Chaplain (1Lt) William Parsons serves a “two-fold” mission in the US Army:

Parsons still wears a cross on his Army Combat Uniform, but the American flag on his right shoulder also symbolizes his mission, not only for God, but for country.

Parsons seems to understand what is often forgotten in the modern culture: character and well-being spring from within, and one ignores them at their peril: 

“Morale and wellness are closer to where a Soldier’s soul is,” said Parsons. “It’s the unseen, most important aspect of a Soldier being able to live the Army values and give his or her best every day.”

The Chaplain deals primarily with issues of faith, but he understands his purpose in the military even beyond that:

“The issues we face as chaplains deal mostly with faith,” he said. “However, despite the fact I’m a Christian chaplain, I’m able to relate to, communicate with and help Soldiers of all faiths.”  Common issues include family lives, children, marriage, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder…

Still, the Chaplain is not “religion neutral.”  He can, and does, provide specific spiritual support:

“I conduct Bible studies in the field and I can also facilitate resources back at a Soldier’s home station,” he said.

Military Chaplains have diverse roles, from advising commanders on issues of religion to ensuring the free exercise of all of the troops under their care.  They are challenged — physically, emotionally, and perhaps spiritually — by the depth and breadth of the military’s needs for their services.  Like other servicemembers, they serve, and they serve sacrificially.  As Parsons noted, General George Washington saw the need for a Chaplaincy even before the United States was a free nation.  Chaplains are an integral — and important — part of the military service.