Chaplain Brings “Touch of Home” to Iraq

US Army Chaplain (Capt) Mike Voudouris recognized the support he gave to his unit was more than religion; his troops were tired and stressed,

Which are all the reasons why a chaplain’s duties go beyond simply ministering to a soldier’s spiritual needs.

After watching some Soldiers knock a few golf balls into a lake for a diversion, Voudouris put a call into his church for golf supplies: 

Within about 21⁄2 months, we ended up with around 15,000 golf balls, a couple of hundred clubs; even the Callaway Golf Co. donated some brand new stuff.

Like most deployed Chaplains, Voudouris spent as much time in helicopters, humvees, and cargo planes as he did sitting still.  As has been noted elsewhere with regard to “fob-hopping Chaplains,” this ministry of presence is crucial:

“When I traveled, I got with the soldiers, checked on them, checked on their morale, gave them one-on-one spiritual support,” he said. “Also, a lot of time, guys wouldn’t necessarily seek out a chaplain, but if a chaplain is standing right there in front of them, then they’re willing to open up.”

Read the full story.

Via the Army Chaplaincy blog.