FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Family, friends and colleagues crammed into Woodlawn Chapel Thursday to give thanks and say goodbye to Chaplain (Col.) Alexander Webster, who retired from the Army Reserve after 25 years of service to his country.
Webster was first commissioned as a first lieutenant in the Army Reserve in 1985, three years after his ordination as an Eastern Orthodox priest. After nearly two decades with the Virginia Army National Guard, he transferred back to the Reserve and accepted a promotion to colonel in 2004.
He was then assigned to the Military District of Washington, where he was mobilized on active-duty to serve a dual mission. From June 2005 through May 2008, Webster was the Joint Plans and Operations chaplain for the Joint Forces Headquarters at Fort McNair, in addition to being the Army's Theatre Orthodox Asset for Southwest Asia. While in that capacity, Webster's work took him to Soldiers in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
He became Belvoir's first-ever Eastern Orthodox chaplain in June 2008 and has served several missions since he arrived, including mobilization and deployment cycle religious support; next-of-kin notifications; and Soldier and family outreach ministry for the Warrior Transition Unit at DeWitt Army Community Hospital.
Former director of Installation Management Command - National Capital Region, retired Brig. Gen. Dennis Rogers, who concluded his career in April, said he was happy to once again wear his Army dress blue uniform to honor a man who has provided inspiration and comfort to so many people around the world.
"Your career goes back a long way. Your extensive work with our Wounded Warriors will never be forgotten, nor will your undeniable dedication to your country," Rogers told Webster. "Our nation owes you a debt of gratitude for all your amazing contributions to the military."
With his wife, Kathleen, and three of their children looking on, Webster said it was a hot, summer day in 1985 when he decided to become a chaplain. During a family visit to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., he recalls catching his reflection in the black granite stone that contains the names of thousands of Americans - many of whom would be the same age as Webster today. From that moment on, he knew what he wanted out of life.
"To see myself among the sea of names etched on that wall was a very profound experience for me. These were the same men and women from my generation," Webster said. "I decided to join the Army because I believe it presents the greatest danger to one's soul. It's up close and personal. I would be walking alongside my destiny. It's been the privilege and honor of a lifetime."
Webster said there have been many highlights throughout his career. Though, he notes working with Wounded Warriors and chaplains from other countries ranks very high on his list. While he will be stepping away from military service, Webster said he will remain in the classroom and continue with his other passion in life - education.
A current instructor at George Washington University, he recently accepted a one-year assignment as a full-time professor of philosophy and ethics at a school in Okinawa, Japan. He's set to leave in August.
"Even though it means being away from my family for a year, I'm really looking forward to this opportunity. In my case, I guess retirement is a blessing in disguise," Webster said. "I've heard Okinawa is like Hawaii. I can't wait. It sure beats going back to Afghanistan."
Webster concluded his remarks by reminding everyone of two important things in life. He said individuals are unique in their own way and that no one is replaceable. When it comes to the Army, he also said that no one is indispensable and that missions will continue and never fail.
"Col. Webster has made a great contribution to the core of the military," said garrison chaplain Philip Hill. "He's served selflessly and generously. I'm so glad to know him and to call him a friend."
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