Chaplains have been serving the troops for almost as long as the US military has existed, providing spiritual support and protecting free exercise wherever US servicemembers are deployed.

Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, February, 1971: Helmets are removed but placed nearby for quick retrieval as Chaplain (Capt.) Albert Hartlage leads services for soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry, of the 5th Infantry Division (Mech.). The troops were taking part in Operation Dewey Canyon II.

Howard Lavick ©Stars and Stripes

From the Stars and Stripes, via The Mad Padre.