December 2008 - Military Chaplain Association

The Military Chaplain
Volume Eighty-One Number Four December 2008
Historical first
for Chaplains
In Memoriam
John J. Castellani, USAF Ret
NDG, Southington, CT
Member 1970, Life Member 1979
Robert D. Daniell, USA Ret
November 2007, Savannah, GA
Member 1964, Life Member 1981
Charles J. Fix, USAF Ret
15 July 2008 at the age of 100
Spirit Lake, IA
Member 1971, Life Member 1982
David Harold Johnson, Jr. , USAF Ret
20 June 2008, Overland Park, KS
Member 1983
Maurice F. Knott, USA Ret
3 June 2008, Irvine, CA
Member 1963, Life Member 1981
Special Donations
Scholarship in Memory of
Ch, Col Christian M. Martin, USAF
By Geri Martin & family
Military Chapels
All Faith Chapel
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
USAF Protestant Parish
RAF Menwith Hill Station Chapel
Scholarship Fund
Fannie R. Pooley
Thank You!
Congratulations!
Chaplain Keith Ethridge on appointment
as Director, National Chaplain Center,
Department of Veterans Affairs
Chaplain, Colonel Whit Woodard on
appointment as Chief, Civil Air Patrol
Chaplain Service
We lc o me Ab o ar d!
New Life Members
Daniel G. DeBlock, USA Ret, Sioux Falls SD, Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
Donald W. Kammer, USA Act, Fort Campbell KY, Assemblies of God
New Members
Mark L. Allison, USARNG / VA Act, Salt Lake City UT, Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Kempton D. Baldridge, USN Ret, Belgium, Episcopal Church of the USA
Phillip Binme, VA Act, Miami FL, Presbyterian Church in America
David G. Coleman, CAP Act, Watsonville CA, Assemblies of God
Ron Craddock, USN Ret / VA Act, Evans GA, Cooperative Baptist
Fellowship
Bryan J. Davenport, USNR, Bremerton WA, IFCA International (BCC)
James O. Dewey, USN Act, Moody AL, Southern Baptist Convention
James A. Francis III, USA Ret, Philadelphia PA, Methodist Episcopal
David W. Leist, USAFR / VA Act, Cincinnati OH, Southern Baptist
Convention
John W. Mabus, USNR, Brookline MA, Southern Baptist Convention
Rob C. McLaren, VA Act, Pinellas Park FL, Methodist
Samuel Olmos, USA Act, El PasoTX, Baptist
Joseph O’Keefe, USA Ret / VA Act, Enfield NH, Roman Catholic
William R. Pawson, CAP Act, Canton OH, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Paul M. Reaves, CAP Act, Statesboro GA, Southern Baptist Convention
James A. Ryan, Jr., USAR / CAP / VA Act, Little Rock AR,
Association of Reformed Presbyterians
Joseph S. Shubert, USN Act, Jacksonville FL, ECA International
Thomas R. Smith, USN Ret / VA Act, La Mesa CA, Seventh-day
Adventist
James E. Still, CAP Act, Greeneville SC, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Steve Velthuis, USN Act, NAS Lemoore CA, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Reuben K. Washington, AF Ret / VA Act, Portsmouth VA, National
Baptist USA, Inc.
Robert G. White, USNR / VA Act, North Salt Lake UT, Presbyterian
Church (USA)
Michael J. Willer, USARNG Act, Webster City IA, United Methodist
New Associate Members
Justin P. Bernard, CCPO USNR, Lynchburg VA, Liberty Baptist
Fellowship
Jonathan C. Black, CCPO USNR, South Hamilton MA, United
Church of Christ
Jason B. Estes, CCPO USAR,Tacoma WA, United Pentecostal
Church International
Trenten W. Long, CCPO USNR, Cordova TN, Fundamental Baptist
Fellowship International
Dominic J. Mirenda, CCPO USNR, Englewood CO, Anglican Mission
in America
Herman K. Noll, USMC, Paoli OH, Congregational Christian Church
Thomas P.Townsend, CCPO USAR, Asheville NC, Coalition of
Spirit-filled Churches
Member information as 5 December 2008
Chaplains make history during a “once in 25 year”
opportunity for ministry on Veterans Day 2008
The front cover shows the American and MCA flags entering the Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery on
Veterans Day, 11 November 2008 to begin the National Ceremony with a Procession of Colors by Veterans Service
Organizations. These flags were preceded by an Honor Cordon comprised of twelve chaplains from our five
constituent Services:
Army - Ron Leggett, Bret Perkuchin, Ann Tang
Navy - Margaret Kibben, Travis Moger, Tom Webber
Air Force - Ken Stone, Brian Swain
Department of Veterans Affairs - Clarence Cross, Michael Pollitt
Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol - Rob Edwards, Gary Hedges
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard followed our Honor Cordon. Then John Hoffmann, retired Army and
active Civil Air Patrol chaplain, led the procession with the American flag while Ron Phelps, retired Veterans Affairs
chaplain, accompanied with the MCA flag.
Mike McCoy, MCA National President, began the morning earlier by receiving Vice President Richard Cheney for
the Presidential Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Mike also gave the official ceremony welcome
and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Keith Ethridge, new Director of the VA National Chaplain Center, offered the
Invocation. Mike and Jim Spivey, MCA Past President, presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns following
the National Ceremony.
Our special VIP seating included Air Force Chief of Chaplains Cecil Richardson, David Reese representing the
Army Chief of Chaplains, and Jonathan Frusti, Executive Director of the Armed Forces Chaplains Board. Several
MCA Past Presidents were present with current members of the National Executive Committee. Seventy-nine
other chaplains, spouses, guests, and friends of the MCA filled out this and other reserved seating. Many of them
traveled from as far as California, Colorado, the mid-West, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida to support this ministry.
Following the ceremony and organizational wreath-laying, MCA hosted a reception for the Veterans Day National
Committee and other government officials at the Women in Military Service For America Memorial. The Honorable
James Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, attended with numerous other special guests including a delegation
from Iraq, Chelsea Pensioners from the United Kingdom, and Bo Derek. Miss Derek served as the Mistress of
Ceremonies during the National Ceremony. Navy Chief of Chaplains Robert Burt and Chaplain of the Marine
Corps Alan “Blues” Baker joined us as well.
We deeply appreciate all who provided moral and financial support for this ministry. We are very grateful for the
Veterans Affairs and Women’s Memorial staff that helped us walk through this unique privilege and major historical
undertaking for our Association. The next few pages provide more sense of the day. We will also place a fuller
photo album on our website in mid-January 2009.
You may have wondered about the September issue of The Military Chaplain. Near the 95% stage of drafting, our
graphics designer suffered a major medical catastrophe. We were unable to retrieve the files necessary to
complete the magazine on time. Thank you for your patience and continued prayers for our designer and her
family. For this December issue, we took important parts of the September magazine and placed them with
Veterans Day 2008 items, adding four extra pages. Please visit www.mca-usa.org often in 2009. To further
improve our connection with “the digital generation” - and to seek crucial cost savings - we will rely more and more
on the web for routine MCA business as well as our ongoing advocacy, support, and outreach.
God bless you during many religious holidays and cultural traditions this month and on to a new year!
The Editor
The Military Chaplain
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The Military Chaplain
The National Ceremony, Veterans Day 2008
Welcome by the MCA National President
Giving honor to God. Mr. Vice President and Mrs. Cheney, Mr. Secretary and Mrs. Peake, distinguished
guests, Veterans Organization Leaders, color guard members, service men and women, honored Veterans,
families, friends, and my fellow chaplains.
On behalf of the Military Chaplains Association, I welcome you. Our Association is grateful for the privilege of
participating in this ceremony and serving as the 2008 Host Organization.
Today we gather on ground made sacred by the heroic devotion, love of country, and sacrifice of men and
women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
I am proud to be a Veteran. We as a people can take part in an occasion like this because we are a nation of
Free People thanks to the sacrifices of those we honor today.
General George Washington first called for the presence of chaplains in the Colonial Army during the struggle
of our nation to win its independence. Since that time, chaplains have dedicated themselves to America’s
warriors, following them to the fields of battle, living under the same conditions, and providing hope in the
terrible conditions of war.
Among our fighting forces, chaplains bring a visible reminder of the Holy and the dignity of all human beings.
They are spiritual mentors within the challenging circumstances of military life. They provide access to religious
rites and observances for service members who cannot attend hometown religious faith group services.
Everyone who goes to war comes home changed. Some of the scars are visible and easy to see. Others are
invisible — but they still hurt. There are “hidden wounds” associated with war that only a Veteran can
understand. These hidden wounds often remain with a Veteran long after the visible wounds heal.
As Americans, we do a commendable job of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
But, too often we forget those who survived and returned to us.
The Military Chaplains Association serves as a bridge between active duty and retired chaplains. We promote
and provide an ongoing ministry to heal the wounds of war for America’s surviving Veterans and their family
members.
Today the chaplaincies and chaplains of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Air
Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol - and other agencies our members represent - send this message to our
treasured veterans and active duty military members.
Thank you for serving! We chaplains will always support you. We will always keep you in our
prayers. We salute you and thank you for your patriotism and for your courage.
We thank you for the unparalleled privilege of serving with you as chaplains wherever our
country sends you, for the honor of caring for your families, and for the opportunity of
ministering to those of you who return from the battlefield.
May God bless you gathered here today. May God bless every Veteran. May God bless and protect each
service member in harm’s way this very hour. And, may God bless America.
Michael L. McCoy, Sr.
The Military Chaplain
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Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV)
Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), founded in April 1971, is a national, non-profit
organization established for the purpose of distributing arts and crafts kits, free of charge,
to patients in Department of Veterans Affairs and Military Medical Centers and State
Veterans Homes. Since inception, HHV has delivered over 23 million arts and crafts
valued at (including shipping) $362 million. The kits come as a very welcome assurance
to all veteran patients that they have not been forgotten, that someone out there really
does care. Just as important, the kits provide a much-needed creative and therapeutic
activity to occupy the minds and hands of our country’s hospitalized veterans. HHV arts and crafts materials do a
great deal to help overcome patient boredom, boost morale and restore self-confidence while contributing
significantly to the whole rehabilitative process. As one VA Recreation Director so aptly put it, “the kits are not to kill
time but to make time live.”
Additionally HHV provides products and services to homebound veterans, and co-sponsors VA Special Events such
as the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, National Veterans Golden Age Games and the National Veterans
Summer Sports Clinic. Help Hospitalized Veterans is supported by voluntary contributions through the generosity of
the American public through national direct mail and media appeals. To review all of HHV’s wonderful programs
visit www.hhv.org or call the national headquarters at (888) 567-VETS.
MCA Veterans Day Banquet
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The Military Chaplain
Thank You for Your Veterans Day
Ministry Donations
Individuals
Platinum [$1,000 or greater]
Chaplain Harold T. Elmore
Chaplain Vernon P. Harms
Major General & Mrs. Carl H. McNair, Jr., USA (Ret)
Chaplain Henry P. Nichols
Captain Rex B. Pollitt, USMM (Ret)
In memory of Zelma F. Pollitt
Chaplain Karen H. Stocks
Gold [$500 to $999]
Chaplain Richard Baker & Mary Wilkes-Baker
Chaplain Darold F. Bigger
Chaplain & Mrs. S. David Chambers
Chaplain George E. Dobes
Chaplain & Mrs. Wayne W. Hoffmann
Chaplain Douglas E. Lee
Chaplain Michael L. McCoy
Chaplain C. Ronald Phelps
Chaplain & Mrs. Gary R. Pollitt
Chaplain Walter K. Sauer
Chaplain James T. Spivey, Jr.
Chaplain Tom & Darlene Johnson
In memory of Rev. Dr. David H. Johnson, Sr., USA in WWI
In memory of Ch, Col David H. Johnson, Jr. USAFR (Ret)
In memory of CAPT Malcolm A. Carpenter, CHC, USN (Ret)
In honor of Dr. Stanley S. Johnson, USN in WWII & Korea
In honor of Mr. Edward E. Stoeckert, WWII Submariner
Silver [$100 to $499]
Chaplain Ethel M. Bamberg-Revis
Chaplain John W. Berger
Chaplain Marsha L. Davis
Chaplain Paul H. Easley, Sr.
Chaplain James P. Lauer
Chaplain Thaddeus F. Malanowski
Chaplain Donald K. Muchow
Chaplain Dale M. Sawyer
Chaplain William G. Sikes, Jr.
Chaplain John F. Weaver
Chaplain Ronald E. Will
Bronze [up to $99]
Chaplain Robert M. Arendsee
Chaplain Edwin L. Bishop
Chaplain Robert C. Edwards III
Chaplain Kenneth C. Ramsey
Chaplain William F. Bateman
Chaplain Robert E. Bergeron
LTC & Mrs. Noel Dawes
Chaplain Harold S. Johnson
Lt Colonel Charles J. Lercara
Chaplain Charles E. McMillan
Chaplain Jake H. Phillabaum
Chaplain Bruce D. Sexton
Chaplain David W. Stricker
Chaplain Thomas B. Webber
Chaplain J. C. Williams
Regina Bentley memory of Zelma Pollitt
Chaplain William E. Calbert
Chaplain Lewis E. Dawson
Chaplain Edward J. Kelley
Chaplain Elden H. Luffman
Chaplain Hugh M. Miller
Chaplain Otto A. Reinbacher
Chaplain James E. Shaw
Chaplain John R. Thomas
Chaplain Edward H. Whitford
Chaplain Melvin E. Witt
Chaplain William M. Bell, Jr.
Chaplain Howard E. Cooper
Chaplain George E. Harris
Chaplain Thomas J. Benedum
Chaplain William A. Crosland
Chaplain Merle F. Pedigo
Organizations
Platinum [$5,000 or greater]
Help Hospitalized Veterans
Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation
Gold [$1,000 to $4,999]
Non Commissioned Officers Association
Silver [$500 to $999]
MCA National Capital Chapter
Bronze [up to $499]
So Help Me God Project / Operation Thank You
The Military Chaplain
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Veterans Authorized to Salute the Flag
For decades, most Veterans understood that they should honor the flag with hand over heart. The 2008 National
Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 110-181) signed on 28 January 2008 gave Veterans another option. Section
9, Title 4, U.S. Code covers “Conduct during hoisting, lowering, or passing of United States flag.” As indicated by
underscoring, the law was revised to read:
During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in
review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed
Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other
persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if
applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand
being over the heart. Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct
toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.
Please note that this change does not mandate the salute for service members and veterans not in uniform. It
simply authorizes them to honor the flag with a hand salute if they so prefer.
Provided by Chaplain Douglas E. Lee, MCA Life Member and Trustee
The Pledge of Allegiance
Astronaut David R. Scott gives a military
salute to the U.S. flag during a
1971 Apollo 15 moonwalk.
Thirty-one words which affirm the values and freedom that the American
flag represents are recited while facing the flag as a pledge of Americans’
loyalty to their country. The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 for
the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. A national committee
of educators and civic leaders planned a public-school celebration of
Columbus Day to center around the flag. Included with the script for
ceremonies that would culminate in raising of the flag was the pledge. In
October 1892, school children across the country first recited the Pledge
of Allegiance this way:
I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with
Liberty and Justice for all.
To clarify the pledge’s reference to the flag of the United States, the words “my flag” were replaced by “the flag of
the United States” in 1923. A year later, “of America” was added after “United States.”
No form of the pledge received official recognition by Congress until 22 June 1942 when it was formally included in
the U.S. Flag Code. The official name of The Pledge of Allegiance was adopted in 1945. The last change in
language came on Flag Day 1954. Congress passed a law which added the words “under God” after “one nation.”
The Pledge of Allegiance now reads:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it
stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Summarized from the DVA Public Affairs resource page at www.va.gov
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The Military Chaplain
The Military Chaplain
9
From Our National President
Dear Members and Friends,
Since 1992, I have been involved with MCA in numerous capacities. By this time I thought
to hold a fairly wide grasp of the gifts and ministries represented among our members.
However, in only five months as your new national president, my awareness of the myriad
ministries that MCA members perform has been dramatically stretched. Whether in active
military, Veterans Affairs, or Civil Air Patrol service or in volunteer service aside from any
official uniform or position, you press on with your calling. The lion’s share of your service is
away from spotlights, cameras, and loud praise. Thank you for your enduring commitment
to care for the spiritual health and welfare of Warriors and their families. I am honored to
serve alongside of you.
Please focus for a moment on the unique ministry opportunity before us as Official Host for
the National Ceremony on Veterans Day 2008. We sincerely hope that as many MCA
members as possible can attend. The summer issue of our magazine provided basic information on the ceremony, the
reception, and our own special banquet that evening. Some of that is repeated in this issue along with more detail. I am
particularly grateful to those individuals and organizations that have already donated time and treasure toward this
momentous occasion in our Association history.
Chaplain Michael L. McCoy
Understandably, the event budget of $40K could raise
eyebrows. Here are some details that I hope might help. The
largest share of this budget is $25K to cater the reception at the
Women’s Memorial. Traditionally, the Host Organization
sponsors this reception for official guests and the other
members of the Veterans Day National Committee. Please
notice that the figure for the reception is substantially lower than
past norms. Some organizations have spent nearly $50K in
times past. I am grateful for the leadership of Chaplains Dave
White and George Dobes to bring that figure down while still
arranging for a very nice affair. During this reception we could
host up to 500 people.
Other expenses include printing and mailing invitations, posters,
the reception brochure, and a contribution to the Women’s
Memorial. We also expect to provide every reception guest with
a copy of Days of Anguish, Days of Hope. That expense is also
figured into the budget. We hope that numerous chaplains will
be present to mingle with the other guests and listen to their
stories. We will have static displays and opportunities to
describe chaplain ministries. Thus, we see this reception as
more than simply eating and greeting.
Last October our Executive Director brought a special message
during the Department of Veterans Affairs National Black
Chaplains Association Conference in Atlanta. Chaplain Pollitt
focused on “Chaplains as Bridge Tenders.” He stirred our
imaginations with stories of watching men work various types of
draw and lift bridges in the Portland, OR harbor during his
childhood. With characteristic logic and passion, Gary made a
powerful case for us to see bridges already there; step out on
those bridges and tend to them; and, as needed, travel to the
other side, help people feel safe to step out, and even cross
over the bridge with them all the way to the opposite side.
Chaplains John Hoffmann and Mike McCoy parade the
National Ensign and the MCA flag during the 2007 National
Ceremony. Courtesy of DVA Photo Gallery
MCA: A Bridge Organization for Bridge People
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The Military Chaplain
We chaplains like to design new bridges and build them. This is
certainly an important feature in the creative drive to care for
people. However, I don’t hear so much emphasis about tending
bridges that are already in place (bridges that others built), or
pointing people to those bridges, much less walking with them
across to the other side. I have gained a new appreciation for
bridge tending” as a worthy metaphor for the institutional ministry
of chaplains. And, when you think about it, the metaphor serves
also serves well for civilian parish ministry.
Chaplain Mike McCoy presents gavel to Chaplain Jim Spivey,
outgoing MCA President [2005-2007], during 2007 National
Institute at Fort Jackson, SC. Photo by Chaplain George Dobes
Over the last several years, you have seen by-words for our
Association. Chaplain David White started identifying MCA as “the
Voice of Chaplaincy.” This phrase particularly answers to our
platform for speaking “on the Hill” as the result of our
congressional charter. Moreover, it points to our ongoing service as
a member of the Military Coalition and the Veterans Day National
Committee.
In 2005, we began to publish the phrase “Chaplains for Life.” This
came out of some strategic planning sessions initiated by Chaplain Ed Kelley. Along with this phrase, Chaplain Jim Spivey
is particularly fond of calling MCA a “ministry guild.” He refers to those who keep answering the call to care for Warriors
[no matter what their “uniform of the day”] and who encourage one another in ministry development.
The phrase “Voice for Our Profession” appeared at the top of a new conference banner displayed during our recent
National Institute at Fort Jackson, SC. The intention here is to point a bit more towards the dialogue we have with one
another through our Joint and Inter-agency connections. The phrase also considers that in some arenas where we speak
there are several types of chaplaincies as well as voices for those chaplaincies.
Beginning with this magazine issue, you see another phrase: “A Bridge Organization for Bridge People.” I hope that this
takes root in our MCA vocabulary. In the last decade, we witnessed considerable growth in emphasis on “Joint”
understanding and operation. Since the beginning of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, we have seen a new drive for
“inter-agency” cooperation – especially for the care of war wounded. Last May, ground was broken for a new Armed
Forces Chaplaincy Center at Fort Jackson, SC. This construction will result in co-location of all three military chaplain
schools and bring about a new era in collaboration. Bridge building and tending seems an essential element in such
enterprises.
Just a few weeks ago, I participated in a conference for Veterans Affairs chaplains returning from duty in war zones.
These chaplains have an extremely valuable “real time and real world” perspective on the challenges of pastoral care in
both environments of the military and the VA. We look to them for insight as “bridge people.”
Whether building new bridges or tending ones already in place, this season and well into the foreseeable future is a
crucial time for “bridge” consciousness and skill in our respective ministries. Thank you for your contribution in this regard.
God bless and keep you as you serve!
“Chaplain for Life,”
8 September 2008
The Military Chaplain
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A Mentor in Trauma Ministry
Within our membership, we enjoy the privilege of
connection with “Chaplains for Life” who exhibit a flair for
mentoring others. One such colleague is Grover De Vault
- MCA Life Member, Emerson Foundation member,
Scholarship Committee Chair, and President of the
Susquehanna Chapter.
Grover is constantly engaged in activities to sustain the
ministry of other chaplains. He served as a chaplain in
the U.S. Army from 1957-1977. Thereafter he ministered
as a Professor of Pastoral Studies at Lancaster Bible
College, Associate Pastor of Faith Evangelical Free
Church in Trexlertown, PA, and regional representative
for Cadence International Mission. He is a founding
member of Christian Military Fellowship and the
International Association of Evangelical Chaplains. Of
most recent note is Grover’s work to develop a volunteer
chaplaincy for the Pennsylvania State Police. This began
in May 2002 and has grown to include 48 chaplains.
I was engaged in combat in Vietnam during the years
1968- 1969. Combat veterans rarely talk about their
experience. They keep it to themselves. I have done this
for over thirtynine years. I am willing now to take you
back on a trip to the Vietnam combat I experienced to
share with you some of the stress, trauma and crisis I
have seldom let anyone else know.
Living in a combat area brings on stress that is caused by
emotional trauma. From the very first moments of arriving
in Vietnam I experienced extreme emotional trauma.
Every moment was filled with the threat of death or
serious injury, a sense of fear, helplessness, and at times
sheer horror.
My comfort and strength had to be in our Lord Jesus
Christ. Knowing that there were those at home praying for
me gave me courage. My duties as an Army Chaplain
kept me very busy not only with our troops but also with
the Vietnamese and helped focus my mind and heart of
the needs of the soldiers and the Vietnamese people.
This was one of the most complex and complicated times
of my life.
Let me tell you about just one phase of ministry, that of
the ministry to the members at the mortuary. Our
organization operated a military mortuary that serviced all
of the area known as I Corps. Thousands of troops from
the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines operated in
terrain that covered thousands of miles from the DMZ on
the North, Laos and Thailand on the West, the China Sea
on the East, and Banmethoit on the South.
Chaplain DeVault addresses meeting of the
MCA Susquehanna Chapter.
Photo courtesy of Chaplain Ted Bowers
Grover has a tradition of presenting talks on values when
his family gathers for special occasions. The following
comments are from “The Struggle to Preserve Freedom,”
a reflection on his ministry in Vietnam. These were given
during a family gathering on Independence Day, 4 July
2008. Though not originally intended for a professional
audience, these remarks provide a window into the soul
of a caregiver in “harm’s way.”
Ministry in a War Zone
We were embarked on a task of ensuring that the
peoples of Vietnam were free in the 1960’s and 70’s.
Communism threatened all of Southeast Asia. Our
government decided to come to the aid of South Vietnam
by providing armed forces to protect her and allow that
country to exercise freedom.
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I visited the mortuary on almost a weekly basis. We had
thirteen civilian embalmers under contract there along
with a Captain and a staff of soldiers from the 80th
General Support Group. These individuals were
“shunned” and left alone by all other members of the
command because they dealt with the dead. Not only did
I make it a point to minister by my presence with them on
the job but also in the Mess Hall where they ate. They
were proud to show me their art and skill in their chosen
profession and appreciated my visits and presence. They
shared with me, like they could do with no other person,
their fears, concerns, strong feelings, and reflections on
home-life back in the USA.
Several exhibited stress and disorder due to their unique
work. I was able to hear and hold in confidence their
confessions. I shared their outlook and concerns as well
as the Gospel and truth of eternal life found in a personal
relationship with Jesus. Many of them carried “hidden
wounds” of the spirit and heart. I was able to work with
them on a healing journey. They were anxious to talk
about the faith, or lack thereof, and how it related to what
The Military Chaplain
President George W. Bush meets with
members of Troop J, Pennsylvania State Police.
Photo courtesy of Chaplain Grover DeVault
they were doing. Some found it really difficult to
communicate their traumatic war experiences with
anyone. Their experiences have left a lifetime of wounds
that may not ever be healed.
Proud of their embalming skills and make-up ability they
wanted someone to affirm what they had accomplished
on their tables. It was difficult to get adjusted to the potent
fumes of formaldehyde and the smell of decomposing
flesh. It was extremely painful to witness the atrocities
our soldiers had endured at the hand of a vengeful and
inhumane enemy, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese
Army. It was so very difficult that I cannot share with you
more details than this.
The Amish Schoolhouse Shooting - 2 October, 2006
As chaplain for Troop J of the Pennsylvania State Police,
Grover was drawn into care for the troopers and others at
the scene in Nickel Mines, PA. The following is cited from
“President’s Perspective,” Lancaster Bible College and
Graduate School, Spring 2007. Grover’s observations
remind us of the vital interior dialogue that caregivers
pursue to be effective in traumatic situations.
Above all, I must keep my cool, to be the person who can
keep it together for those who are stunned by events,
when all else seems to be falling apart. I walk with people
through the normal chain of emotions triggered by
trauma. There is always some confusion and chaos at
any shooting, at least at the outset. Prayers for God’s
grace and mercy are so very vital at the time.
The morning of the shooting I arrived at the schoolhouse
in a police cruiser. Already at the crime scene were a
The Military Chaplain
number of troopers, whom I know by
first names. Blood covered their
uniforms since they held injured and
dying girls in their arms. Some were in
a state of astonishment and naturally
having emotional struggles. Their
immediate need was the familiar face
of one who cared and understood their
feelings, who accepted them just as
they were. I immediately embraced a
number of troopers. Sergeants
directed me to those that they deemed
critical so I could comfort and
demonstrate care. At such a time,
words fail and tears flow. Tears are a
language of their own. Every individual
who witnessed that horrible encounter
needed a presence, someone to just
be there for them, to listen and say,
“It’s okay” and “You’re okay.”
In an age when quantification – when
metrics are crucial for gaining
resources to conduct chaplaincy ministries, some budget
analysts might overlook or completely disregard the
value of such ministry as “the ministry of presence.” On
29 January 2008, Jon D. Kurtz, Deputy Commissioner of
Staff for the Pennsylvania State Police presented Grover
with a citation that takes a significantly different stance.
I was more than a little impressed with his
familiarity and knowledge of the individual
Troopers and their families as he calmly spoke
with those on scene. I believe it is part due to
his attempts to minister to the spiritual and
emotional needs of our personnel that we have
no known instances of sick leave or retirement
as a result of the horrors our people witnessed
on October 2 of 2006.
The above cites are only a small taste of Chaplain
De Vault’s ministry experiences. They were chosen to
reinforce three crucial concepts in chaplaincy:
1) the virtue of compassionate supporting presence to
validate the worth and needs of others,
2) the reality of stress and wounds sustained by
caregivers, and
3) the necessity of creating situations in our
professional dialogue where caregivers are able to
share their feelings and needs.
The Editor also hopes that this article will further stimulate
the reflection of readers on their own important stories in
trauma and healing.
13
Chaplains and Warrior Care
Dr. S. Ward Casscells
delivered the following address
during the U. S. Army
Chaplains and Chaplains
Assistants Reunion in Kansas
City last May. We are grateful
to MCA Past President Wayne
Hoffmann for arranging that
presentation.
The Hon. S. Ward Casscells,
M.D., Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Health Affairs
Then when I returned I experienced what a Navy friend
described as, “My family learned to live without me”. Except for
the son who graciously offered me his turn at taking out the
garbage, “for the next four months!”
Thank you Chaplain Hoffman.
I am honored to be here today,
and grateful for this chance to
ask for your help in several
areas. My wife advised “Don’t
preach, and don’t tell priest
and rabbi jokes, and don’t
drone on”. With that
About 20% of troops returning from the fight have at least one
symptom compatible with PTSD, and on further evaluation
about 10% have PTSD; half of those do not recover with a few
months of rest and counseling.
encouragement,
I can not resist the story of the guest sermon by the bishop,
who with great dignity removed his watch and placed it on the
pulpit, leading a girl to ask her mother, “what does that mean?”
Her answer: “absolutely nothing”.
And I can not help but acknowledge some of the difficulties
chaplains face: First, that of bringing troops to God, even
sailors: an old sailor who had adopted a thirst in the Navy, and
was now living in a park, approached a priest and asked,
“Father, what causes arthritis?” Eager to redeem the soul, the
priest answered, “liquor, women, gambling, and godlessness,
my son. Why do you ask?” Sailor: “Well, this newspaper says
the Pope has arthritis”. So, proselytizing has its perils, as all of
you know.
The ones at highest risk are those who are actually fighting,
those deploying for a second or third time, those on long
deployments, those whose marriages fall apart and those who
have injuries that have limited their abilities or their
appearance, or left them in pain, and those with prior emotional
problems.
I suspect - from talking to many troubled soldiers - that there
are other factors too, like whether the kids got in trouble while
you were gone or(as in my case) just got lower grades in
school; or those who feel they failed in some way, whether or
not they did. Conversely, older soldiers seem to be at less risk
of PTSD or suicide. They may have accepted that they are not
Audie Murphy or Douglas MacArthur, but they know they are
doing their part, and are still learning,
and showing young soldiers how you
learn from mistakes.
or of the
Whether the wound is of the flesh,
mind we only dress it. God heals it.
There’s also some risk in “dilute chaplaincy” which sees the
Bible as only a collection of oral histories and moral lessons,
dismissing the miracles. Faced with such a teacher one little
girl insisted Jonah had indeed been swallowed by a whale,
adding, “If you don’t believe me I will ask Jonah when I get to
Heaven”, to which the teacher rejoined, “ And if Jonah went to
Hell...?” The little girl answered, “Then you ask him”.
Finally there is the risk that civilians may not understand
warrior humor and the tough love that is a tool in the chaplain’s
kit. An example is the story of Chaplain Murphy and his
assistant SSG Rock, who found themselves delayed by a
foursome that had lots of trouble finding the balls they hit. On
complaining, and learning that these were firefighters who had
been blinded in a fire, the priest offered to hold a special
service and dinner. The sergeant said, “Yes sir, but why can’t
these guys play at night?”
I begin with humor because my topic - how can chaplains help
those with PTSD, and especially those at risk of suicide - is
deadly serious. You and I know that even those with PTSD,
who do not feel much like laughing, want to, and need to.
14
Humor is therapeutic, and it bonds soldiers together: even
when you are laughing at yourself; for example, just before I
deployed to Iraq I had trouble sleeping one night, staring at the
ceiling and thinking about the kidnappings and torture of
doctors there. I woke my wife and said, “You know I am really
needed here at home. Maybe I shouldn’t go”, to which she
replied, “I just mailed the invitations to the farewell party so
you, sweetheart, are going!”
About 3% of civilians have PTSD. We
do not yet know if that figure applies to
new recruits or those about to deploy, so we need to get a
better baseline. This will help us identify those who are at high
risk and should not be soldiers, or should be directed to noncombat specialties, or who should be followed closely.
We are also trying to understand what increases psychological
resilience. And we are beefing up our monitoring, trying to
detect signs or symptoms before troops make those mistakes
that come from fretting or obsessing, or feeling lonely or
inadequate. Distracted, anxious or depressed troops are prone
to errors which can endanger others, and then they really have
something to kick themselves for.
The rising suicide rate among soldiers (and former soldiers) is
not a surprise but it is frustrating, given the successful efforts to
reduce suicide, made over the past several decades by all
three services. They seek to generate a positive environment
that features education, nutrition, exercise, discipline, buddy
aid, etc.
Obviously we need to do more: in the past year the Army has
hired 180 more counselors, and - following the advice of past
Navy Surgeon General Don Arthur and his Mental Health Task
The Military Chaplain
Force- we must also
reduce the stigma of
asking for help.
To this end we were
charged by Secretary
Gates to revise the security
clearance question 21,
which asked about any
prior counseling. It now
excludes counseling for
grief or family problems,
etc. This has been covered
extensively in the press
and documented at
www.health.mil.
need your help to find them,
many of whom may not want
to talk to a medic but are
willing to speak with a
chaplain, not least becauseof
the absolute confidentiality of
those discussions, and
because of the prospect of
forgiveness: doctors are
taught to be non-judgmental,
but you talk of forgiveness.
The Army, led by three
exceptional colonels
(Cameron Ritchie, MD,
Charles Hoge, MD, and Carl
Castro PhD), has recently
launched several innovative
programs to prevent and treat
PTSD and to prevent suicide.
We have made
psychological health a
priority: from recruitment,
President George W. Bush and other Defense Department
training (especially to build
officials lead the ground breaking for the Walter Reed
resiliency), selection of
National Military Medical Center held at Bethesda
Naval Hospital in Bethesda, MD, 3 July 2008.
military specialty, quality of
We particularly need to
DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison
life, monitoring, treatment,
support our women in
rehabilitation(incl
uniform, as their divorce rate
retraining for retention), and reintegration with the civilian
is now 9%, vs 3.5% for male service members (the US civilian
sector for success after separation from military service.
average is 3.6%). I suspect this relates to frustrations (and
temptations) experienced by fathers when Mom deploys. It is
Last year the Army emphasized to almost a million soldiers
something they have heard about. But they are not really
that it takes strength to ask for help, that it is their duty to
prepared for it.
watch out for the psychological health of their battle buddies,
and doing so is a sign of leadership, just as facing a problem
Across the DoD we are led by BG Loree Sutton, MD, who will
takes courage, and working through it takes insight and
soon open the National Intrepid Center of Excellence for
determination.
Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, at Bethesda.
She is leading $900m of new clinical and research programs
The Marines have benefited from the story volunteered by a
in psychological health and traumatic brain injury. She is
general who sought counseling for his own PTSD. A retired
taking a holistic look, evaluating not just medications but
Special Forces doctor experienced PTSD months after his
alternatives like yoga, meditation, nutrition, biofeedback, etc.
heroic rescue of comrades who were wounded ( with the
doctor) in Iraq; we recruited him to a leadership position at
For now, the message is that everyone needs to be part of the
Health Affairs.
outreach effort. We need people to understand what to watch
for (anger, moodiness, insomnia, nightmares, gallows humor
Indeed, troops in theater are now more willing to seek care
or none at all, jumpiness, suspicion, withdrawal, loss of
and, according the MHAT V study, are less inclined to believe
appetite): how to ask if someone wants to talk, and what to do
it will jeopardize their security clearance or weapon status,
if they need to but don’t want to. We want people to know they
friendships, trust, or advancement. One of the most important
are needed, and that they can get help anonymously at:
interventions to date was the recent decision by President
www.militaryonesource.mil,
Bush to reduce the length of Army deployments to 12 months.
www.militarymentalhealth.org,
Army data suggest the longer deployments jeopardize morale
www.health.mil, or 1-877-877-3647.
and increase the risk of PTSD.
Other innovations: Task Force 62 is asking all soldiers who
come to sick call if anyone in their unit is struggling, and if so
whether they have urged them to seek help.
Other units about to depart theater are addressing soldiers’
assumption that if, on the Post-Deployment Health
Assessment, they answer that they were shaken by an IED,
they may be held for further evaluation; a simple solution is to
distribute the questionnaire on the plane.
Units are also distributing the reassessment (PDHRA) after 90
days at home rather than 180. But there are still about 15% of
the reservists and guards - especially those without units- that
we do not hear from. We worry about these lost sheep and
The Military Chaplain
These are things all chaplains know and do, every day. We in
medicine know that, as the old French saying puts it, our job is
to “cure sometimes, relieve often, comfort always.” But we
don’t always succeed. We need your help.
So thank you for counseling our wounded, thank you for
bringing home our lost sheep, thank you for counseling our
caregivers. One hand washes the other.
The great military surgeon Ambrose Pare said, “I dress the
wound, God heals it”. We are now struggling to support those
who are struggling. We need your prayers.
Whether the wound is of the flesh, or of the mind we only
dress it. God heals it.
15
The Spiritual Dimension of Healing
CH(BG) Wayne W. Hoffmann,
AUS (Ret.)
Chaplain Wayne Hoffmann,
Past MCA National President,
MOAA National Chaplain, and
President of the San Diego
MCA Chapter, was a panelist
during the 2008 Defense
Forum Washington on
17 September 2008. This
annual event is sponsored by
the U. S. Naval Institute and
the Military Officers
Association of America. The
topic was “Measuring
Success: Keeping Faith with
Wounded Warriors and Their
Families.”
Chaplain Hoffmann’s panel
addressed “Challenges and Handling of PTSD/TBI/Depression
. . . What Comes Next?” COL Jack Jacobs, USA (Ret), Military
Analyst for NBC/MSNBC and Medal of Honor recipient from
service in the Vietnam War moderated the discussion. The
following is excerpted from Chaplain Hoffmann’s remarks
In the first of two books on the chaplaincy during the Civil War,
Editor John Brinsfield records a letter from a Union Army
chaplain to his family. This chaplain wrote: “The horrors of war
are not fully seen in the battle, but in the harvest of agonies
which result.”
Let me repeat those words:
“The horrors of war are not fully seen in the battle, but in the
harvest of agonies which result.”
The chaplain, representing America’s religious communities, is
not only there with the warrior in the midst of the battle, but
there in the aftermath when the smoke and smell of battle
lingers on. The chaplain is linked into the entire chain of
command, from headquarters to the front lines. Chaplains
respond to a threefold calling and charge for “prophetic,
priestly, and pastoral ministry.”
The prophetic role speaks to what is ethically right and/or
wrong.
The priestly role engages in the rituals and sacraments of
religious faith.
The pastoral role cares for the living, honors the dying, and
provides support for the families of the combatants.
The chaplain also represents the commander. As such, the
chaplain:
Is a confidant of the commander.
Speaks to the commander on matters of religion, morals, and
morale.
Speaks to the individual service member and families.
At the same time, the chaplain serves on the commander’s
special staff alongside of medical officers and lawyers. The
commander and all other staff are also part of the chaplain’s
responsibility for religious support and spiritual care. Every
dimension of a chaplain’s command relationship is an honor
and a privilege!
I am here today as a symbol or reminder that the chaplain, who
represents the religious communities of our Nation, is a part of
the healing team for our Wounded Warriors. Chaplains have a
deep understanding of the wholistic nature of our lives. It is not
the physical and mental healing alone that restores the
wounded to wellness. There is a spiritual dimension as well.
Chaplain Dick Millspaugh, Chief of Chaplain Services for the
San Diego VA Healthcare System reminds us of prevalent
symptoms that point to spiritual wounds in war. These include:
loss of innocence, loss of intimacy, inability to see the world
any longer as a safe place, loss of connection with God, and
lingering fear. The chaplain is the professional that can help
address these types of issues toward restoration of well being.
Regardless of one’s religious persuasion, there is a universal
understanding in all traditions that God is a spirit. It is that Spirit
that we attempt to incarnate with our presence in the
community of healing. We are there not only for the patient and
family, but for other caregivers as well. And, most importantly,
we exercise “the confidentiality of the cloth.”
The Military Chaplains Association, as well as the Military
Officers Association of America, can mobilize the resources of
the retired community. It is a magnificent utilization of trained
human resources. With your assistance, we can collaborate in
identifying critical care
issues, intervene as
appropriate, intercede
with responsible
leadership, and
involve the faith
community.
Permit me to
underscore the
declaration that we
chaplains are there for
all of you. And, I
repeat my opening
words. We are there
“in the midst of the
harvest of agonies
that result from war. “
Thank you!
God bless you in
your care for our
Nation’s Warriors!
Speaks for the chaplain’s faith community. Works with other
chaplains who represent different religious faith stances.
16
The Military Chaplain
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The Military Chaplain
17
THE MILITARY
CHAPLAIN
ISSN-0026-3958
Volume Eighty-One
Number Four December 2008
Executive Director and
Publication Editor
Chaplain Gary R. Pollitt
Associate Executive Director
Chaplain George E. Dobes
Chair, MCA Veterans Day Events
Chaplain David E. White
National Office
P.O. Box 7056
Arlington, VA 22207-7056
Phone: 703-533-5890
[email protected] or
www.mca-usa.org
Graphic Design by:
Polcari Design Group
[email protected]
THE MILITARY CHAPLAIN
(ISSN 0026-3958) is published
quarterly 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. 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. Non-member
subscriptions Domestic $24.00;
Foreign $36.00 per calendar year.
Periodicals Postage Paid at
Arlington, VA and at additional
mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to EDITOR, THE
MILITARY CHAPLAIN, P.O. Box
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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
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Copyright 2008 by The Military
Chaplains Association of the
USA. Copyright not claimed for
editorial material in public domain.
Reproduction without
permission is prohibited.
The TREA Memorial Foundation:
Vital Help for Chaplains
Calling all Chaplains.
The Retired Enlisted Association’s charitable foundation is eager to help both chaplains
and the soldiers in your ministry. The Foundation has recently provided musical
instruments, bicycles, coffee machines, and phone cards to several chaplains based in
Iraq so they can better serve the soldiers.
In addition, soldiers who have been wounded or who have family emergencies can
quickly receive financial aid from the Foundation through their chaplain. Bereaved
families and the families of seriously wounded soldiers are also a special concern for
the Foundation which currently has funds available for assistance. Dozens of soldiers
are currently benefiting from the Association’s program — if you know of an enlisted
man or woman who is in need of assistance as a result of their service in Iraq or
Afghanistan please don’t hesitate to ask the Foundation for help.
Chaplains should e-mail a basic description of the need to the Foundation’s Aid
Coordinator either through our website: www.armedforcesaid.org or directly to Mary
Knowles at [email protected]
Provided by Nicole Gossage,
The Retired Enlisted Association Memorial Foundation
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: 16 September 2008
4. Issue Frequency: Bi-monthly
5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 4
6. Annual Subscription Price: $28.00
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)
Average No. Copies
Number of Copies of
Each Issue During
Single Issue Published
Preceding 12 Months
Nearest to Filing Date
2600
2600
Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions
1717
1727
Sales Through Dealers/Carriers/Vendors
N/A
N/A
Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation
1717
1717
Free distribution by mail
150
150
Free distribution outside the mail
683
683
Total free distribution
833
833
Total Distribution
2550
2550
Copies not distributed
50
50
Total
2600
2600
Percent paid and/or requested circulation
67
67
Signature and Title Gary R. Pollitt, Editor
Date 16 September 2008
The Church, State, and
Industry Foundation
The Church, State, and Industry Foundation (CSIF) is
committed to the development and nurture of godly
leadership character. The CSIF’s focus on leadership
character is rooted in the life experiences of its founder, James C. “Pip” Pippenger.
The first defining experience was on December 25, 1944 while he commanded a B-24
during a bombing run over Germany. Anti-aircraft flak took out two engines and forced
an emergency landing on a short, muddy runway in Belgium. Silver Chief - 032 was
severely riddled with holes. However, not one member of the ten-man crew was
injured. “Pip” instantly realized the miraculous nature of the situation and sought to
give proper credit. “Gather under the wing boys, we’re going to have a prayer.”
After the war, Jim Pippenger formed a business for the manufacture and export of
machinery parts. His contacts with many cultures throughout the world shaped a
broad view of human character and the vital importance of Divine virtues. “I know that
virtues ultimately come from God. Wherever I see something good occurring, there is
always an underlying influence from ministers, churches, and the Word of God. If
God’s character virtues were essential elements in leadership practices across all
churches, governments, and industries - we would have a much more peaceful and
prosperous environment throughout the entire world.”
The vision of the Church, State, and Industry Foundation is to promote pure heart and
righteous conscience in the leadership of religious, government, military, and
industrial organizations. The Foundation notes the substantial influence of Divine
principles upon the framers of the United States Constitution and the democracy they
founded. The Foundation sees the legacy of military chaplains since Colonial days as
they reached across cultural and religious boundaries to advance the moral and
spiritual well-being of countless,
diverse people. The Foundation
believes that such chaplains are
among those best suited to influence a
desperately needed leadership
transformation in godly character
across our society and throughout the
world.
During initial organization, the CSIF
set out to bolster the recruitment of
military chaplains. It launched a robust
program of scholarship support to help
seminary students prepare for
military chaplaincy. The Foundation
has awarded a total of 36
scholarships in the amount of
$5,000 during the 2006 and 2007
school years. These awards went
to chaplains or chaplain candidates
from all branches of the Armed
Services representing diverse
religious faith groups. For
information about the next
scholarship award cycle, go to
www.chaplain-csif.com.
The Military Chaplain
The Church, State, and Industry
Foundation recently provided a
block grant for MCA to republish
Billy Keith’s Days of Anguish,
Days of Hope and distribute to
military chaplains as a national
service project. This “chaplaincy
classic” sets forth the ordeal and
triumph of Chaplain Robert Preston
Taylor as a POW in World War II.
From previous editions of the book,
many people have been inspired by
Taylor’s heroic displays of godly
character and ministry integrity under
the shadow of atrocity and death.
Collaboration with CSIF began and
flourished under the leadership of
MCA Past Presidents John Murdoch
and Jim Spivey. The CSIF sees
republication of a benchmark for
chaplain leadership under extreme
conditions as a natural extension of
its efforts to bolster the military
chaplaincy profession. Board
members hope that the spiritual
resilience of Robert Preston Taylor
will encourage and strengthen
chaplains during the challenges of
“persisting conflicts” in the present
hour.
Photo top left: Gary Pollitt, MCA
Executive Director, and Tim Davison,
CSIF President, present the first new
copy to Veterans Affairs Secretary
James Peake during the Veterans
Day reception.
Photo bottom left: Telephone
conference with “Pip” Pippenger,
CSIF Board Chair, during the MCA
Veterans Day evening banquet.
19
Please Mark Your Calendar
21-25 April 2009
MCA National Institute and
VA National Chaplain Leadership
Convocation
Marriott Solana Hotel
Westlake, Texas
Go to www.mca-usa.org for more info
posted on 16 January 2009
Veterans Day photos throughout this issue by
Lee Alloway, Angelique Herran, John Murdoch
PERIODICALS
POSTAGE
PAID