Those of you who have read At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse know how important Army chaplains were for my father’s spiritual journey. I know he’d be happy to see this story from World magazine..

For my Dad, after sharing his awkward feelings about being an amputee and not being able to stay in the Army to continue to serve his country in uniform to an Army chaplain, Dad heard this life-altering advice: 

Son, your wound will either make you a bitter person or a better person. It will either harden your heart or soften it. You will either be a person changed for the worse, or one who chooses to make the world better. In my opinion, the worst disability in life isn’t being disabled; it’s being disabled with a bad attitude. The Germans smashed your leg, but don’t let them shatter your heart, your talents, your gifts, your will, or your faith in God and His plan for you. The choice is really up to you.

This is from World’s Lauren Canterberry

Army chaplains and U.S. soldiers around the world this week celebrated the establishment of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps 250 years ago.

After the Continental Congress established the Army on June 14, 1775, then-Gen. George Washington and other leaders advocated for an official position for military chaplains.

Congress granted the request on July 29, 1775. Since then about 25,000 Army chaplains have served in every American conflict since the Revolutionary War.

Chaplains serve millions of service members in every branch of the military to prioritize and protect religious freedom.

Ahead of the anniversary, the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces called on President Donald Trump to approve an update to the Chaplains Hill monument at Arlington National Cemetery to add the names of chaplains who have died from the Korean War to the present day.

How has the corps changed in the last 250 years?

More than 3,000 chaplains currently serve in the U.S. Army and represent five major religions and over 120 denominations. In addition to protestant chaplains, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist chaplains serve, according to The Army Historical Foundation.

In 1979, the Army commissioned its first female chaplain. The corps has grown to include religious affairs specialists, chaplain candidates, and directors of religious education.

While a chaplain’s primary role is to minister to troops, many have also administered last rites to fallen soldiers in the midst of active battles.

More than 400 chaplains have died in war, according to Greg Tardieu, a historian for the Arlington National Cemetery Chaplain Hill Committee.

There is also another article titled, “Army chaplains celebrate 250 years of ministry” in the U.S. Department of Defense News that you can read here.

May God continue to bless these incredible ministers.

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