FORT RUCKER, Ala. (November 3, 2011) -- More than 50 local clergy members and community leaders attended Fort Rucker's Clergy Appreciation Day event at Wings Chapel Oct. 27, where they were honored by the commanding general and garrison commander, educated on the Army's spiritual needs and gathered in fellowship together.
The event was modeled after the Clergy Day events held at other installations around the country that acknowledge October as Clergy Appreciation Month, according Chaplain (Col.) Dennis Newton, Fort Rucker Garrison Chaplain.
The first Clergy Appreciation day was held in May in order to gauge interest from the community. Newton was glad to hold a second, even more successful event later this year, with returning clergy as well as many new visitors.
The day consisted of several welcome speeches, two seminars on assistance issues and military youth issues, followed by lunch and fellowship provided by the chaplaincy.
"It's important that we show you how much we appreciate you, and bring you into our place and tell you some things about us," said Col. James A. Muskopf, garrison commander.
Maj. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, explained that he was honored to speak to community clergy members, because the outreach aligns with his commander's intent.
"My intent is to cultivate strong leaders who are mentally, physically and spiritually tough-- who are dedicated and unsurpassed in their commitment to our nation and to our Army," said Crutchfield.
"There are so many different titles for what you do, and your religious backgrounds are varied. Your spiritual guidance provides leaders the spiritual food we need to lead this great Army for this great country," said Crutchfield.
The general also took a moment to explain why spiritual support played a role in his own life when he read a prayer written by his former chaplain during a deployment in Iraq. While reading the prayer, Crutchfield reflected on the emotions he still feels when reading the prayer.
After the welcome and introduction, the clergy members learned about how to provide support to Army Families, especially to youth and those who are grieving a fallen Soldier.
"To me, it was simple. Let's bring them in and show them what we can do for [kids]. A lot of them have the perception that we lock the gates and don't want them coming in. That's not so," said Newton.
Learning how to support servicemembers and their Families was a big part of the event, said Drick Willford, pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church.
"It's different because they're only here for a short time. [Local clergy] need to come and learn what our military Families need, so that they can minister to them. With military families, you have to make the connection quickly," he said.
While Newton considered the event successful, he hoped that local churches will continue to work with the Fort Rucker Chaplaincy by sending brochures and information to provide to Soldiers and their Families many spiritual options.
For more information on chaplaincy events and outreach to local clergy, call 255-2989.
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