Corps chaplain encourages Huntsvillle employees to take care of each other

By U.S. ArmyNovember 24, 2014

Corps' chaplain encourages Huntsville employees to take care of each other
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chaplain (Col.) Phillip Wright and his chaplain assistant, Sgt. 1st Class Kamishia Stanfield visited Huntsville Center to provide ministry care and service to the workforce Nov. 20.

During their visit, Wright was the guest speaker at a town hall meeting where Brandon Hunt, Contracting Directorate provided the special music and Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gary Payne, Redstone Garrison chaplain led an opening prayer.

Their contributions were a treat for those who were in attendance. While visiting, Wright provided training and input to the Huntsville Center Bible Study Prayer group.

During the town hall, Wright encouraged Huntsville Center employees to take care of every member of the Corps family because everyone adds value to the team.

"There are people in this room who are hurting right now. The USACE team is a family much like your own personal family. What do families members do -- They look out for each other. Sometimes we don't help others because we never come out of our own comfort zones. In order to be a ready and resilient team, everyone within the Corps must have the courage to do this," Wright said. "Stop looking the other way when you see others around who are facing difficult situations. Make a decision to reach out to those who need help --whether it's based on your faith, upbringing, personal background. Never give up on a teammate. Always be willing to go that extra mile to help others.

Wright said he is available for counseling to employees who request his assistance. He will visit Huntsville Center more often to provide ministry care, support, service and counseling.

"My greatest challenge as a chaplain is when I cannot reach someone who I know is struggling and needs help. Sometimes I've exhausted all of the resources available to me and have to find external resources for help. I want to do everything I can to keep all of you whole. My chaplain assistant and I are here for you. Please contact us when you need help."

Huntsville Center employees commented they enjoyed the town hall.

Jean Allan, Environmental and Munitions Center of Expertise, said she was uplifted by the chaplain's message. Allen is also an original member of the Huntsville Center Bible Study Prayer Group started in 2008 by Dr. Lynn McAllister; wife of former Huntsville Center Commander Col. Larry McAllister.

"I cannot tell you how great it was working with the Bible Study Fellowship Group to support the USACE chaplain's visit. It has been a spiritually uplifting day." Allan said. "I can't thank God enough for being a part of this group. The idea came to Lynn when a very few of us ladies from HNC went on a morale boosting bus trip to Nashville with members of her church. What happened back then left the legacy we have today. I don't know if we ever imagined it would still be going on now."

If you feel you are in need of chaplain assistance, call the USACE Chaplain's Office at 202-761-0772 or the Redstone Garrison Chaplain's Office at 256-842-2965.