The new trial judge for US Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, accused in the 2009 massacre at Fort Hood, has said Hasan’s decision to wear a beard violates Army regulations, but that’s ok. Notably:
The judge, Col. Tara Osborn, said she won’t hold it against him but that military jurors might.
That, of course, is one of the points raised Read more
White House photo.
US Army Chaplain (LtCol) Larry Bazer, Joint Forces Chaplain for the Massachusetts National Guard, was on hand December 13th at the White House to light a 90-year-old menorah. (It turns out he was invited to do so last year, but was unavoidably detained: He was deployed to Afghanistan.) President Obama gave a history of Hanukkah and explained the application of its values to all.
Jews in Green notes that the Marine Band played Read more
As noted at the Baptist Press, a Congressional conference committee is currently attempting to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. One issue is a change that might allow the military to use funds or facilities for abortions. Another is whether or not military personnel will be explicitly protected in their moral and religious expressions regarding homosexuality. The Chaplain Read more
Update: A letter to the editor of the Stars and Stripes questions Torpy’s “odd idea of religious freedom.”
Former Army Captain and current atheist Jason Torpy was working overtime doing damage control over the past week, as various outlets picked up the story of his complaint over the “live nativity” occurring during NSA Bahrain’s annual “Holiday Tree Lighting.” His comments appeared on a variety of sites covering the controversy; in each case, he basically said he didn’t demand NSA Bahrain cancel it — he just called it “unconstitutional” and a danger to US troops — that’s all. Of course, he did say that cancelling it was “preferable to” letting it happen:
If the scene had to be cancelled, that is unfortunate but it is also preferable to the government-sponsored proselytism [*See note, below] the Live Nativity would have added to an otherwise positive celebration.
FoxNews accurately reported that Torpy’s complaint to the Inspector General led to the cancellation of the event to occur during Read more
An Air Force article from Peterson AFB discusses one of the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness:
According to Chaplain (Capt.) Joe Watson, the spiritual aspect of an individual is whatever faith or religion they have, or don’t have.
“(Spirituality) is part of their life and it means something Read more
Air Force Chaplain (Maj) Jeff Granger wrote an interesting article entitled “Confession of a Chaplain: I shouldn’t be here.” In short, he left active duty to become a chaplain, but then found himself ineligible for the chaplaincy through a confluence of events. As often happens, the needs of the Air Force changed, and he was able to re-enter the Air Force as a chaplain.
It’s an interesting commentary on being where God wants you to be — even if you don’t feel that you are.
The conversation that took place in the comments on the article were interesting as well. Two samples: Read more
LifeSiteNews reports retired US Army 1SG Lynn Vanzandt, a JROTC instructor in Huntsville, AL, is being investigated by the Department of Education for allegations of harassment and discrimination, based on statements he made regarding the Bible and homosexuality:
The Department of Education sent a letter to Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Casey Wardynski this week, informing him that federal investigators will look into claims of alleged harassment Read more
Christian music group Kutless is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse veteran support program Operation Heal Our Patriots, creating Kutless Military Mission.
The Kutless Military Mission Project is a two-fold ministry. They have formed a program to give away free concert tickets for active and retired military members and their spouses. It is the band’s hope that these tickets will give these military families an opportunity to be encouraged and refreshed as they enjoy the concert.
Secondly, Kutless will be donating Read more