Congress passed Public Law 97-28 in 1981, authorizing the President to recognize the week beginning March 7, 1982, as the first “Women’s History Week.” This practice continued until Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating the month of March 1987 as the first “Women’s History Month.” Each March since then has been celebrated in the United States as Women’s History Month, to honor the many contributions women have made to the United States throughout our nation’s history.
In celebration of Women’s History Month 2021, women members of the United States Army Chaplain Corps share some of their thoughts below about “caring for the Soul of the Army”:
“I am honored to be part of the United States Army and Chaplain Corps because it is a direct reflection of my response to God's call over my life. I was born into a lineage of American Soldiers and I am the first woman in my family to serve in decades. Although there are an array of challenges as a minority woman in the military, second to becoming a faith-filled person, joining the Army is the best decision I've made on my journey to becoming a better woman. I hope that through my service, young women, especially young women of color, would feel empowered to occupy space in areas where we're less known to.”
Specialist Morgan A. McNeil; Religious Affairs Specialist, 826th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Devens, MA; Hometown: Boston, MA
“I joined the Chaplain Corps in 2011 after a 20-year break in military service. Serving America’s Soldiers and their families has been the most rewarding ministry I can imagine. I am blessed in my current position to help recruit Army chaplains and chaplain candidates to serve in this critical ministry to Nurture the Living, Care for the Wounded, and Honor the Fallen.”
Chaplain (Major) Andrea Baker; Deputy Chief, Chaplain Recruiting Directorate, Medical Recruiting Brigade, Fort Knox, KY; Hometown: Elizabethtown, KY
“Relationships with God, family, friends, and other military spouses through the lens of faith make all the difference in the world. Serving them is a way for me to serve those who sacrifice so much to serve this nation, and provides me an avenue to practice patriotism and love for God and Country.”
Ms. Cindy Cline; Director of Religious Education, West Point, NY; Hometown: Ventura, CA
“My greatest success besides having my family is joining the military, and being a part of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. I am proud to serve my country and to be a role model for all young girls and women by demonstrating that we too can accomplish anything. The Chaplain Corps has allowed me the opportunity to support and enhance our Soldiers’ spiritual readiness by caring for them, their families, and our civilians.”
Staff Sergeant Evelyn Hartz; Religious Affairs NCO, USAG Fort Jackson, SC; Hometown: Germantown, MD
“Serving the Soldiers and families of the United States Army is an incredible privilege. These men and women deal with the incredible ups and downs of life all while voluntarily serving their nation. They deserve meaningful and empathetic religious support and I’m humbled to be one who provides it.”
Chaplain (Captain) Nikki Reeves; Chief of Pastoral Care Unit, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, Fort Polk, LA; Hometown: Union Gap, WA
“I feel called to work in Army religious education because it perfectly marries my passions for service and ministry with my professional and educational background in teaching and volunteer management. I hope to contribute to the creation of a healthy and vibrant chapel where all faith groups and ages will thrive and grow.”
Ms. Jamie Danielson; Director of Religious Education, Fort Drum, NY; Hometown: Blaine, MN
“Throughout my military career of over three decades, certain Army chaplains lifted me up when I really needed it. I have always longed for a small portion of their spirit in order to be a better support for others. Serving in the Army is a duty; serving in the Chaplaincy is a blessing. Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever!”
Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) Kathryn Knapp; DACH-RCI, Fort Jackson, SC; Hometown: Rochester, NY
“I am the patriotic granddaughter and daughter of U.S. Army veterans. I embrace the pluralistic ministry of the Army Chaplaincy, and I am finding fulfillment in serving God, country, Soldiers, and families at USAG Ansbach as a DRE!”
Ms. Sue Nishimura; Director of Religious Education, USAG Ansbach, Germany; Hometown: Norristown, PA
“As a Chaplain Candidate, I serve alongside the unit chaplain and provide religious support, something I am familiar with having previously been a Religious Affairs Specialist for over five years. I am glad to use the giftings God has blessed me with for the purpose of ministering to Soldiers and their families. I am proud to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve, because it honors my God through obedience, and it continues a legacy of service from women who have followed their chaplaincy calling.”
Second Lieutenant Amanda C. Reuter; Chaplain Candidate, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), Miami, FL; Hometown: Arcadia, FL
“I am an Army religious educator in memory of my grandfather who died in a WWII German POW camp. Army chaplains supported my grandfather in battle. My goal is to support chaplains, Soldiers, and families so they will survive and thrive through faith and prayer.”
Dr. Becky Powell; Religious Education Program Director, USAG Stuttgart, Germany; Hometown: Richmond, VA
“I am proud to be an Army chaplain because, as a chaplain, I have the privilege to journey with people as they access their truths and find their spiritual centers. I am honored to stand in a long line of healers, teachers, preachers, and peacemakers who have borne witness to peoples’ pains and struggles, joys and celebrations, throughout our nation’s history.”
Chaplain (Captain) Anna S. Page; Battalion Chaplain, 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, Southfield, MI; Hometown: Raleigh, NC
“My grandfather was an Army chaplain serving on the front lines in France during the final battles of WWI. I am proud to continue our family’s legacy of service to the Chaplain Corps as an Army religious educator, helping to provide ‘strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.’”
Dr. Grace C. Yeuell; Religious Education Program Director, IMCOM Directorate-Europe and USAG Italy, Vicenza, Italy; Hometown: Richmond, VA
“Some wounds are hidden - but it is a part of the Army chaplain’s mission to nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the memory of those who finished their course. Exercising ministry of presence is one of the best ways to accomplish the mission.”
Chaplain (Captain) Patricia H. Greaves; Brigade Chaplain, Army Northeast Chaplain Recruiting Station, Fort Meade, MD - 244th ECAB, Fort Knox, KY; Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
“The unique characteristics of Army religious education embrace diversity, promote resilience, and build relational communities. I have the privilege of serving those who sacrifice greatly for our country and our liberty.”
Ms. Jolynda Strandberg; Director of Religious Education, Fort Campbell, KY; Hometown: Cut Off, LA
“Service to God as an Army chaplain affords me the privilege to minister indiscriminately to people, despite religious zeal or unaffiliated distance. I mourn and rejoice alongside those of every religion, race, and gender, and do so as worship unto the Lord.”
Chaplain (Captain) Delana I. Small; Regimental Chaplain, The United States Military Academy, West Point, NY; Hometown: Mount Laurel, NJ
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