WIESBADEN, Germany – Community members from across the Garrison came together at Clay Kaserne Chapel on Tuesday to honor the service and sacred mission of the United States Army Chaplain Corps with a 250th anniversary picnic celebration.
The Army Chaplain Corps has a distinguished history of providing spiritual and ethical support to Soldiers since July 29, 1775 – just weeks after the U.S. Army itself was formally established.
The picnic was organized by the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Religious Support Office and offered free lunch and cake to all attendees and activities for kids.
The event was organized by the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Religious Support Office and offered free lunch and cake to all attendees and activities for kids.
(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Lawrence and Contra were selected to cut the cake in accordance with a time honored tradition of bestowing the honor to the oldest and youngest Chaplain Corps professionals at the event.
(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL
In his opening remarks, Col. Andrew Lawrence, the Installation Management Command – Europe command chaplain, explained how the throughline that connects all Chaplain Corps professionals – past and present – is their solemn duty to accompany military community members through the hardest of times.
He also noted how chaplains, religious affairs specialists, and directors of religious education have executed their mission through modern preventative and reactive services to build and sustain a more resilient Army.
“In recent decades, chaplains have been instrumental in suicide prevention, trauma recovery, and building resilient families,” said Col. Lawrence. “They have led Strong Bonds Retreats. They've helped Soldiers to reintegrate after deployments. They have stood by grieving families during the hardest moments imaginable. They don't wear rank to be saluted – they wear it to serve.”
The USAG Wiesbaden RSO honors the hallowed legacy of the Chaplain Corps through an active and robust community outreach program.
Speaking about the sacred duties of all Chaplain Corps professionals, Lawrence explained how each role extends beyond religious leadership to ensure all military community members receive the support they need – with the empathy and compassion they deserve.
“It's about speaking truth in difficult times, offering wise counsel when it is needed most, and ensuring – most of all – that no one walks alone through the valley,” said Lawrence.
(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL
In addition to being readily available to all community members 24/7, the RSO engages with the entire military community by providing services and hosting events – for people of all faiths and backgrounds. This includes initiatives like “Operation Willkommen Wagon,” a weekly gathering that welcomes incoming families to the community with a meal at the Wiesbaden Army Lodge.
Additionally, Lt. Col. Oyedeji Idowu, the USAG Wiesbaden command chaplain, has personally overseen RSO’s outreach to the Garrison Civilian workforce through “Chap Talk,” a recurring initiative aimed at fostering a better workplace community through open conversation among colleagues – and free breakfast.
Learn more about RSO services and upcoming events by visiting the Garrison's RSO website or following the Garrison on the My Army Post App.
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