Chaplains provide for Soldiers during Mountain Peak

By Sgt. William Patrick and Sgt. Blair NeelandsAugust 1, 2012

Mountain Peak at Fort Drum
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Since the beginning of the Continental Army, there has been a need for the Chaplain Corps to provide and perform religious support for Soldiers throughout American history.

"The importance of a chaplain in a combat environment is to make sure Soldiers have the opportunity to practice their faith," said Chaplain (Capt.) Tony Hampton, with 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment. "In a combat environment when Soldiers are under a lot of stress, we want to make sure they get to practice their faith, because that can help calm Soldiers when they are going through a difficult time."

During Mountain Peak, 1st Brigade Combat Team chaplains provided counseling and religious services to Soldiers of the brigade.

"Normally in training environments, Soldiers need that break, they need that solace to where they can come in and pull away from the rigorousness of training and just focus on God and their mission and continue to keep a positive attitude about what they are doing," Hampton said.

Exercises like Mountain Peak provide additional training for Unit Ministry Teams to continue to bring God to the Soldiers and Soldiers to God.

"To sum up what we do is care for the living, nurture the wounded and honor the dead," said Pfc. David Dwight, chaplain's assistant with 1-87 Infantry.

In training and combat, Soldiers can't always make it to the chapel, so the UMT brings the service to them.

"Soldiers don't always have the opportunity to come to one location, so we may have to give many services in many different areas," Hampton said. "We have to bring it to the Soldiers. It may be a quick service in between moves, so it's very important we remain flexible when we are out there."

A formal service may not always be performed, but the message is always delivered.

"It's about the ministry of presence and sharing something with a Soldier that might help them along the way with their training," the chaplain said.

No matter the mission of the Warrior Brigade, the UMTs will continue to render their support to the Soldiers.