Army Chaplain (Capt.) James Key writes an interesting commentary in “Memorial Day from chaplain’s foxhole,” reiterating the important role Chaplains play to the lives and service of all military members, regardless of faith, or lack thereof.

Military chaplains guide Soldiers and their families through the ”Circle of Life” from births, baptisms, confirmations, marriage, illness and death. Our role is broader than a typical civilian minister because we have to connect Soldiers to God on a daily basis…

During my deployment I served as chaplain for a 600-Soldier logistics battalion in Baghdad. Whoever said ”there are no atheists in the foxhole” may have been absolutely right.

As is often the case, the Chaplain noted how needed their services are in support of combat roles, despite implications to the contrary:

Countless Soldiers came to talk to me about war, death and faith and they presented me with many perplexing theological questions:

”Is God on our side, and will he protect me from death?”
”Will God forgive me if I kill an innocent person by mistake?”
”Will God be angry with me for participating in this war?”
”Exactly where do we really go when we die?”

It is true: war is hell, freedom is expensive, death is painful and faith still matters; especially to those in the foxhole.

Another Chaplain was recently recognized for his role in the Army.  In a fairly unique situation, Chaplain (Maj.) Larry Shaw was awarded the Purple Heart and Army Combat Action Medal for his service during an IED attack while in Afghanistan.  As Chaplains are officially non-combatants, such recognition is not the norm, though with their constant presence in the line of fire in support of other servicemembers, it should not be unexpected.