BRUNSSUM, Netherlands - A Changing of the Stole ceremony, presided by Lt. Col. Chad Arcand, USAG Schinnen Garrison Commander, was held to mark the change in the spiritual leadership in the tri-border community Feb. 6 in the JFC Brunssum Chapel.
A stole was exchanged between Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Glen McFarland, outgoing USAG Schinnen Command Chaplain, and Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jonathan Etterbeek, incoming USAG Schinnen Command Chaplain, Sunday, during the Protestant Worship Service.
In the same manner that a military unit passes the unit's guidon between an outgoing and incoming commander, the changing of the stole marks the change of the role of command chaplain from one to another.
A stole is a 7 to 9 foot long band of colored cloth worn around the neck by spiritual leaders.
"It (the Religious Support Office) is the command's program, and I thank Lt. Col Arcand for being here. From the outside looking in as I in-processed, I can tell that there's a great command climate here. I'm excited to be here and look forward to being part of the team and serving," said Chaplain Etterbeek.
Following the changing of the stole, Chaplain Etterbeek introduced the new Deputy Command Chaplain, Chaplain (Maj.) Phil Smiley.
Chaplain McFarland received a well deserved ovation and paused and said that one who is going to be missed the most is my wife, 'Miss Sara', who played a very active role in youth education.
"The little ones are going to miss you, Sara, thank you... and it's been a blessing and a joy to serve with you all," Chaplain McFarland said.
The tri-border community describes USAG Schinnen's area of responsibility, which includes approximately 7000 U.S. personnel living in international and NATO military communities across northern Germany, northern Belgium and the Netherlands.
Social Sharing