The Voice for Chaplaincy - Chartered by Congress - Serving Since 1925
Weekly Newsgram - May 24th , 2017
National dialogue begins at Arlington National Cemetery
 
   
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is at another crossroads in its history. In about twenty-five years, ANC will run out of space as an active cemetery to honor our Nation's veterans. In order to significantly extend ANC's capacity, changes to either eligibility criteria and/or expansion of the cemetery's geographic footprint are required. Through Public Law 114-58, Congress directed the Secretary of the Army to provide this report to identify the current status and inform ways to extend the life expectancy of the cemetery well into the future. The Secretary of the Army's Report to Congress identified the current status of ANC, and options of future life, which broadly consist of:
  • Restricting eligibility;
  • Expanding the geographical footprint of the cemetery;
  • Hybrid solution with combination of different options.
The report identifies sample courses of action, and numerous options that ANC will discuss with a diverse group of stakeholders. ANC will engage in a national dialogue with stakeholders to frame the challenge, possible solutions, and to help recommend and make the best decisions for the future of this national shrine.

Your MCA has been invited to participate in this discussion. Please send any comments, questions, or concerns to us at chaplains@mca-usa.org. 

Thank you. 

Lyman Smith
Executive Director

read full report here




Statement by VA Secretary Shulkin Supports Senate Accountability Bill

WASHINGTON - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin has issued the following statement in support of the Senate Accountability Bill:

"I'm pleased to see the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee moving forward tomorrow on our much-needed accountability bill, and hope the senators pass it promptly without delay.
Another example from this month underscores the need for accountability at VA: An employee who was convicted no fewer than three times for driving under the influence of alcohol, and who just served a 60-day jail sentence, is now returning to work at a VA facility.
No other hospital system or business would have to put up with this, and the Senate bill is a solid first step on accountability. More to come."

for more discussion of the bill go here

to see the bill itself go here

Strength for Service Devotional
To God and Country

You Are Invited To Write a Devotional for Military Members

* The United Methodist Publishing House is looking for 100 current or former military chaplains to write a devotional for a revised Strength for Service devotional book!

* This opportunity for anyone who has served or is serving as a Christian military chaplain

* Devotionals are written to the service member from you using the Bible and your experiences


Email Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell for information and a sample at:

 
Annual MCA Awards and 
National Executive Committee Members

Please make your nominations now for our Annual Awards and NEC. 

Each year we present three awards to deserving individuals who represent the values and principles we embrace and advance as an organization. The three are:

The National Citizenship Award - presented to an individual or individuals  who make a significant contribution in public service and who support the values and needs of our nation's military members and their families.

The G, William Dando Volunteer Service Award  - Our award for volunteer service is named for Chaplain Dando and honors one of our members who exemplifies a life long commitment to sacrificial service.

The David E. White Leadership Award - Presented by the Military Officers Association of America to a chaplain wit a  lifetime commitment and  vision for Joint service, inter-agency collaboration, and overall ministry professionalism.

We also elect four new members to our NEC each year seeking to have all segments of our membership represented on our governing board. 

Please send your nominations and supporting reasons to chaplains@mca-usa.org. Nominations will be received through June 30. Thank you. 


Religion and Spirituality:
The Impact on Chaplains

MCA National Institute 2017
October 23 - 26, 2017
Newport News, Virginia


or call
866-329-1758
ask for Military Chaplains 
MCA Chapter Event

Susquehanna Chapter - May 2017 Meeting

Members of the Chapter gathered this past week wearing their uniforms with pride as they remember Memorial Day 2017. 

Visit our  website. There you will be able to update your contact information, join,  pay your dues, make donations,  file ministry reports, contact our supporters, read The Military Chaplain magazine and otherwise connect to resources.

If you missed the May 17th  edition of the Newsgram    click here
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

The Military Chaplains Association of the USA
(703) 533-5890 | Email | Website
STAY CONNECTED: