The members of the Chaplain Corps have been caring for all the members of the Army Family since July 29, 1775. The Corps was composed of only chaplains when it was founded, but 250 years later, it is now a fully integrated team of religious and spiritual support professionals, including chaplains, religious affairs specialists, directors of religious education, and other Army personnel. That dedicated team is supported by Chaplain Corps family members, countless volunteers, and other partners. This article is one in a series highlighting historic and active members’ profiles of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps since 1775.
Chaplain Aldred A. Pruden
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Aldred A. Pruden served faithfully in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps from 1898 to 1922, marking 24 years of distinguished service. He began his military ministry as chaplain to the 1st North Carolina Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War, answering the call to provide spiritual support and moral guidance to Soldiers in times of conflict. Following the war, he continued his service in key overseas assignments in the Philippines and Hawaii, playing a critical role in shaping the evolving mission of military chaplaincy during the early 20th century.
Recognized for his leadership and vision, Pruden was promoted to major in 1911 and later to lieutenant colonel in 1920. His most enduring legacy began in March 1918 during World War I, when he founded the Chaplain School at Fort Monroe and served as its first commandant. Under his guidance, the school delivered groundbreaking training that went far beyond religious instruction. Chaplains received education in military law, international law, first aid, field drills, rules of land warfare, and equitation, ensuring they were not only spiritual leaders but also capable and confident officers prepared to serve alongside Soldiers in every environment. This institution laid the foundation for the professionalization of the Chaplain Corps and transformed how military chaplains were trained, equipped, and integrated into Army life.
A strong advocate for chaplain authority and credibility within the military hierarchy, Pruden championed the use of rank insignia for chaplains, an idea that initially faced resistance. He believed that visible rank would empower chaplains to more effectively carry out their duties and be recognized as essential members of the command structure. Thanks to his persistence, this practice was ultimately adopted, reinforcing the chaplain’s dual identity as both a religious leader and commissioned officer.
Throughout his career, Pruden remained deeply committed to the growth and development of the chaplaincy as a profession. His forward-thinking leadership elevated the role of the chaplain in the Army and established standards that would guide the Army Chaplain Corps for generations. Though he retired in 1922, his influence continues to be felt today through the continued emphasis on chaplain training, professional identity, and integrated service. Chaplain Aldred A. Pruden’s legacy is one of innovation, advocacy, and deep commitment to the care of Soldiers and the strength of the Chaplain Corps.
Chaplain Betty W. Pace
Chaplain (Maj.) Betty Pace served with distinction in the United States Army Chaplain Corps beginning in 1975, earning lasting recognition for her pastoral leadership, exceptional oratory, and steadfast dedication to Soldiers and Families. Her ministry transformed military chaplaincy through both presence and practice, setting a lasting benchmark for service in uniform.
Licensed to preach in 1957, Chaplain Pace brought decades of ministry preparation with her when she entered military service. A 1967 graduate of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, she later commissioned into the Army, advancing to captain through constructive credit shortly after entry. She completed chaplain training at Fort Wadsworth, New York, and was sworn into service at Fort McPherson Post Chapel in 1975, at a defining moment for the Chaplain Corps as its training model and operational mission were evolving.
When the Chaplain School transitioned to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, the Corps implemented a new training model that paired chaplains with chaplain assistants as unit ministry teams. Pace became part of the first generation of chaplains to operationalize this model in the force. She entered her career as a battalion chaplain, quickly establishing herself as an extraordinary communicator, mentor, and spiritual leader. Her gift for public speaking and pastoral care made her one of the most requested speakers across military and civilian settings. Her leadership and influence led to her appointment as a charter member of the Army Chaplain’s Academic Board.
Her assignments included service in Korea on an unaccompanied tour, followed by stateside and overseas ministry at Fort Gordon, Georgia and later as chaplain for the 142nd Supply and Service Battalion, USAREUR, in Wiesbaden, Germany. With specialized training in Clinical Pastoral Education and a master’s degree in guidance counseling, she built Soldier centered support systems, strengthened Family ministry, and advanced the practical integration of unit ministry teams across commands.
Her mentorship shaped generations of leaders. She served as the first chaplain to Pamela A. Wilson, who later retired as a sergeant major. Their shared legacy continued beyond military service, when Chaplain Pace and Sgt. Maj. Wilson became the first known chaplain and religious affairs specialist to continue ministry partnership after retirement, co-founding a female veteran service organization.
Her national influence extended beyond the Army when she was appointed a Founding Board Member of the International Association of Military Women of Color (I.AM.WOC). She later participated in the retirement ceremony of her religious affairs specialist, a testament to a legacy carried forward through those she led.
Chaplain Pace’s guiding philosophy of service was anchored in the meaning of her own name, which set a standard that endures in the Soldiers she served and the Corps she helped shape.
Protecting
Adjusting
Correcting
Emulating the highest standards of an Army chaplain
Chaplain Dawn Dimick
Chaplain (Capt.) Dawn Dimick, a graduate of Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (CHBOLC) Class 21-003, serves as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. She actively fosters spiritual readiness and resilience within the Army community by organizing a variety of activities, including ziplining, white-water rafting, hiking, interfaith dinners, fellowship lunches, and community service projects, such as building houses with Habitat for Humanity.
One notable initiative was a spiritual fitness ice-climbing event conducted in partnership with Soul Survivor Outdoor, a Christ-centered outdoor adventure company serving active duty military personnel. In this event, 17 NCOs engaged in physical challenges followed by discussions on the importance of spiritual fitness, fostering a sense of connection and resilience among participants.
Demonstrating a commitment to interfaith cooperation, Chaplain Dimick organized an Interfaith 'Give Thanks' Dinner, bringing together Soldiers from various faith backgrounds to share thoughts on gratitude and community. This event fostered mutual understanding and respect among participants, highlighting shared values across different traditions.
In December 2024, she led a Holiday Leaders Retreat focused on deployment readiness, integrating classes on moral leadership and moral injury. This initiative led to a commander requesting similar training for his pilots, resulting in impactful discussions about the emotional and spiritual challenges of combat decisions.
Looking ahead, Chaplain Dimick aims to continue ministering to individuals, promoting interfaith cooperation, and providing moral leadership training at all levels. She aspires to facilitate healing within families, faith communities, and the broader Army community, guided by her belief in being agents of peace and companions to those who mourn.
As we reflect on the rich history and growth of the Army Chaplain Corps, the commitment to providing spiritual care and support has remained unwavering. From its humble beginnings in 1775 to its current, dedicated team of professionals, the Corps continues to serve as a cornerstone of strength and resilience for the Army Family.
Today, as in the past, Army chaplains, directors of religious education, and religious affairs specialists stand ready to offer guidance, comfort, and hope to Soldiers and their families, regardless of faith. Their work is not just about tending to the spiritual needs of individuals, but also about fostering unity, morale, and a sense of purpose within the ranks. The contributions of these spiritual leaders, their families, volunteers, and partners are an enduring testament to the power of faith, service, and community.
Check out our previous articles and stay tuned for more profiles in our series, as we continue to highlight the remarkable history and impact of the Army Chaplain Corps:
Caring for the Army Family, Issue 1: profiles of Army Chaplain Corps members since 1775
Caring for the Army Family, Issue 2: profiles of Army Chaplain Corps members since 1775
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