He is a native of Texas and
endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention.
12
CH (CPT) Roger B. Van Pelt, USA
“Ministry Privilege and Value”
People often comment to me that I must have a very
difficult job ministering to men who have been
seriously wounded and now face a long and difficult
recovery. I can understand how they might think that.
The arms, legs, hands, and feet of the amputees for
whom I care will never grow back. Our burn patients
will never look the same and will require many skin
grafts. Many of our patients need multiple surgeries
and hundreds of hours of physical rehabilitation.
Several of them have multiple issues and may have
very formidable challenges just to become functional
or semi-independent.
The fact is that I thoroughly enjoy my ministry at
Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). I have the
privilege of meeting and ministering to the finest
members of America’s military services and see
firsthand how the overcoming spirit of our wounded
warriors helps them to persevere during their
recovery. They amaze everyone around them with
their determination and courage to live life in hope
and expectation, working hard in order to make their
hope a reality.
No matter their religious background, just about
everyone appreciates the value chaplains bring to
their healing. They often greet me with a sense of
relief because they want to share or show me the
results of their progress or to ask for prayer for their
condition to improve when they haven’t seen any.
Many of the patients I have seen will testify to the
change in their own walk of faith due to the inspiration
that chaplains have brought to their lives.
I am convinced that the ministry of the chaplains at
BAMC has had a very tangible
and positive impact on the
healing and recovery of our
patients. It is my greatest
pleasure to watch a wounded
warrior complete rehabilitation
here and know that I had a
small part in that healing
process.
PRO DEO ET PATRIA!
Chaplain Van Pelt serves at Brooke Army Medical
Center. He is a native of Pennsylvania and endorsed
by the Associated Gospel Churches.
The Military Chaplain
C H (MA J) D av id G . S nyder, US A
“Caring for the Wounded at the
Hour of Death”
On Friday morning at the recent National Institute in
San Antonio, the MCA invited local active duty military
and VA chaplains to breakfast. Immediately following,
chaplains from Brooke Army Medical Center
presented ministry insights while playing portions of
“Baghdad ER” in the background.
were dying or soon after death. I did it mostly to return
some sort of focus back to the situation we found
ourselves in. While it was mainly the hospital staff
and the soldier’s unit who needed this (members of
the unit were in the room at the time), I found myself
doing this even by myself. I needed this as well. I did
this with Iraqis and other foreigners, too. In the case
of non-coalition troops, I just provided a general
prayer without anointing. We wanted to honor the
human life without offending their religious
preferences. While I am a Presbyterian and we do not
tend to wear the stole much or use oils, I saw the
value and importance of the symbolism from Roman
Catholic Priests I saw ministering and how others
responded.
Chaplain Snyder serves at U. S. Army Garrison
Benelux in Chievres, Belgium. He is a native of
Michigan and endorsed by the Presbyterian Church
(USA).
★
Chaplain Snyder in the Neuro Operating Room, Ibin Sina
Hospital Chaplain David G. Snyder. Baghdad, Iraq.
Photo taken from the Army Medical Command Department of
Pastoral Ministry Training website, 29 May 2007.
During one audio portion, the Editor was particularly
struck by the intercessory prayer of Army. He offered
a calm, caring, and dignified ministry of speaking to a
dying soldier when possible, prayer, and anointing.
He always included intercession and encouragement
for the medical team that was intervening at the time.
We obtained permission to print the photograph
above, without showing any identifiable portion of the
dying soldier or his name. Following are comments
from Chaplain Snyder on the importance of this
ministry:
The year was 2005 and I was the senior chaplain with
the 86th Combat Support Hospital. Whenever a
person died in the ORs, I offered and was sought out
to offer a prayer and anointing (when appropriate).
This case was a U.S. soldier who was unconscious
and dying. He had a serious brain injury. The soldier
in question was not awake before surgery, but his ID
tags listed him as a Christian. It became my custom
to wear the stole and anoint Christians when they
The Military Chaplain
LT Shane R. Dillman, CHC, USN
“Needs of the Returning Warrior’s Family”
The role of the Chaplain in providing ministry to
wounded warriors is of the utmost importance. The
possibility of America facing another post-Vietnam is a
very real possibility. After the Vietnam War, returning
veterans faced isolation, hopelessness, and the
unknown fear of PTSD. The families of returning
warriors face a similar unknown. Their family wants to
embrace the warrior but many times he has changed
because of trauma. They have no idea how to relate
the service member is in a
dire state of adjustment and
begins to withdraw from life
and everyone around him.
The chaplain can be the
bridge that brings so many
resources together and helps
the family achieve healing.
The chaplain must have a
ministry of presence and
always show that care for the
family is paramount.
Chaplain Dillman serves onboard USS Carl Vinson
(CVN 70). He is a native of Oklahoma and endorsed
by the Coalition of Spirit-filled Churches.
13
BOOKS TO HELP
RETURNING OEF/OIF VETERANS
REUNITE WITH FAMILIES AND CIVILIAN LIFE
CH (COL) Joseph O’Keeffe, USA (Ret)
Email: joseph.okeeffe@med.va.gov
WRJ VAMC 802-295-9363 ext 5416
ACCEPTING THE ASHES: A Daughter’s Look at
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Quynn Elizabeth,
daughter of two time Vietnam combat veteran, 2004.
ISBN 1-59196-873-9. 52 page book or 60 minute CD.
Each cost $3.
Powerful listening or reading. Believe women would be
especially attracted to this daughter’s voice and relate
well to her insights. Well worth purchase at $15 a
copy. www.acceptingtheashes.net
COURAGE AFTER FIRE: Coping Strategies for
Troops Returning from Iran and Afghanistan and
Their Families. Keith Armstrong, Suzanne Best, and
Paula Domenici. Ulysses Press, P. O. Box 3440,
Berkeley, CA 94703, 2006. $15. Written by three
clinicians at a VA Medical Center. Perhaps geared
more for officers, senior non-commissioned officers,
and clinicians.
DOWN RANGE TO IRAQ AND BACK. Bridget C.
Cantrell and Chuck Dean. WordSmith Publishing LLC,
P.O. Box 68065, Seattle, WA 98168, 2005. $17. Bulk
sales discounts.
Essential book. Particularly valuable for National
Guard families to read since they don’t have an active
duty military community around for sharing between
spouses or between parents the reactions of their
husbands, wives, sons or daughters when they return
from the combat zone. Accurate description of PTSD
and when and where to get help. Describes the VET to
VET program and has some excellent quotes to start
chapters that really make you stop and think of the
price of war on those who fight it. Written in a style that
GI’s can understand and relate to as well.
Watch for her new release in July.
WARRIOR: Wired for life.
ONCE A
LOVE MY RIFLE MORE THAN YOU: Young and
Female in the U.S. Army. Kayla Williams
with
Michael E. Staub. W.W. Norton and Company, NY
2005. $24. Honest and revealing picture of being a
woman in a man’s army. Very useful for civilians who
have never been in the military.
WAR AND THE SOUL. Edward Tick, a clinical
psychotherapist at Albany, NY Veterans Affairs Medical
Center. Quest Books, The Theosophical Publishing
House, P. O. Box 270, Wheaton, IL, 60189-0270, 2005.
$ 20. Excellent study on how war wounds the soul and
changes the soldier. Chaplains and Social Workers
would greatly benefit from this book.
WHEN GOD SAYS WAR IS RIGHT: The Christian’s
Perspective on When and How to Fight.
Darrell
Cole. Waterbrook Press, 2375 Telstar Drive, Suite 160,
Colorado Springs, CO, 80920, 2002. ISBN 1-57856657-6. $11.
WHILE THEY’RE AT WAR: The True Story of
American Families on the Homefront.
Kristin
Henderson, wife of a Navy chaplain serving with the
Marines. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 2006.
$23. Wonderful insight into the struggles of military
spouses while their loved ones are in a combat area.
Volunteer chaplain needed for the
Houston chapter of the Military Officers
Association of America (MOAAHA).
Contact CH (Col) Michael A. Rusnock,
USA (Ret) unclemike4@yahoo.com
14
The Military Chaplain
THE MILITARY
CHAPLAIN
ISSN-0026-3958
Volume Eighty, Number Two
June 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
the
Association,
Military
Services,
the
Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Civil Air
Patrol.
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
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to
changes
EDITOR,
THE
MILITARY
CHAPLAIN, P.O. Box 7056, Arlington, VA 222077056. If this publication is addressed to a member
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
the
public
domain.
Reproduction
without
permission is prohibited.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PUBLICATION EDITOR
Gary R. Pollitt
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
Wednesday afternoon. 2007 National Institute. Jon Frusti (Navy) briefed on the Armed
Forces Chaplains Board. Shane Dillman (Navy) addressed the importance of focus on
the needs of the Troops. Matt Zimmerman (Army Chaplain Candidate) encouraged us
to be proactive in recruiting and mentoring new chaplains. MCA members
"surrounded" these three as well as Karen Stocks (Air Force) and Ray Robinson (Army)
with intercessory prayer. One among three occasions of group prayer with and for
chaplains on active duty.
The Military Chaplain
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