GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Behind every good Chaplain is a chaplain's assistant. In fact, this December the Army will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the position. At the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command (JMTC), Master Sgt. Michael Cavalier, assists Chaplain Scott Hammond, JMTC Chaplain. He's just one of many in the ranks.
Rugged and stern-looking - Cavalier looks-like he should be in the infantry, or maybe a tanker. Who would have guessed he'd be a Chaplain's assistant for his entire career, which is 19-and-a-half-years to date.
"I like helping Soldiers and making a difference in their lives," said Cavalier. "I find lots of opportunities to do that as an NCO, and as a chaplain's assistant."
He said he often mentors and counsels Soldiers looking for advice on their careers and advancement opportunities, and Soldiers who have relationship or marriage issues. Those that might just need someone to listen.
"I still feel like I'm making a difference," he said. "I plan to stay around for a long time."
No stranger to conflict, Cavalier sees his role as important, especially when there are Soldiers still deployed. He served in the first Gulf War and in Bosnia. He also served in Albania in support of Army efforts in Kosovo.
"The Chaplaincy is about being available for all Soldiers no matter what their religious background," said Cavalier. "The Chaplaincy is about providing free exercise of religion in a pluralistic environment, Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Muslim, and Wicca."
During his career, he has seen the full gamut and remains open and nonjudgmental.
"Our primary role is to act as advisor to the Command on issues of morals, morale and religion" said Hammond. "One of the things that make Cavalier exceptional as a chaplain's assistant is that he is an advisor that is sought out by the highest levels of Command."
Most people confuse the chaplain's assistant's position with being a driver, or an administrative clerk, but Cavalier can counsel and mentor, and a Soldier can expect the same level of confidentiality, as one would expect from the Chaplain.
Hammond said, Cavalier is a consummate professional 24/7 and has even served as the acting company 1st Sergeant numerous times because he is such a respected leader.
The JMTC has about 2500 Soldiers, and Hammond and Cavalier have direct oversight of the Soldiers in the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Combined Arms Training Center and Directorate of Simulations and Training Support, not to mention, anyone training in the many training areas in the JMTC footprint, which stretches to some partnering nations, like Romania, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, during remote training events.
When asked if he had any advice for young Soldiers, or those that may need a little inspiration, Cavalier offered the following advice.
"Remember the basics - Lead by example, if you compromise your integrity you compromise your ability to lead," he said. "Remember the human aspect of what you're doing. You're not dealing with a problem. You're dealing with a Soldier."
There is an old adage that says, "people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Cavalier is someone who knows a lot and cares for people, said Hammond.
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