JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash.-- “His prayers have buoyed myself, my family, and this Corps no matter where he’s been,” said the commanding general of America’s First Corps, Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson. “I’m thankful for you and I’m so thankful to have you back here.”
The incoming Col. J.P. Smith II, the newly appointed command chaplain for America’s First Corps, assumes the duties of the Corps’ chaplain on July 12, 2024.
Smith is arriving at I Corps as the former U.S. Army Japan, Camp Zama command chaplain. He holds three master’s degrees and a Ph.D. and has held eight different chaplain positions since he was commissioned as an Army chaplain in 2005. Smith is also a published author and was awarded the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary 2016 Alumnus of the Year. He is a three-time Bronze Star recipient, a husband, and a father of three.
An Assumption of Stole is a military tradition steeped in duty and history. Akin to an Assumption of Command, the ceremony symbolizes the bestowment of the chaplain’s office and the inherited responsibilities of the position.
For almost as long as the U.S. Army has been active, there has always been a chaplain present to provide Soldiers with the freedom of prayer and religion. The Corps chaplain’s responsibility is to advise the commanding general on matters of religion, morale, and ethicality. U.S. Army chaplains are the spiritual leaders in times of war, offering words of faith to the men and women on the front lines. They nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the fallen.
“We’re going to be all we can be for the Army; for this Corps,” said Smith. “We’re here to serve and you can call me anytime, I am not a nine-to-five chaplain. I will be there when you call, let’s get to work!”
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