Contingency management in the National Capital Region was the theme of the 8th annual military and civilian chaplain interagency conference held at the Spates Community Club and Conference Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., June 11, 2014.
The conference was hosted by the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington Command Chaplain's Office. There were more than 100 registrants for the conference from all over the National Capital Region and from as far away as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
"This topic stresses the necessity of having contingency plans in the event of an emergency," said Sgt. Joshua T. Nelson, JFHQ-NCR/MDW chaplain assistant. "Often times during a crisis people look toward their faith as a force of stability, it also never hurts to be prepared, like having a to-go bag, in case of severe storm or emergency."
Crisis management, military responses to crisis in the NCR and religious ministry support during a crisis were among the topics discussed during the daylong event. Speakers included Reggie Parks, Prince George's County Office of Emergency Management deputy director; Col. (Chaplain) Daniel T. Ames, Chaplain for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Lt. Col. John W. Erickson, Jr., Chief of the National Guard and Reserve Legal Operations NORAD/NORTHCOM.
"We bring people and Soldiers to God and God to people and Soldiers, it's what we bring to the table to best execute that call," said Col. (Chaplain) Michael E. Brainerd, JFHQ-NCR/MDW command chaplain. "It is critical as interagency and joint chaplains to liaise together to coordinate outreach and make sure that people know that chaplains are here to help them in an emergency."
Conference organizers said the event fostered professional development and idea sharing among the participants and allowed those present to develop working relationships they will need during a time of crisis.
Social Sharing