Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall will say "bye, chaps" to its spiritual leader.
After more than three years of service at the battalion, Lt. Devon Foster, Navy chaplain, is leaving the Marines of Henderson Hall. The Jamaica native who was raised in New York said his time at the battalion is rooted by a call to serve others and he encourages others to do the same.
"When you think of service, that's what it is all about," Foster said during an interview at his office in Building 29 on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base. "If we can serve others, serve with humility, serve with love, that's what it is all about."
Foster is preparing to leave Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for his new duty station in Camp Fuji, Japan. He will deliver his last sermon here Aug. 2.
"As much as I am looking forward to going to Japan, I am already starting to miss here," he said. "It's been a blessing."
Foster laughingly called being a military chaplain his "second gig." He enlisted in the Navy in 1984 and earned his first college degree in accounting. He transferred to the Navy Reserves and worked in the civilian sector until the 9/11 attacks called him back to active duty and ultimately the Chaplain Corps.
"This is what God called me to," he said. "I love it. I feel this is my purpose. I feel fulfilled every day I get up and put on my uniform and minister."
Foster said becoming a military chaplain for him came down to finding his purpose in life.
"The issue of a servant and a warrior is nothing new," he said. "It's seen throughout scripture. The notion of chaplains and serving in the military is nothing new."
While at the joint base, Foster has been active in pastoring the Gospel Service and in ministering at Arlington National Cemetery while remaining open to both God's spirit and the people who come to him seeking advice or guidance.
"I don't make assumptions that I know what's going on with people or in their life or that everyone is spiritual I see," he said. "Sometimes they just want to talk. I have to just listen and remain prayerful that I have something to share with them."
And sometimes what Foster shares with those he counsels is not only spiritual advice, but referrals to programs that can offer the assistance they need.
"I'm very prayerful," he said. "I came in this morning, and before I even started there were two people on my sofa. I don't know who or what is going to walk in or who is going to be on the phone."
Doriann Geller, marketing director for Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall, said she has enjoyed working with Foster during his time at the joint base.
"He is a true joy to work with, as his faith is evident in all he does," she said. "He infuses the workplace with positive energy and a sense of `all is well' in every encounter."
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