Coming out of the overwhelming and desperate conditions foisted upon millions of people living in the path of Hurricane Harvey are stories of help and support. Among the subjects of these stories are chaplains who have set aside their own pursuits to provide help, support, and spiritual comfort in the midst of the suffering and frustration. 

Not all these stories make it on the evening news but we all know the enablers of support are as important as those who perform the rescues. Among these are stories of chaplains from all our services who have been in the midst, taking care of their own troops and extending themselves to others. 

One such stories brings together two chaplains who likely had never met before. Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jim Staggers, 38th Division Chaplain, Indiana National Guard (picture), was mobilized with his unit and headed to Camp Swift, TX where along with members of the Oklahoma National Guard they established a Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration center. The 38th was able to relieve members of the Texas Guard so they could return to their own duties as well as provide for their families and the ruin they had experienced. 

Texas State Guard Major Ben Craver, the air component command chaplain, expressed appreciation for the help from out of state.  "For me it's the idea that they're welcome, whether they're from Indiana or Oklahoma. We appreciate their willingness to assist in our time of need. And their willingness to serve in the National Guard," said Craver. 

Aside from managing the flow or units and personnel, 38th personnel briefed the troops on what to expect during the relief and recovery operations - everything on weather to encountering media to dealing with human tragedy.

"The briefings let them know to be safe and in a sense to know what to expect," said Craver. "One thing I emphasize is the golden rule: to show respect as you would have them respect you if you were in the same circumstances."

"We want a well-rounded soldier to be prepared to assist the citizens of Texas."

The MCA offers gratitude and prayers for all the chaplains and others who support the relief efforts after the recent hurricanes and the devastation they have caused. 

Lyman Smith

Executive Director