US Army Chaplain (Capt) Mike Voudouris recognized the support he gave to his unit was more than religion; his troops were tired and stressed,
Which are all the reasons why a chaplain’s duties go beyond simply ministering to a soldier’s spiritual needs.
After watching some Soldiers knock a few golf balls into a lake for a diversion, Voudouris put a call into his church for golf supplies: Read more
Recent DADT news:
More below the fold. Read more
Some people say that Americans who grow up in other countries before becoming citizens (rather than being “born American”) have a better appreciation of the life and liberties available in the United States. US Army Reserve LtCol Joseph D’costa, who was born in Uganda, certainly feels that appreciation.
He grew up with a desire to attend West Point, and ended up spending a year in college and turning down an ROTC scholarship not so he could attend West Point, but so he could attend the preparatory school to get ready for West Point. He was eventually accepted and graduated in 1989: Read more
An interesting article describes the busy life of a Chaplain serving the US Army in South Korea:
I spend most of my time during the week working around my battalion. I’m handling soldiers’ personal concerns, from marital problems to issues with their commanders. Soldiers in my unit have asked me to “bless” their newborn babies and perform non-religious…weddings, among other things.
Often I’m asked to deliver a “non-denominational” invocation prayer at change-of-command ceremonies and memorial observances, “spiritual fitness events” and other occasions. Read more
An Associated Press article printed in New Zealand noted that combat may “officially” be over for US forces, but lethal threats still remain.
However, the picture chosen as the lede was far more interesting than the article itself:
They chose a photo of the men praying together to communicate the character, attitude, seriousness, and heart of the US Soldiers. The picture is sincere, heartfelt, and even moving — despite being only vaguely connected to the topic of the article. It seems even newshounds are inexplicably drawn to the meaning-filled act of Soldiers who join together to ask God’s protection and guidance as they launch to accomplish their mission.
The full Associated Press picture and article can be seen here. More photos of religion in the military can be found here.
As previously noted, the US Army recommended Chaplain (Capt) Emil Kapaun for a Medal of Honor in 2009. Kapaun died in captivity in North Korea in 1951 after he was captured by the Chinese; he had stayed behind when the unit retreated in order to remain with those who could not flee. Stories told by repatriated Soldiers were of Kapaun’s continual service and sacrifice, even at great personal risk, to tend to the physical and spiritual needs of the captives.
The Associated Press recently noted that the Kansas Congressional delegation (Kapaun hailed from Kansas) is seeking legislation to grant the Medal of Honor to Kapaun.
C-SPAN recently published footage of Ronald Reagan acting in World War II military training films.
In this US military video aptly entitled For God and Country, Reagan plays a Chaplain. Reagan comforts and prays with the men on Christmas, and ultimately dies trying to save one. From the end of the film:
A Soldier: unarmed, yet not unarmed. For what better weapons may a soldier carry with him into battle than those of courage, of unswerving devotion to his faith and to his fellow man?
Interestingly enough, it appears there were no atheists in his foxhole…
The original CSPAN video can be seen here.
Via the Army Chaplaincy blog.
The USS Bataan recently conducted a burial at sea for former US Navy Sailors, some veterans from World War II.
“Raise the church pennant and lower the colors to half mast,” was spoken in a solemn and firm tone over the ship’s general announcing system. The ensign was lowered and the burial detail prepared to send their shipmates to the deep…
“Being buried at sea is meaningful,” said Bataan Chaplain Cmdr. Steven Souders. “It has tradition. So as Sailors begin to see these traditions, it begins to build that legacy in them.”
The families…will receive a ceremonial folded flag, and the shell casings from the rounds fired during the 21-gun salute. A letter from the captain, a chart listing the latitude and longitude of where the cremains were committed, and still photos of the ceremony will also be provided.
The use of a “church pennant” may be unfamiliar to most. Under US law (4 USC 1) the Naval church pennant is the only flag or pennant which may be flown Read more