Chaplain (Capt.) Keith Manry shakes hands with President Barack Obama at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

The Air Force recently announced that Chaplain (Capt) Keith Manry was selected as the Air Force Chaplain Corps Company Grade Officer (CGO) Chaplain of the Year for 2014. Manry is a chaplain for the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and he was also recognized for his work as a hospital chaplain at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan:

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities God has provided me over this past year,” Manry said. “Working beside incredible medical warriors and ministering to the brave men and women who willingly walk into harm’s way, was the most humbling experience of my life.

“What’s more, ministering to Afghan local national patients, especially children, was an experience I never expected and which touched my heart in ways I cannot describe,” he added. “The opportunity to represent my country, my church, and my God in combat is one which has forever changed me and which I will never forget.”

Chaplain Manry apparently also opened Holy Joe’s Café — free coffee from the chapel — at the always-overtasked Security Forces group and 15 missile alert facilities.

“Every day I am thankful to God for the chance to put on this uniform and serve in this amazing capacity,” Manry said. “Most days I feel extremely unqualified to do this work. I am overwhelmed by the strength and courage God has given me and the daily grace God provides me to meet whatever comes my way.”

Chaplain Manry, a United Methodist, certainly seems to make the most of those opportunities to minister to the troops under his care.

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