ARLINGTON, Va, (May 30, 2013) "When the healer is wounded" was the theme of the 7th annual JFHQ-NCR/MDW Interagency Chaplain's Conference held in the Spates Community Club and Conference Center at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
"Sharing ideas with our sister services and interagency partners is what helps us improve," said Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commanding general of the Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. "This year's theme of "healing the healer" is especially significant given the last twelve years of conflict and the challenges we all face."
Various military, governmental, non-governmental and civilian chaplains from across the National Capital Region discussed important topics of healing the wounds of the healer. According to organizers of the conference, this year more than 140 registered for the conference. Organizers said the conference is produced by JFHQ-NCR/MDW in collaboration with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Public Safety Chaplain's Subcommittee.
Other speakers at the conference included Dr. Dwayne L. Buckingham, Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. (Sel.) Kimberly Cain, Dr. Lorenzo Cooper York, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) H. Bruce Messinger - Ph.D, Karen Bonaby and Chaplain Barry C. Black, the 62nd Chaplain of the U.S. Senate.
"The point of my presentation was to use sacred literature to provide guidance on how wounded people can begin healing," said Black. "A critical point is that healers who are hurting often neglect their own physical wellbeing, which only exacerbates the problem, taking care of yourself is very important." In addition to opening the Senate each day in prayer, Chaplain Black's duties include counseling and spiritual care for the Senators, their families and their staffs, a combined constituency of six thousand people.
"This training went very well. The whole process is moving forward as envisioned years ago," said Dennis Bailey, Public Safety Planner, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. "The success is astounding yet there is still much work to be done."
For more information about the Joint Force Headquarters, National Capital Region/Military District of Washington please visit: www.army.mil/mdw to learn more about the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments please visit: www.mwcog.org
Related Links:
Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington
Social Sharing