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The Voice for Chaplaincy - Chartered by Congress - Serving Since 1925
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Weekly Newsgram - August 16th,
2017
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Service and Sacrifice
Chaplains in the Midst
"Sometimes the enormity of war overwhelms the truth that all great struggles are just the sum of individual stories. Each is more than just the story of one soldier's service and sacrifice. Their service ripples across their families, friends and their communities."
James Carafano
A tragedy occurred off the coast of Australia last week when a US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey struck the flight deck of the USS Green Bay before landing. It crashed immediately and three men on board died in the accident while 23 others were rescued.
Hours after the mishap, a Navy chaplain, Lt. David J. Hammond, offered the evening prayer on the USS Bonhomme Richard, the ship from which the Osprey had launched hours earlier. Among his words were these, "Give us patience and consideration as we honor the trials and sacrifices of our brothers and sisters - in war and in peace, in death and in life. Console us, Lord, with the knowledge that your mercy is eternal, and your love is everlasting. Amen."
Reading of this tragedy took me back to October of 2005. I had just been assigned to the USS Ponce and we were underway to work with our Marine contingent as we prepared for deployment the following month. Early one morning, a CH-46D bounced on our deck as part of training to rescue non-combatants ashore. The helicopter crashed into the waves on its way to the beach and of the 19 souls aboard, 15 were lost. Among them was a Navy LT, Chaplain Bob Ledbetter. Chaplain Ledbetter was an outstanding servant of his God, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and now a chaplain of marines.
Responding to the tragedy we put together a memorial service on-board the Ponce as our embarked Marines knew those who were rescued and those who perished. My first memorial service at sea and an experience never forgotten.
In an age in which our nation has been continuously at war for nearly 16 years we have nearly an entire generation which has grown up knowing nothing but. Soon recruits to our military will have lived their entire lives in a post 9-11 world. Training accidents that wound and take service members lives as well as deaths from combat related operations sometimes get buried in the news of the day as competing priorities push them lower in the stream. Though they claim attention, all too often they are sometimes considered common place. But for those personally affected, the sacrifice that accompanies service is never more pronounced.
Our thoughts go out to Chaplain Hammond as he was in the midst to bring comfort, meaning, and hope to the men and women personally affected by the tragedy in Shoalwater Bay. May we as a nation never forget the price paid by our service members as they serve us and may we always give thanks for the chaplains who serve in their midst.
Lyman Smith
Executive Director
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In Memoriam
Lt Col, CAP, Retired
Jewish
MCA Member 1959
Life Member 1984
Deceased October 31, 2016
Newton, MA
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Save the Date: Join Us for a National Day of Prayer September
8-10, 2017
September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This weekend, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention invites faith communities across the nation to pray for those whose lives have been touched by suicide. Pray that we can all grow in faith that brings hope, and hope that brings life.
Whether in your church, your temple or synagogue, your mosque, or even by yourself, join us.
As we pray, let's also pledge to be aware of those around us who are struggling with any of life's challenges--especially those affected in any way by suicide- and to be there for them in their times of need.
Be there in person, be there with care, be there with prayer.
On this Faith-Hope-Life Day, we pray for emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. Just as we regularly pray for persons with physical concerns, such as cancer or heart disease, we especially pray this day for those dealing with mental health concerns and feelings of hopelessness, and for the people who love and care for them.
It's time to break the silence around suicide and help all who struggle. Please join us.
Because, where there is faith there is hope, and where there is hope there is life.
So Faith-Hope-Life Day, let's be there-in person, with care, with prayer.
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Roman Catholic Contract Chaplain
Needed
The Commanding Officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP), Dahlgren, Virginia, needs a Roman Catholic priest in good standing to be the contract Catholic chaplain aboard the base.
A priest applicant must have the endorsement of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) for the contract to be valid. The current contract Catholic chaplain will leave at the end of September and a new contract has been let for a priest to assume his duties in October for a period of one (1) year.
A
Statement of Work is attached. The summary of services is, and is not limited to, to provide: Sunday and Holy Day Masses; Sacrament of Reconciliation; Baptisms; funerals; memorial services; weddings; counseling as needed; and other services as necessary and directed.
Point of contact is:
Chaplain Joshua Okwori,
LT CHC USN
Command Chaplain
NSFSP Dahlgren
Office: 540-653-4848
Cell: 540-413-7029
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Religion and Spirituality:
The Impact on Chaplains
Registration Now Open
or send an email to
for a paper registration form
MCA National Institute 2017
October 23 - 26, 2017
Newport News, Virginia
or call
866-329-1758
ask for Military Chaplains
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If you missed the A
ugust 9th
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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