Posted on Mar 17, 2015
What is the best thing a Chaplain has ever done for you?
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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 !
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 !
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 35
He never gave up that I would find my way back. He just showed a light that I saw when it was right
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Quit , Chaplin are the biggest waste of Amry money! Seen to many good troops go to Chaplin then end up wit UCMJ action!
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
SSG Leon Drew I strongly disagree. Chaplains help in ways I can't describe. I don't know to measure the value of having someone be there for you and at your weakest or most vulnerable moments.
I question how the good the Soldiers are that receiving UCMJ. I've seen several Soldiers break the rules and run to the Chaplain attempting to avoid taking responsibility for their actions; I don't thinking are there to help Soldiers get out of trouble.
Perhaps, they should have talk with the chaplain before they took the actions that led to consequences.
Chaplains are a neutral party and also there for the leadership. I remember a few times talking with a chaplain before I recommended UCMJ on Soldiers. I was concerned with impact UCMJ had on the Soldiers' families, and the Chaplain help me better understand my role as a leader.
When I got divorced after 19 years of marriage, a Chaplain was there for me to help me work thru it emotionally.
Perhaps, you had a bad experience with Chaplains, but I don't believe that's the norm. Chaplains are certainly not a waste of money. In fact, I would argue to the contrary that they're one of the Army's best investments.
Chaplains help us win the battles mentally and stay focused. If we're mentally strong, we'll lose the physical war before it even starts
I question how the good the Soldiers are that receiving UCMJ. I've seen several Soldiers break the rules and run to the Chaplain attempting to avoid taking responsibility for their actions; I don't thinking are there to help Soldiers get out of trouble.
Perhaps, they should have talk with the chaplain before they took the actions that led to consequences.
Chaplains are a neutral party and also there for the leadership. I remember a few times talking with a chaplain before I recommended UCMJ on Soldiers. I was concerned with impact UCMJ had on the Soldiers' families, and the Chaplain help me better understand my role as a leader.
When I got divorced after 19 years of marriage, a Chaplain was there for me to help me work thru it emotionally.
Perhaps, you had a bad experience with Chaplains, but I don't believe that's the norm. Chaplains are certainly not a waste of money. In fact, I would argue to the contrary that they're one of the Army's best investments.
Chaplains help us win the battles mentally and stay focused. If we're mentally strong, we'll lose the physical war before it even starts
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SGM Erik Marquez
You are welcome to your own opinion, but not your own facts and reality.
Clearly you have a Axe to grind and it permeates your ability to have an adult discussion on the topic.
My hope is, most others will see that as well, and see your response for what it is.
Clearly you have a Axe to grind and it permeates your ability to have an adult discussion on the topic.
My hope is, most others will see that as well, and see your response for what it is.
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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.
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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.
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LTC Scott O'Neil
My wife and I were Married in Italy at her fathers home town. We were not stationed in Vicenza, but we wanted a English and Italian Wedding so I called the post Chaplin and he agreed to participate in the wedding. He gave half the mass in English while the local priest gave half the mass in Italian. The Ceremony was awesome with both priests participating and enjoying the multicultural event,
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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. :)
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. :)
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