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The Voice for Chaplaincy - Chartered by Congress - Serving Since 1925
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Weekly Newsgram - March 8th
, 2017
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Hesed Shel Emes:
The Truest Form of Kindness
Chaplain as advocate - a key role we all live into. We are sometimes the only ones who champion the cause of a junior individual who otherwise would have no voice. By using our voice on behalf of another, we help protect the integrity of the institutions we serve.
Typically, we advocate on behalf of the living. Recently, however, a new member of our community, became the advocate for an Air Force Staff Sergeant killed in action just days before the surrender of Japan in World War 2.
Staff Sgt. Jack Weiner was a navigator assigned to the 345th Bombardment Group stationed in Japan. He was also the only son of Eve, a Jewish Russian who fled Europe during World War 1 to escape the persecutions against Jews which were becoming rampant even then. Her son, Jack, was born in Brooklyn in 1922 and was exempt from the draft when World War 2 broke out because he was an only son. Though protected, Jack enlisted despite his mother's objections and served with honor until days before the end of this terrible conflict.
Originally buried in Yokohama Cemetery, Jack's remains were moved to American soil where he was interred at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. The only problem, when moved he was buried with a Christian headstone. And there he lay for over 70 years.
1st Lt. Levy Pekar, an Air Force chaplain assigned to Nellis Air Base, had become aware of Weiner's plight from a cousin when he lived in New York. The need for a change to the headstone and the dignity it would bring to this fallen comrade had gripped Pekar since he became aware of the situation. On February 28th, Pekar participated in a ceremony in which Weiner received his new headstone, properly labeled to reflect his Jewish faith.
During the ceremony, Chaplain Pekar described the actions that day as the Hesed Shel Emes or the truest form of kindness - doing something for the dead as the debt can never be repaid.
Congratulations Chaplain Pekar - we thank you for reminding us of one of our primary duties - being the voice of one who cannot otherwise be heard. Whether living, wounded, or dead - all individuals deserve their dignity as human beings. And we can and do serve as their advocates. Who better than a chaplain to be the champion.
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Associate Member
2LT Timothy Bockman
CCPO, USARNG
World Council of Independent Churches
Bakersfield, CA
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U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School Changes Leadership
Congratulations Chaplain Jeffrey D. Hawkins
Thank you Chaplain Peter R. Sniffin
Col. Jeffrey D. Hawkins on Friday became the 42nd commandant of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School at Fort Jackson. Hawkins, who served as a Green Beret with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), has been a chaplain for 24 years.
Before becoming the Chaplain School commandant, Hawkins was Command Chaplain, United States Army Central, headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base.
Maj. Gen. Paul K. Hurley, U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, hosted the ceremony. Fort Jackson's commanding general, Maj. Gen. John "Pete" Johnson, and Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Brig. Gen. Thomas Solhjem, attended.
The outgoing commandant, Col. Peter R. Sniffin, will become professor of ethics and senior chaplain for the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pa.
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Chaplain Research Project
Dr. Daniel Roberts, Dr. Joann Kovacich, and the University of Phoenix are conducting research in a project entitled
"How Male Military Chaplains of Different Religions Provide Emotional and Spiritual Support to Women Soldiers: A Case Study"
They seek your help in this vital research to contribute to our profession. Please contact them at dr.danielroberts@icloud.com or jkovacich@email.phoenix.edu. Phone 910-690-5964
More Information
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United States Army Field Band Spring Tours
Concert Band and Soldier's Chorus
Jazz Ambassadors
The
Army Field Band is the premier touring musical organization of the US Army. Their Spring Tour schedules have been announced and are attached for your convenience.
Music has the power to heal, inspire and connect. Take time to see if they will be in your area and go, support, and enjoy.
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Chapter Updates
South Carolina Chapter - March 14, 2017 Meeting
Colonel (Retired) Kevin Shwedo (Dept. of Motor Vehicles) State of
SC
Recovery Efforts from Devastating Floods
1145 at the Fort Jackson NCO Club, Lee Road, Fort Jackson
Reservations - Affirmative only samuel.j.boone.civ@mail.mil or 803-751-7316 nlt Mar 13
Susquehanna Chapter - March 17, 2017 Meeting
Leader - Chaplain Grover DeVault -
Your Most Interesting Experience as a Chaplain
Dobbin House Tavern, 89 Steinwehr Avenue, Gettysburg, PA
11:30 - Gathering; 12:00 - Lunch; 1300 - Program
Reservations by March 14th - call or mail Chaplain Ted Bowers
717-259-1047 or tolobo@omcast.net
Guests Welcome
Buffet Cost $15.00
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MCA National Institute 2017
October 23 - 26, 2017
Newport News, Virginia
Please plan to join us!
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If you missed the March 1st
edition of the Newsgram
click here
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SUPPORTING CHAPLAINCY IN AND OUT OF UNIFORM: Active, Retired and Former Chaplains of the
United States Army,
United States Navy,
United States Air Force, Department of
Veterans Affairs, and
Civil Air Patrol
AND THOSE THEY SERVE: military members, veterans, and their families
at home and around the world
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The Military Chaplains Association of the USA
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