Providing spiritual guidance to deployed Soldier

By Capt. Jeff Gruidl (Army Reserve)November 6, 2012

316th ESC UMT Supports 1st LT Black
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 1st Lt. Denny Black, center, is joined by 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, CH (Lt. Col.) Charlie Yost, left, and Chaplain Assistant, Master Sgt. Raymond Hertzler, right, after Blaks conversion to the Catholic faith at Camp Arifjan on Oct.31. ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
1st Lt. Blacks conversion at Camp Arifjan
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 1st Lt. Denny Black is welcomed into the Catholic Church by ARCENT Chaplain (Maj.) Rajmund Kopec, right, and Maj. Marcus Salazer, left, during mass at Camp Arifjan, on Oct. 31.
"Chaplain Kopec explained the process to me and conducted some one-on-on... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
1st Lt. Black Congratulated
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 1st Lt. Denny Black is welcomed into the Catholic Church by ARCENT Chaplain (Maj.) Rajmund Kopec, right, and Maj. Marcus Salazer, left, during mass at Camp Arifjan, on Oct. 31.
"Chaplain Kopec explained the process to me and conducted some one-on-on... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

1st Lt. Denny Black had thought of converting from Southern Baptist to the Catholic faith for some time. Prior to Black's deployment to Kuwait, with the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, he had been attending a Catholic church as well as a Baptist church with his wife in their hometown of Virginia Beach, Va.

Black's journey of faith continued during his deployment to Camp Arifjan, when on Oct. 31, Black completed his conversion to the Catholic faith.

"When we started our mobilization process in Texas I felt the time was right, so I asked Chaplain [Charles] Yost [316th ESC Chaplain] to assist me." Adding, "He provided me with several books and started the research for me."

Once the 316the ESC arrived at Camp Arifjan, Yost introduced Black to ARCENT Chaplain (Maj.) Rajmund Kopec. "Chaplain Kopec explained the process to me and conducted some one-on-one counseling concerning my spiritual journey," Black explained.

Celebrating mass in here was a fitting location for Black, "I was married by an Army Chaplain in 1989, renewed my wedding vows by an Army Chaplain in 2012, so it was only fitting that I conduct my religious conversion with an Army Chaplain."

After the ceremony Black wished to personally thank the Army's Unit Ministry Team and all they do, "I am very thankful for the Chaplains serving in our Armed Forces with us every day."

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