CECOM Command Chaplain bids Army and community farewell

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- "Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others." While these are the words of renowned author, political activist, and lecturer, Helen Keller, they do seem most suitable for recognizing the tireless service provided by U.S. Army Chaplain (Col.) Wayne Boyd, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Command Chaplain, who will retire Aug. 1, 2016, after 29 years of military service.

From Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to Yongsan, South Korea and many locations in between, chaplain Boyd has no doubt left an indelible mark on the hearts of individuals, commands and communities wherever he served. Now, as he prepares to reconnect with family and civilian life -- simply taking one day at a time, a brief look back on his life and experiences just seems appropriate.

Chaplain Boyd began his military career in June 1987 and was assigned to provide chaplain support for two battalions -- 5-15 Field Artillery, I Corps and 7-15 Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division (Light), Fort Ord, Calif. Responding to the question of what led him to the Chaplain Corps, he said, "My call to ministry was definitely from God -- as was my call to the Army. I see my role as a calling, and as serving as a missionary to the military."

As that faithful missionary, Chaplain Boyd has dedicated his career, and his life to serving others. However, he shares that along the way, his life has been touched by the service and or actions of others. "It occurs just about every day. I am always in awe of the commitment and bravery of our Soldiers. In my previous assignment in Hawaii, I sponsored ministry to the homeless, focusing on veterans. When I hosted the first homeless Stand Down, over 100 Soldiers and their family members volunteered to support the event. Selfless Service at its best," he said.

The service road has not always been without its challenges. Chaplain Boyd said that for him, the hardest part of his job has been the physical separation from his family. "My wife and children have had to say good-bye way too many times, and I have missed some very important family experiences. My wife of 36 years has been completely supportive, as have my children. My family is my everything. Although my children and grandchildren live all over the country, my wife is very excited to now be able to live in the same zip code. My children are highly anticipating us visiting them and vice versa. They have been of utmost importance in my career, I could not have done it without their love and support."

The strength of that support has often served as a springboard of opportunity for what he says he knows God called him to do. That calling has dispatched him to military locations around the world -- providing comfort, guidance and words of encouragement to Soldiers on the home front, as well as those on the frontline of our nation's defense. These Soldiers, these communities have been his focus throughout his nearly three decades of service. He said of his commitment and dedication as a chaplain, "My strength is my passion and my work ethic. I am very pleased with everything that I have done. My only regret was not being able to finish the job I started while at the Pentagon."

Continuing to look back on his journey, Chaplain Boyd said he has fond memories of his service and accomplishments as a Soldier and a chaplain. He said of one of his unforgettable experiences, "I was able to lead a behavioral health team that developed the Army's first standardized suicide awareness program, working with celebrities such as ex-NFL quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw and Eric Hipple, and actors Gary Sinise and Drew Carey. We created the Army's first suicide prevention interactive video series and also developed, validated, and fielded the Army's first spiritual health inventory in collaboration with Duke psychiatrist Harold Koenig and Westmont psychologist Ray Paloutzian. An exciting venture, we were also able to initiate a suicide prevention pilot program with the Japanese Ground Defense Force."

As one might expect, a long time career often yields many challenges and changes. To that, Chaplain Boyd would agree and states, "There have been many changes in the Army, but not as much in the Chaplain Corps. Things have not changed much in my 29 years. I have been given complete freedom to serve God and Country, and have never been stifled by any policy or regulation. My theological and political beliefs have evolved drastically. I am very pleased where I am in my beliefs and those changes came about because of some very difficult times. I live by James 1:1-4."

Offering a few final words to the military family, Soldiers and leaders, before heading off to begin a new chapter in his life, chaplain Boyd said, "I thoroughly enjoyed leading outreach programs to help others. I worked with several orphanages and disability homes, sponsored several homeless Stand Down events, led some Habitat for Humanity events, and took a mission team to Russia right after the Wall came down. When we help others, we end up helping ourselves even more. I would encourage Soldiers and family members to look for volunteer opportunities and help those in need."

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