Incoming Garrison Chaplain Col. James Foster addresses the congregation after his Change of Stole Ceremony, expressing gratitude for his appointment as Garrison Chaplain on Aug. 29, 2024, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The ceremony marks the formal transition of spiritual leadership and pastoral responsibilities from one chaplain to another. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dharyian Christian)

America’s First Corps Chaplain, Col. J.P. Smith, and surrounding Joint-Base Garrison Chaplains join in prayer for the incoming Garrison Chaplain, Col. James Foster, and his wife after a Change of Stole Ceremony on Aug. 29, 2024, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. A Change of Stole ceremony symbolizes the transfer of spiritual leadership and pastoral care from one chaplain to another within the Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dharyian Christian)

Joint Base Garrison Commander Col. Kent Park holds the stole, marking the Change of Stole ceremony on Aug. 29, 2024, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The passing of the stole signifies dedication and submission to God's will, reaffirming the new chaplain's commitment to servant leadership within the military community. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dharyian Christian)

Joint Base Garrison Commander Col. Kent Park places the stole around the incoming Garrison Chaplain on Aug. 29, 2024, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The Change of Stole symbolizes the submission to God's will and signifies the new chaplain's commitment to serving Soldiers and their Families. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dharyian Christian)

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Washington – Joint-Base Garrison (JBG) bids farewell to Col. Jason Nobles and welcomes Col. James Foster during a Change of Stole ceremony.

The outgoing Garrison Chaplain, Col. Jason Nobles, relinquished the role to Col. James Foster. The Change of Stole allows the Garrison Commander and JBG the opportunity to honor and appreciate the outgoing Garrison Chaplain and make a clear distinction in the transfer of responsibility to the incoming Chaplain on Aug. 29, 2024, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

“As I take my next steps into retirement, I have a mixture of excitement and grief because I love and will miss the joy and happiness I was able to give and receive from people as I served in the Army.”

As the new Garrison Chaplain, Col. Foster will oversee the spiritual welfare and pastoral care of Soldiers across JBG, ensuring that the chaplaincy continues to provide vital support to the military community.

“I am grateful to be appointed Garrison Chaplain,” Foster said. “I look forward to help further religious relationships and building a stronger community on post.”

The historical basis of the Passing of the Stole Ceremony draws its tradition from the Bible. Second Kings, Chapter Two, described the transfer of the spiritual leadership of Israel from the Prophet Elijah who passed his mantle to his successor.

Ministers and chaplains wear the stole during worship to symbolize their voluntary submission to the will of God and their role as servant-leaders for God’s people.

The Passing of the Stole reminds all chaplains and religious affairs specialists of their calling to serve Soldiers and families as servant-leaders. It is a time of recommitment to assisting Soldiers with their spiritual needs.