WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 22, 2011) -- After four years as the chief of chaplains, and more than 30 years of service, Chap. Douglas L. Carver, a major general, retired from the Army.
Carver originally joined the Army in 1973 as an officer in the field artillery branch. He resigned his commission after six years of service, only to return in 1984 as an Army chaplain.
The July 22 retirement event at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall was hosted by Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey. The ceremony was also attended by Family, friends, Soldiers and fellow chaplains.
"Doug's service to the nation over the past four decades is how he balances duties as a leader with the commitment to do good to everyone, caring for Soldiers and their Families. Doug, along with Sunny, looked for every opportunity to do good," Dempsey said of the outgoing chaplain.
"To the two of you and your entire Family, thanks for four decades of service to our Army and our nation. We wish you God speed and good luck," Dempsey added.
Carver also spoke, thanking Dempsey for his remarks and then thanking his own wife for her support.
"To my wife of 38 years, Sunny, you alone have taught me the meaning of selflessness and sacrifice to service. You are the kindest and most compassionate, loving person I know on this Earth," Carver said. "Thanks for supporting and serving alongside me all these years as a devoted and loving wife, loving mother to our precious daughters and granddaughter, and friend to all."
The outgoing chief of chaplains also commented on the service of Solider he has worked with during his service.
"This band of brothers and sisters -- this Family -- you hear it and you sense it in the warrior ethos which describes commitments: 'I will never accept defeat. I will not quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade behind,'" the chaplain said, adding that over the years he has seen that commitment demonstrated daily.
The outgoing chaplain finished with an anecdote involving his own granddaughter.
As the two conducted military operations with her dolls, she told him "Grampy, for the Army we have to put our hand over our heart." When he asked her why, she told him "because when the Army is here, everything is alright."
Carver received the Distinguished Service Medal and the Headquarters Department of the Army Special Orders, officiating that he was now retired, while his wife Sunny was awarded the Army Public Service Award and the Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation; she and daughters and granddaughters also received flowers. The chaplain's grandsons and sons-in-law were given coins.
(Chelsea Place writes for the Pentagram)
Social Sharing