A local reporter is “downrange” covering the deployment of Nevada Army National Guard soldiers in Afghanistan.
He notes what seems like a unique situation but is, in fact, not uncommon — a member from one unit supporting another unit, from a different state: Read more
It has been said here often that the US military can provide an excellent example of religious freedom to other nations who have yet to fully grasp that human liberty. Unfortunately, in efforts to shore up support with locals, it seems the local religion may get emphasized more than religious freedom. For example, messages from Afghanistan often tout the United States’ respect for, support of, and even defense of the religion of Islam — rather than its respect, support, and defense of religious freedom.
US military chaplains may be an exception to those omissions. Within the Read more
Rabbi Michael Gisser officially became a Chaplain in the US Army Reserve on Veteran’s Day. Why Veteran’s Day?
“I wouldn’t be here if not for the U.S. Army and the Allied forces,” said Gisser, the associate chaplain for Jewish life at Wake Forest University…
His father, a native of Lodz, Poland, was a prisoner in Read more
US Army Chaplain (Capt) Todd Cheney tells the inspiring story of how a young member of his civilian congregation joined the Army, got married, and was killed soon after in combat in Afghanistan — and how Adam Kinser’s sacrifice led him to the chaplaincy.
“I was so touched by this young man’s service,” Cheney said…
This was when Cheney first Read more
On October 22nd Pope Benedict XVI addressed military chaplains in Rome for a conference.
“The military life of a Christian must, in fact, be seen in the light of the first and greatest of the Commandments, that of love for God and for neighbor, because Christians in the military are called to create a fusion Read more
US Army Chaplain (1stLt) Thomas McNeill Bulla was serving in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France in October 1918. He was struck by enemy fire while helping tend to wounded Soldiers, evacuated to a field hospital, and died two days later. The State of Virginia is awarding him the state’s highest honor:
Bulla never received any recognition by the Army Read more
The National Catholic Register ran a piece on military chaplains entitled “Profiles in Courage: Military Chaplains,” documenting the roles and experiences of Catholic chaplains in the US military. While it noted the typical shortage, it also highlighted a surge of new volunteers:
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA reported a sharp jump this year in the number of seminarians interested in serving as military chaplains. As the 2011-2012 academic year begins, there are 31 military-affiliated seminarians nationwide, up from three just three years ago.
The article also profiled four military chaplains Read more
Members of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade paid a visit to the Gentle Hands Orphanage during a Marine exercise in the Philippines.
Gentle Hands, a Christian child and youth welfare agency, provides shelter and care to children ranging in ages from birth to high school.
The orphanage is currently home to 50 people.
The Marines helped with heavy lifting, moving Read more