Apr 8, 2011

Apr 8, 2011

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In a little chapel made of plywood and nails, a small congregation gathers for Mass after a long day's work.

Apr 7, 2011

Friends, families and fellow Soldiers gathered, here, Sunday, to honor the U.S. Army Reserve 9th Mission Support Command's 124th Chaplain Detachment in a small, intimate deployment ceremony.

Apr 5, 2011

FORT HOOD, Texas - Great things are happening at The Ohana Place on Fort Hood. For proof, one has to look no further than inside the main space and former sanctuary at the renovated 19th Street Chapel, where a 1,200-pound bronze statue rests.

Apr 1, 2011

Born in Bulacan Province, Philippines, and raised on a farm, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Marie Lanoza returned to her homeland in March to participate in Balikatan 2011, a military exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States military.

Mar 31, 2011

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said the Army needs a cultural change in order to eliminate sexual assault and harassment from its ranks.

Mar 29, 2011

Mar 28, 2011

The fourth annual Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention summit opened phase three of I. A.M. Strong's four-phase assault to eliminate sexual violence in the Army on March 28.

Mar 25, 2011

First, there was the Last Supper. And now there was the "final breakfast." On March 17, Fort McPherson held its final National Prayer Breakfast at The Commons at Fort McPherson. While the last of its kind, the prayer breakfast held to the tradition of allowing people to feast, fellowship and worship in their own tradition.

Mar 24, 2011

Mar 24, 2011

The 22nd U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, delivered more than an inspirational message. He planted seeds of hope for everyone in attendance at the 2011 Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield National Prayer Breakfast at Club Stewart, March 21.

Mar 24, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- As tensions mount in North Africa and revolutions rock the area, the rest of the world watches with a mix of dread and wonder, hoping for the best for those long-oppressed people of Egypt, Tunisia, Iran and Libya.

Mar 23, 2011

Williamsburg, Va. (March 23, 2011) -- St. PatrickAca,!a,,cs Day couldnAca,!a,,ct have been any better. Temperatures hovered around the low to mid 60s. A few clouds and bright sun seemed to put a spotlight on the newly blossomed dogwoods and forsythia. And Pfc. Brian Murphy, sporting a sparkling green hat, green T-shirt and jeans, seemed to devour the moments in large gulps.

Mar 23, 2011

over 900 family members passed through the Joint Reception Coordination Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from Japan, March 22, as part of Operation Pacific Passage.

Mar 21, 2011

Two U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) chaplains traveled to Burundi Feb. 13-16 to conduct a capability and capacity assessment of combat and operational stress experienced by Burundian peacekeepers recently returned from deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia.

Mar 17, 2011

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey was confirmed by the Senate March 16 for assignment as the next chief of staff of the Army.

Mar 17, 2011

Mar 17, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Recently we opened the Family Life and Resiliency Center and took another major step in providing the Soldier and his or her family members - as well as DA civilians - the most advanced and comprehensive resiliency programs the Army offers.

Mar 16, 2011

Chap. (Capt.) Fred Wendell, U.S. Army Garrison Catholic chaplain, prepares to places ashes on the heads of parishioners Wednesday at the Ash Wednesday Mass at Cantonment Chapel on Fort McPherson. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a Christian tradition. The ashes, which are placed on the forehead in the sign of a cross, are a mark of repentance.

Mar 11, 2011

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) is the U.S. ArmyAca,!a,,cs latest approach to keeping its members Aca,!A"fit to fight.Aca,!A? The Battle Command Training Program (BCTP), the ArmyAca,!a,,cs only worldwide Exportable Training Center has partnered with Fort Leavenworth Installation Agencies and MAHC to support its CSF campaign.

Mar 11, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- A day in the life of an Army chaplain demands constant spiritual readiness to meet the community's worshipping and counseling needs.

Mar 10, 2011

Strong Bonds is a chaplain-led program designed to build resiliency by connecting family members through relationship education and skills training. Last week's retreat focused on challenges Soldiers endure daily as single parents, while giving them an opportunity to bond with their children in a fun environment relatively close to home.

Mar 10, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- From the brightly colored children's toys, to the plush sofas and even the numerous clocks decorating the walls of the conference room - everything in the newly opened Family Life and Resiliency Center works toward the center's mission: providing Soldiers, families and civilians a place where they can enhance physical, emotional, social, family and spiritual resiliency.

Mar 10, 2011

Retreat is not a word often used when describing servicemembers, yet that is what some of the Soldiers of the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division accomplished.

Mar 8, 2011

Sitting on a toilet isn't a place one would normally expect to think about God. But the two-man chaplain team at Spin Boldak wants Soldiers to do just that.

Mar 8, 2011

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - No one asks for stress and hard times in their life, but for one soldier, he is deeply thankful for the darkest moments of his life. Without those bleak, hopeless days, he would not be on the path he is today.

Mar 8, 2011

Many retirees swap their business attire for shorts, but one retired Army chaplain hung up his black beret and Army camouflage uniform to don the "miter" hat and robes of a Roman Catholic bishop

Mar 7, 2011

Enjoying an afternoon of snow and sun, laughing children and smiling adults scatter along the sledding slop, whizzing down the hill or watching others go by in Garmisch, Germany. On a recent weekend 22 U.S. Army Africa couples and their 42 children went to Edelweiss Lodge and Resort for a Strong Bonds marriage retreat. "This weekend put our lives on pause so we could breathe each other in again," said Amiia Coffey, whose husband recently returned from deployment. "It let us step away from our crazy lives to focus on each other and how different we are."

Mar 3, 2011

As the chaplain of the 69th Infantry, Father Francis P. Duffy inspired a generation of New York National Guardsmen during World War I. Now Maj. Gen. John Ellington, the National Guard's top chaplain, wants the story of Father Duffy - immortalized by actor Pat O'Brien in the 1940 movie "The Fighting 69th" -- will inspire a new generation of National Guard Chaplains and inform Soldiers and civilians about the military chaplaincy. A video that interlaces Father Duffy's story with the history of the chaplaincy, produced by the Air National Guard's TEC TV visual information center, will tell that story. It will be shown to chaplains, leaders, and anybody else who wants to know about the National Guard chaplaincy, Ellington said.

Feb 25, 2011

"Lobos" Soldiers, assigned to 209th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB), 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), took the opportunity to go on a Duty Day with God led by Chaplain (Capt.) Tony Cech, battalion chaplain, 209th ASB, 25th CAB, to the Twin W.M. Keck Observatories on Mount Mauna Kea as a way to relax from training and provide a chance to talk with the chaplain.

Feb 25, 2011

Using the biblical story of Jacob from the Old Testament as an allegory for humankind's relationship with God, Chaplain (Col.) Steven Berry, chaplain for the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and Military District of Washington, D.C., reminded an audience of more than 250 people at Club Meade that God is present everywhere -- even where we least expect.

Feb 22, 2011

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Aberdeen Proving Ground community members pray for Soldiers and the nation during the National Prayer Breakfast event at the APG North recreation center Feb. 10.

Feb 18, 2011

The Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Donald L. Rutherford for promotion to the grade of major general and assignment as Chief of Chaplains, United States Army. Chaplain BG Rutherford became the 23rd Deputy Chief of Chaplains, United States Army, on November 16, 2007.

Feb 18, 2011

Feb 17, 2011

On Feb. 11, the U.S. Army Garrison Chaplain's Office hosted a Valentine's Day dinner at The Commons at Fort McPherson to help inspire and encourage romances and friendships. The event, attended by 178 people, celebrated the importance of relationships and provided a forum for people to interact with one another and strengthen their bonds over the course of a meal provided by The Commons staff.

Feb 16, 2011

Despite intense around-the-clock operations at the U.S. Army's National Training Center here, Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division held their first worship service at Forward Operating Base Denver Feb. 13.

Feb 16, 2011

Despite intense around-the-clock operations at the U.S. Army's National Training Center here, Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division held their first worship service at Forward Operating Base Denver Feb. 13.

Feb 14, 2011

Training will begin shortly for experts in certain specialties and leaders as part of the plan for finalizing repeal of the law that bars gay men, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly in the military, the chief of staff for the Defense Department's repeal implementation team said here today.

Feb 14, 2011

The 82nd Abn. Div. has its legacy chronicled in a thoroughly unique way - with stained-glassed windows. In July 1976, seven windows were installed in the Division's Memorial Chapel, depicting the division's actions in World War I, World War II, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam.

Feb 14, 2011

YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - During a ceremony at Memorial Chapel here Feb. 3, the chapel conference room was dedicated to four chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1943.

Feb 12, 2011

One Chaplain's devotion and dedication to serve God and the Soldiers of his unit.

Feb 11, 2011

The Army is committed to helping its families work on their relationships. Through modules such as the Chaplain Corps-sponsored Strong Bonds program, Army couples are offered tools and tips to help with the tough times or further strengthen already strong marriages and relationships.

Feb 11, 2011

The Fort Bragg Warrior Transition Battalion's Unit Ministry Team sponsored the first, of the 10 "Great Dates," that started in September 2010. The WTB's dates, held once a month, are hosted at local restaurants. At each date, the couples review one chapter of "10 Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage" by David and Claudia Arpthe so that each couple can further their communication skills and strengthen their marriage.

Feb 11, 2011

Feb 10, 2011

Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, spouses participated in a Strong Bonds retreat Jan. 28-29 at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

Feb 8, 2011

The chaplain's office of 99th Regional Support Command hosted a Strong Bonds family enrichment retreat in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Jan. 28-30.

Feb 8, 2011

The Army reached a major milestone last week when the millionth Soldier took the "Global Assessment Tool."

Feb 6, 2011

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.

Feb 2, 2011

U. S. Soldiers and members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force participating in Yama Sakura 59 combined forces to encourage children at an orphanage Jan. 29 near Camp Kengun, Japan.

Feb 2, 2011

A died-in-the-wool chaplain with 32 years of military service and 30 years of ministering to Soldiers and Families is retiring.

Feb 1, 2011

The Army's vice chief of staff opened the Reserve Officers Association National Security Symposium by predicting an increase in the number of Soldiers suffering from depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress.

Jan 31, 2011

FORT RILEY, Kan. - Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, Army Comprehensive Soldier Fitness director, visited Fort Riley Jan. 28 to assist leaders in opening the post's new resiliency campus during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Resiliency Learning Center on Custer Hill.

Jan 28, 2011

After years of planning by the Army Community Service and about 11 months of renovations, Picatinny Arsenal's new Army Community Readiness and Support Center opened on Jan. 11.

Jan 27, 2011

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Tom Mullins, founder of Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., will be the guest speaker for the Fort Jackson observance of the National Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for 7 to 8:30 a.m., Feb. 4, at the NCO Club.

Jan 26, 2011

FORT POLK, La. - Chaplains have great listening techniques and vocal skills that allow them to speak to large groups and individuals. However, being interviewed by media and speaking to local leaders in another country may require a different set of skills in today's real-world operations.

Jan 26, 2011

His daily ritual consists of stopping by and checking in: "Hello, How is everybody'" "Hope all is well!" "God Bless you," he says, his words reflecting kindness, appreciation and his Southern accent.

Jan 26, 2011

The Black Daggers conduct choreographed jumps out of helicopters, airplanes, into stadiums, fairs and events across the country from heights of up to 13,000 feet, but this is the first time in their history a female chaplain assistant has joined their team.

Jan 26, 2011

Army chaplains with a Fort Riley, Kan., aviation brigade are busy preparing their unit for its return from a year-long tour in Iraq this spring.

Jan 25, 2011

Alright, listen up all you deployed dads (especially if you're an expectant father): you can take an active role in the birth of your child, even if you're stationed in a combat zone. All it takes is commitment, a little ingenuity, and Skype. Just ask Chaplain (Capt.) Joseph Palermo, who recently coached his wife Katherine through the birthing process. Separated by several continents, they both welcomed their daughter, Anna Grace, into the world.

Jan 24, 2011

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles, who was with Dr. Martin Luther King when an assassin's bullet felled him on the second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, spoke to an audience of Soldiers and military employees during a commemorative ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground Jan. 6.

Jan 24, 2011

Soldier uses Skype to coach wife, help deliver baby from Afghanistan

Jan 21, 2011

Avi Behar, a 23-year-old lieutenant from Cherry Hill, N.J., was deployed to command a convoy mission in western Afghanistan last August, just a month before the Jewish new year. Since he was profiled in the Jewish Exponent, the young officer has shared occasional letters about his experiences.

Jan 13, 2011

Fort Irwin and National Training Center chaplain Lt. Col. Joseph Fleury had dreams of healing others as a child, but in the physical rather than the spiritual sense. However, all that changed when he was knocked out of bed at the tender age of 14 and answered the call to the priesthood a year later. The next 40 years have been marked by 30 moves around the globe as Chaplain Fleury is a healer of spirits and souls.

Jan 6, 2011

Jan 5, 2011

Much like Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in the fifth century B.C., Chaplain (Col.) Dennis Newton arrived at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin with a similar God-given task and almost three years later, his work is done as he heads to Fort Rucker, Ala.

Jan 4, 2011

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention last week announced that troops and veterans, identified as a high-risk group, were added because of their increased suicide rates.

Dec 24, 2010

101st Sustainment Brigade and Unit Ministry Team team up for special Christmas aerial delivery mission.

Dec 21, 2010

The unit ministry team and riggers of the 101st Sustainment Brigade teamed up to prepare for 101 air drops slated to take place next week. The "Big Drop" will bring 101 bundles of care packages and other supplies to service members in two dozen remote Forward Operating Bases across Regional Command-East.

Dec 21, 2010

Hanukkah, the Hebrew word, meaning ''dedication," is the Jewish festival of lights, celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar.

Dec 21, 2010

The Defense Department will "move out carefully, deliberately and purposefully" to implement the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell law," a Pentagon spokesman said today.

Dec 20, 2010

After saving a 21-year-old civilian trapped in a burning truck, three members of the 1-509th Infantry received the Soldier's Medal Dec. 15 at Fort Polk, La.

Dec 20, 2010

The Fort McPherson U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Chaplain Office had its last holiday prayer breakfast Dec. 9 to allow the community one last chance to meet before celebrating the holidays with their Families. Guest speaker Chap. (Col.) Michael Tarvin, command chaplain, U.S. Army Forces Command, elaborated on Bible passage Matthew 6:19-20, which states, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

Dec 20, 2010

This year, thanks to the efforts of the Fort McPherson Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC), the needy in other countries will have a better Christmas. The PWOC worked with Operation Christmas Child (OCC), an organization that supplies relief gifts to children from countries all over the world, to send shoeboxes full of gifts to needy Families.

Dec 17, 2010

The weekly services are part of a four-part series that began on Monday, Nov. 29. The services continue through Monday Dec. 20, at 11:30 a.m. in the Caisson Room of Building 60, and are open to the RIA community.

Dec 16, 2010

Soldiers assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, celebrated Catholic Mass at Combat Outpost Charkh here Dec. 10. This was the first Mass offered at COP Charkh since August due to the non-availability of a Catholic chaplain.

Dec 16, 2010

Nineteen spouses and 45 children of deployed Soldiers from Fort Carson, Colo., participated in a weekend retreat Dec. 3 at the Emerald Lodge located at the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park as part of the Strong Bonds program.

Dec 15, 2010

The video, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," takes a look at the meaning behind the song, including reflections from World War II veterans. It's brought to you by the North Dakota National Guard's Chaplains Office and the musical talents of the Blenders.

Dec 15, 2010

Spiritual fitness can help "lighten the load" for servicemembers and their families, whether they're facing combat, dealing with health issues or just managing the day-to-day stressors of military life, the Army's chief of chaplains said.

Dec 14, 2010

Two U.S. Army Africa chaplains recently traveled more than 4,000 miles to participate in the Ministry of Defence/Namibia Defence Force World AIDS Day ceremony in Windhoek, Namibia.

Dec 13, 2010

Members of the Protestant Women of the Chapel pose Nov. 17 with some of the 45 shoeboxes of gifts sent overseas as part of Operation Christmas Child, a project that supplies children in remote locations with toys and basic necessities.

Dec 8, 2010

Thirty couples from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) attended an Army Strong Bonds Retreat (SBR) located at the Hale Koa, in Honolulu, Nov. 17-19. SBR is a unit-based, chaplain-led program which assists commanders in building individual resiliency by strengthening the Army Family. The retreat or "get away" provides a fun, safe and secure environment for couples to address the impact of relocations, deployments and military lifestyle stressors.

Dec 7, 2010

Dec 7, 2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Often referred to as the Cradle of Civilization or the Fertile Crescent, the region of Iraq through which the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers flow is home to some of the earliest signs of human settlement. Contingency Operating Base Adder is located in this area, and is visible from the top of the Ziggurat of Ur, a stepped pyramid located in one of the earliest cities known to man.

Dec 2, 2010

The smell of hot coffee and baked goods fills the room and over the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the quiet sizzling of a waffle maker, a single voice quiets the room.

Nov 30, 2010

The Vietnam War was a troublesome conflict for most Americans. The actual fighting was brought into our living rooms every evening during the nightly televised news programs. The draft forced many young men into military service at a time when the nation was in upheaval.

Nov 26, 2010

For service members and Department of Defense civilians in Basra, time away from loved ones did not deter the spirit of gratefulness as they attended the Thanksgiving Day service at Basra Chapel, Nov. 25.

Nov 24, 2010

Louretta Greenwell (playing piano), secretary to Col. Deborah Grays, U.S. Army Garrison commander, leads a group of singers in the Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem Community Chorus during a practice session held Monday at the Fort McPherson Post Chapel. The chorus will sing Christmas carols at the Fort McPherson tree-lighting ceremony at the Post Library Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Nov 24, 2010

Hurry up and wait is a standard expression within the Army, but Nov. 19, U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Soldiers and Civilian employees got an exemption to that policy by celebrating Thanksgiving early with a holiday luncheon. The luncheon, sponsored by the USAG Chaplain Office, provided the garrison community with an opportunity for fellowship and to enjoy a meal together, said Chap. (Capt.) Fred Wendell, USAG Catholic chaplain.

Nov 24, 2010

FORT LEE, Va. (Nov. 25, 2010) -- What started as a one-time, invitation only Fort Lee event in 2008 has now turned into a quarterly showing of spiritual support by local clergy who want to embrace all of the new military personnel and families coming to the area.

Nov 24, 2010

RED CLOUD GARRISON, South Korea - Republic of Korea chaplains approaching graduation from the ROK Army Administrative School visited Camp Red Cloud Nov. 9 as part of the ROKA Chaplain Officer Advanced Course.

Nov 23, 2010

Garrison Yongsan in Seoul, South Korea held a prayer breakfast and moment of silence to honor those killed and injured during an unprovoked North Korean attack on a South Korean island on Tuesday as world leaders continued discuss the latest hostilities.

Nov 23, 2010

Since its creation in 1941, the Fort Gillem Chapel, Bldg. 734, has been a survivor. Built from a World War II design, it has outlasted that war, the assault of time on its paint and features and even a lightning strike. But despite its fortitude, the one thing it could not stand up to is BRAC.

Nov 20, 2010

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - Chaplains from across Iraq and Afghanistan gathered on Camp Victory, Iraq, Nov. 15, to attend a five-day conference designed to promote a new approach to improving Soldiers' spiritual wellness. The training centered around four principles: command, control, communication, and collaboration. The intent was to expand the skill sets chaplains already possess to build a Soldier's resiliency by giving them a way to help Soldiers take ownership of their spiritual life. The principles also teach people to be honest with God, cope with stress, and be a positive influence to themselves and others.

Nov 18, 2010

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Members of the Aberdeen Proving Ground community were treated to an evening of fall fun at the 12th annual Hallelujah Harvest Celebration at the Main Post Chapel Oct. 31.

Nov 18, 2010

Nov 17, 2010

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta and his wife, Jenny, talk with the Pentagon Chaplain Army Col. Daniel Minjares during a visit to the Memorial Chapel, Oct. 19, 2010. On Nov. 16, 2010, Giunta became the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. DOD photo by Fred W. Baker

Nov 16, 2010

British and American personnel stationed in Basra held multiple ceremonies to honor those who were killed in Iraq during World War I and the current conflict.

Nov 10, 2010

Nov 10, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- When Spc. Simranpreet Lamba steps onto Hilton Field today for his graduation from Basic Combat Training, he will recite the same Soldiers' Creed as his fellow graduates, but instead of a beret, he will wear a turban with his uniform; and his face is distinctive by the beard he sports.

Nov 8, 2010

FORT HOOD, Texas-Small in stature but big in poise, the eight-year-old international gospel singing sensation, Rhema Marvanne Voraritskul, graced Fort Hood with her presence Nov. 5, at the Remembrance Memorial Ceremony to honor the lives lost during the shootings at the Soldier Readiness Center a year ago.