FORT SILL, Okla. (Nov. 5, 2015) -- Thirty religious leaders from Southwest Oklahoma gathered at Fort Sill Oct. 27, to learn about the post's mission, and to get a better understanding of what it is like being a Soldier and a military family member.
The men and women represented a variety of faiths, and their visit established a network of installation support to their ministries. The tour was part of the commanding general's seven community pillars, which emphasize quality of life.
Chaplain (Col.) John Morris, Fort Sill command chaplain, said he wanted the civilian clergy get a better understanding of the roles of the military culture and the unique pressures it puts on DoD families.
"I want to establish good partnership with the local clergy where they feel comfortable helping their military families and using the resources Fort Sill has to offer," Morris said.
In his welcome, Maj. Gen. John Rossi, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general, said it is things like schools, medical facilities, employment opportunities and churches, that Soldiers's families look at both on and off post.
"Those are called the 'satisfiers' and if those things aren't met, you lose the family," Rossi said. "The religious part of this is critically important, and that's why we want to help you understand, ask questions, about what we do here with Soldiers."
With 80 percent of Fort Sill Soldiers living off post, many of them attend religious services outside the gates, he said. Soldiers will sometimes confide in their civilian clergy, civilian mental health providers before they will with their own command, he said.
All the installation's commanders briefly mingled with the guests. And the post 30 chaplains from five chapels also met with the visitors, which included Imam Hassan Ahmed, as well as Baptist and Catholic leaders.
The clergy's tour included observing hand grenade training, a briefing from the Fort Sill Drill Sergeant of the Year, and sites visits to the Industrial Training Complex, Red Cross station and VA clinic.
Chaplain (Capt.) Jesus Wallace, South-Central Chaplain Recruiting Team in Dallas, was invited to present about the Army's need for chaplains.
"I've been getting a lot of interest, and the VIPs are asking a lot of questions," he said.
The leaders also heard from representatives from Army Community Service about programs available to Soldiers and families, including Survivor Outreach Services, and the Family Advocacy Program.
The religious leaders were also able to meet in breakout groups to discuss common issues in counseling military couples, military families and combat veterans.
The pillar tour was a follow up to a breakfast last spring when Rossi met with six local pastors and chaplains. It was the first tour in a series of the seven community pillars. The other pillars include schools, housing, employment availability, safety/security, shopping, medical facilities and recreational activities.
In January, Fort Sill chaplains will visit Comanche County Memorial Hospital for a day of training in best practices in civilian pastoral care, Morris said.
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