FORT BENNING, Ga., (Dec. 9, 2015) -- After more than 35 years of service, Chaplain (Col.) Thomas Waynick will hang up his uniform and "serve God's people" in other ways when he retires at the end of December.
Waynick, who served eight years in the Army reserve, three in the National Guard and 24 on active duty, grew up in an Air Force Family. He graduated from Concordia College with a bachelor's degree in history, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in 1982 where he was ordained the same year. He also earned a master of science degree in Counseling Psychology from Central Texas University (1999) and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Army War College (2012).
"I was a parish pastor for eight years before going active duty," he said. "And I'd talked about joining many years before doing it."
During his time in the Army, Waynick has served as a chaplain all around the world. The most important of the titles he has held, he said, was director of the Family Life Training center at Fort Benning during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Waynick said he ran the center after returning from Iraq, during the initial 'surge' time, where they were seeing between 120-160 Families a week. Many Soldiers returning from the war were having trouble integrating back into Family life, and needed someone to talk to.
"During that time, every day when I would leave the center I felt like we had made a difference," he said. "In a Family's life, a Soldier's life, and even chaplains' lives."
He also spoke of his time as the Pentagon chaplain, where he was responsible for the religious life of the 25,000 people who worked there. During that time, Waynick had the opportunity to meet dignitaries, participate in pilot projects celebrating religious diversity and meet the needs of a lot of Soldiers.
After working at the Pentagon, Waynick said his Family asked to come back to Fort Benning because they love the area and wanted to retire in Columbus.
"Although I am leaving the Army, I am not going very far," he said. "I will continue to serve God's people - both military and civilian. Although I will miss the brother and sisterhood of arms, I am looking forward to the blessings this new opportunity will provide for my Family and myself.
"It's been a wonderful journey, and I wouldn't change anything that has happened."
Waynick is also a published author and has presented at numerous professional conferences. He served in the 3rd Infantry Division when they went into Iraq in 2003, and his military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal.
The Pastoral Institute in Columbus recently approached Waynick and offered him the position of director/CEO. He accepted, and will begin his new job in January.
A retirement ceremony for Chaplain Waynick will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Maneuver Center of Excellence Derby Auditorium.
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