What is the best thing a Chaplain has ever done for you?

2015-03-17T05:57:28-04:00

I am an Active Duty Army Chaplain. I want to be the best I can be. I truly care about people of all backgrounds and faiths - and those who profess no religion. I am Christian but I adhere also to the Chaplains directives in AR 1-65.

Help a guy out. What is one thing a Chaplain did in your life that was a positive? I want to be an effective, caring Chaplain and hearing from others how other Chaplains helped gives me a better understanding . If you had no positive experience with a Chaplain , that's ok. Feel free to be honest. But remember my mission here. To gain insight on how I can become an ever better Chaplain. This is not an open invitation to bash Chaplains. Currently, the media likes to highlight the few Chaplains acting with questionable motives or taste. You never hear of the vast majority of goodChaplains making differences in peoples' lives. But I want to hear that. So, here is your chance to tell me about your Chaplain and what worked for you. Thank you !

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 6:23 AM

2015-03-17T06:23:21-04:00

Spend time with the troops, be 'one of the guys', make yourself available. The chaplains I have enjoyed getting to know the most were the ones that were willing to share their lives - like a friend. Even my husband who does not have a faith has only talked with 1 chaplain because he was hanging out with the troops and did not put his MOS or religion out front.

Thank you for seeking out ways to be a better chaplain. Good luck in your ministry.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 6:39 AM

2015-03-17T06:39:34-04:00

Listened.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 6:44 AM

2015-03-17T06:44:19-04:00

Hi Sir,
I happen to be deployed at the same time I went through my divorce. It was a curse and a blessing. Worst place to be/all the time to think, versus all the time to think/sort out my head.

My Chaplain spent time with me. Even if he did a drive-by at the DFAC, he would always check in. I wasn't feeling very religious at the time, so once he realized that I just needed to talk it out, he kept his words succinct and supportive. That helped incredibly since I was trying to keep my divorce as quiet as possible for a few reasons. He was tireless and appropriately fun to talk with, making me see the silver lining and the possibilities of my future sans spouse. He was oh-so-very right. He helped me through a very difficult time.

You already have shown you care by posing this question, Sir. Blessings. :)

Response by PO1 Jason Taylor made Mar 17 at 2015 7:00 AM

2015-03-17T07:00:30-04:00

Helped me get through a shipmate/friend that killed himself.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 17 at 2015 8:16 AM

2015-03-17T08:16:04-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver, I am one of those folks that has a moral objection to uniformed Chaplains. That said, every Chaplain I have met or dealt with was simply awesome. Most have a knack for remember names, kids, etc that make people want to deal with them. I often refer folks to the Chaplain because of their absolute confidentially rules.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Mar 17 at 2015 9:09 AM

2015-03-17T09:09:31-04:00

Each chaplain that I've served with seemed to have the knack of getting down to Joe's level and talk one on one. Very seldom did rank ever come into play, other than simple courtesy and show of respect. I was raised in the Church of God, but my time in the Army opened my eyes to other religions and radically changed my point of view. Even though I no longer subscribe to any one religion, I have always felt comfortable talking to any chaplain about any issues. My advice, take it or leave it, always be open to all and available at any time. Try to tailor discussions based on the beliefs of the individual, without automatically pushing faith on non-believers.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Mar 17 at 2015 9:36 AM

2015-03-17T09:36:18-04:00

The best thing all Chaplains have done for me is be there when I call. I have had some trying times, not necessarily religious, but at any time, I could call my Chaplain and they would answer. I have had 2 amazing Chaplains that went above and beyond. One continually texted me afterwards to make sure everything was okay. The other constantly comes by my office to make sure everyone is doing okay and ensuring everyone has his contact info.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Mar 17 at 2015 10:12 AM

2015-03-17T10:12:48-04:00

I have to hand it to MAJ Private RallyPoint Member ... the art of actually LISTENING to what someone says without judgement or bias is probably the most tremendous benefit chaplains have had with me.
You don't have to have a specific reason or catastrophic situation to talk to a chaplain. The most positive gains I've made were, in part, due to having a good listener to sound out to. Especially when you're far from home and away from family, that sounding board can be invaluable.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 17 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-03-17T10:14:03-04:00

1) Be visible

2) Be available

3) Listen

Response by SSG Leon Drew made Mar 17 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-03-17T10:39:05-04:00

Quit , Chaplin are the biggest waste of Amry money! Seen to many good troops go to Chaplin then end up wit UCMJ action!

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 16 at 2016 12:46 AM

2016-05-16T00:46:31-04:00

He never gave up that I would find my way back. He just showed a light that I saw when it was right

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made May 24 at 2016 7:05 PM

2016-05-24T19:05:12-04:00

Speaking as a Chaplain Assistant, the best thing a chaplain ever did for me was recognize my worth.

I've been one my whole career, mostly in units, and the chaplains I've had run the gamut from great to...not great. But the one I have now--he's PCSing in less than a week--was the best. Not only did we have a good rapport, but he would actually ask me for my opinion on things. Sometimes he followed my advice, sometimes he didn't, but just the fact that he recognized I have experience, knowledge and a different viewpoint on things made it a joy to go to work every day.

Response by SGT Jack Stevens made Jan 22 at 2018 1:37 AM

2018-01-22T01:37:44-05:00

I had 5 Chaplin's that were of value to me over my 16 years in the Army. One gave me pre marriage counseling and even married my bride and me. The second provided marriage counseling and even recommended my final course of action in me divorcing my 1st wife. The 3rd was there for me when my 1st daughter was born still born, and helped dig me out the depression I went into. The 4th was there through the tragic losses I faced in Iraq in 2003 who helped me keep my faith in God, through the dark days. And the last one was an Air Force Chaplin, who after I attempted suicide after my 3rd divorce, helped renew my view of the Lord and helped me find myself. And the majority of all the times, these Chaplin's were there for me was after the duty was done.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 22 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-01-22T11:26:08-05:00

The fact that our Chaplain (82nd) was always with us, always cheering us on, and more importantly always willing to sit down and talk 1-1 with me. Reminding that God had a plan, even if I didn't see it at the time.

Response by CPL Craig Warnshuis made Jan 22 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-01-22T14:55:12-05:00

I went through a hard time while stationed at Schofield Barracks (late 90s) Divorce with kids and a big transition. My Bn. Chaplain talked me through and got me through the hard times with great advice and checking on me sometimes on a daily basis. He held me accountable to my responsibilities and kept my CO informed. The various forms of advice were a huge help in getting myself and my kids in a better place. Some things you can’t discuss with just anybody.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 7:40 AM

2018-01-23T07:40:27-05:00

As a commander, the chaplain was the one guy I could go to and vent about what a "complete tool" one of my subordinates, peers or superiors was without having to worry about it getting back to the "tool in question" or anyone else for that matter. He must have known a million "secrets". My best chaplain was a reservist who was also the dean of a theological college with multiple earned degrees - he was very smart and knew tactics and war fighting doctrine as well as any of my staff. He was a valuable member of the staff before you even considered his spiritual contributions. He listened to every soldier regardless of their complaint or rank, he could sit in silence and allow a soldier to vent as easily as he could offer sage advice, he wasn't afraid to say "... I don't know either... " when faced with a situation that really didn't have a good answer. His class As were always ready for "an official visit" but he usually had mud on his boots from spending time with soldiers. He'd offer a Sunday service to two soldiers or two hundred. He knew every soldier who could carry a tune and would include them in the service as soloist, music leaders or "plants" to get everyone else singing. He always had a funny story, a current newspaper or a wry observation to share and send to already know which was the most useful in the moment.

Response by PV2 Dylan Seaman made Jan 23 at 2018 12:42 PM

2018-01-23T12:42:26-05:00

Saved my life. And then I worked for my chaplain for 6 months.

Response by SGT Will Castro made Jan 23 at 2018 3:47 PM

2018-01-23T15:47:37-05:00

Back in 1980 we had a church single adult meeting at Barchused Grardin Germany and some my group suggested that we invite the European church members to come and see if we could use the Armed Forces Recreatie Hotel.
He pulled some strings and got a OK!

Response by PO1 Barbara Matthews made Jan 23 at 2018 6:34 PM

2018-01-23T18:34:47-05:00

I remember several Chaplains through out my career. I often attended Protestant Religious Services. Early in my career I asked one about Holy Baptism as I hadn't been baptized at that time.

She went out of her way of to make it happen. It took some effort too because it was in a deployment during the first Gulf War. She really went the extra mile. I was baptized by immersion in a swimming pool in Bahrain. I'll never forget have m how special that was to me.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 23 at 2018 6:46 PM

2018-01-23T18:46:29-05:00

"What is the best thing a Chaplain has ever done for you?"
Held the tourniquet on the left leg while I put one on the right leg...though I guess technically, not really done for me.
So....I guess provide comfort to those in my company that were needing what he had to offer

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 23 at 2018 6:53 PM

2018-01-23T18:53:25-05:00

Ok Sir, this was three years ago.
I inadvertently responded to it just now as I did not realize it was an old thread popping back up..
Be that as it may.....
Did you get what you wanted from your question? How has it worked out for you? Are you the Chaplain you wanted to be and more importantly, the Chaplain your men needed you to be?

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 23 at 2018 8:55 PM

2018-01-23T20:55:36-05:00

Made me see the humor of a truly maddening situation. Three minutes of tears in your eyes can't breathe gut busting laughter... lubricated the brain housing group.

Response by LCDR Robert S. made Jan 23 at 2018 9:09 PM

2018-01-23T21:09:17-05:00

Agreed to be my reenlisting officer, and was willing to come to work on the 4th of July for my reenlistment.

Response by PV2 Violet Case made Jan 23 at 2018 10:50 PM

2018-01-23T22:50:15-05:00

When I joined the Army in 78 that was when they decided to integrate the women as the same as men. As infantry/combat. In those days many men had the attitude women belonged in the kitchen at home so it was tough. But my Chaplin explained to me there is a difference between defending and out right killing. Telling me to read the story of Abel and Cane that was actual killing and we were made soldiers to defend. I said this is hard to be soldier with all that was being thrown at me. The Chaplin said God will never give us more then we can endure and He will be there and to never fear the valley of death because He is always with us. And that there was a purpose for me becoming a soldier. Now as I have gotten older I have realized that the things I had to endure made me think about that soldiering up and it gets me through my disabilities better. It also has made me a better soldier for God.

Response by SPC Angela Nelson made Jan 24 at 2018 10:52 AM

2018-01-24T10:52:49-05:00

Listen and be honest.
As a female soldier, she understood that we cope differently than our brothers.. The Best thing she said was "you see the world with your eyes wide open and this will probably hurt for a long time"
That got me through the rest of our deployment

Response by SPC David Willis made Jan 24 at 2018 11:18 AM

2018-01-24T11:18:50-05:00

I never really rubbed against our chaplain too many times. On a couple occasions it was "highly recommended" that I attend the service he would put on whenever he swung by our COP, so I would recommend making it clear to leadership you do not want people forced to go to services. He was a decent enough guy though, unfortunately he killed himself a couple years back and his chaplains assistant took his life less than a year later which sucked. Id say best thing you can do is show soldiers you're there for them, but try to keep your head above water and don't take too much of other folks stress as your own.

Response by PO2 James Gerlach made Jan 24 at 2018 2:27 PM

2018-01-24T14:27:40-05:00

Listened without judging. My first unit chaplain actually performed my wedding ceremony. He drove almost 100 miles to come to my hometown, on his own time, to do it free of charge. That really helped me out, and he was so gracious and humble about it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2018 3:13 PM

2018-01-24T15:13:09-05:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver the best was able to talk to my Chaplain (who was and is still an amazing friend of mine) without fear of being judged. I would refer my Soldiers to him for their issues even if I did not know the issue without fear that he would "Bible thump" but rather he would talk to them and help them with resources both available in and out of the Army. He only talked about religion if they asked. He was very competent and loved by all from the private to the BG.

Response by CPL Mark Elton made Jan 25 at 2018 12:58 AM

2018-01-25T00:58:15-05:00

Helped me thrpugh wife A leaving me

Response by SPC David Abbott made Jan 26 at 2018 12:04 PM

2018-01-26T12:04:57-05:00

The Check was there when there was a personal.probelem,and helped work it out in a non-judgemental way. One could also talk at ease with the Chaplain...and they could coordinate assistance with the problem,. It seemed there was parity when speaking to the Chaplain,with no worry about being punished or dressed down over it.
They're always on call for when a troop had an emergency back home,and a listening ear when one was needed.
I can recall on Bn.Chaplain who ran P.T everyday,and went on training exercises with the unit and he'd service out in the boonies..

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Mar 18 at 2018 5:59 PM

2018-03-18T17:59:33-04:00

Before I became a Chaplain, as an Army Brat I attended the Post Chapel at Ft Monmouth. The Post Chaplain told me about his service in Vietnam and encouraged me to go to school and prepare for this unique ministry. I am now a retired Chaplain. Email me and I'll send you a PDF of my e-book, The Challenge of the Chaplaincy. [login to see]

Response by CPO Daniel Oberg made Sep 11 at 2018 12:02 PM

2018-09-11T12:02:28-04:00

If you want success be a listener and lend an ear. Be a friend not a buddy spread common sense and your gospel
Don’t proselytize understand others rights to there beliefs. You will be fine if you always try to understand the views of others

Response by SGT(P) Bruce Cram made Jan 2 at 2019 6:36 PM

2019-01-02T18:36:09-05:00

Communication is very important. If you have office hours, try to be there. I know there are emergencies, but you need to be available whenever possible. I was a CA, and we went from unit to unit either individually -divide and conquer- or as a team, and spent time in an office so SMs could come talk with us. We tried to be available when high-stress activities were occurring, IE live fire multi-day field exercises.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 1:59 PM

2019-08-20T13:59:19-04:00

I've had many great Chaplain's.... one of the best Chaplain's I had was when I was stationed in Bamberg, Germany back in the day. The Chaplain hosted a weekly (I think it was on Thursdays) quick prayer to guide us through our workouts and improve both physically & spiritually. Then all the unit's participants worked out at the gym together. He really made things personal relating to troops one on one. He was an awesome Chaplain & officer as well.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2022 3:53 PM

2022-09-19T15:53:49-04:00

Chaplains are extremely busy, (at least the ones that I've come across) so the best thing a chaplain has done for me is take the time and just listen. Sometimes that's all we need right?