An official Army article documents the unique stories of Chaplain (Maj) James Freitag and Chaplain (1Lt) Cecil Edwards — two men who rose to high enlisted ranks before being commissioned as chaplains:

With a combined total of 60 years of service, two former reserve component sergeants major are currently serving as chaplains and both are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Of the soldiers who enlist in the Army, very few reach the rank of sergeant major. In the history of the Army only two sergeants major have become chaplains.

It has long been said that, in general, former enlisted troops can make the best officers.  With the experiences they share with the troops they serve, they can almost certainly make the best chaplains, as well.

These gentlemen have made the transition from senior enlisted advisor to chaplain with dedication and determination and with more than a little help from God…

“God has always opened doors for me to do the things that have allowed me to be both a pastor and an Army chaplain,” said Freitag.

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