Onward Christian Soldiers...
Yes. We actually sang "Onward Christian Soldiers" at the chapel service the morning before the graduation ceremony. I was once told by a seminarian friend who couldn't stand Onward that IF a congregation sings it that they ought to sing it right--with gusto. And we did. There is something powerful about standing with a group of peers who you know would go the extra mile in their service to God and others. Yes, Onward is a "rouser" in lyrics and music but I think it is less about having the "right" image of God than feeling God's awesome strength. I have enjoyed singing "A Mighty Fortress" more than a couple of times. The words and music impart strength and a quickening of the spirit. We often must do a fine balancing act between the power to be and act and the need for humility in the face of the complexities of life. I think that this balancing act becomes a daily practice for a military chaplain. We are called to be men and women of God and examples of good soldiers. The Christian tradition has soldiers and spiritual warriors within it: St. George slaying the dragon. St. Ignatius of Loyola. St. Barbara died a martyr's death and is recognized as a patron saint of those who work with artillery. Even Zwingli in the Reformed tradition knew the battlefield. It can be said that Martin Luther King, Jr. was a spiritual warrior of a higher order that called people to resist by peaceful means. Martin of Tours, a soldier gave his cloak to a beggar.
Some acquaintances, friends and church members sometimes wonder and ask about what called and motivated me toward this work. It is as complex as the experiences that have made me who I am and as simple as the desire to do something with dignity and meaning. I don't see anything extraordinary in what I am doing and can think of at least a handful of others who might be better at it. But, I believe that my call has a lot to do with wanting to be where I might be most useful to others. I believe that I can be with others in their times of grief, because I am familiar with its contours. I believe that in the military I am learning things about myself that I hadn't seen before, such as the ability to be more flexible in the face of difficulties and that there is genuinely strength in diversity. I have learned that I often great respect and admiration for individuals who are so very different than I am. And that common ground is a matter of being willing to be open to common experience. One doesn't even have to "talk about it" and figure it out. Common experience and especially common experience in adversity reveal truth if not being truth in themselves. One day when I met up with a professor friend of mine and began to reveal doubts about my path said, "Yes. But do you look good in the uniform? That's what really matters." I howled with laughter. And told him that quickly put things back into perspective.
The week prior to graduation was filled with some winding down events and programs. One of the highlights for most of my Protestant colleagues was the arrival of wives and other family members. The new officers wives were briefed in an adjacent room and were given some survival skills and regular refreshments. Most of them were young, attractive and upbeat. Many of them had teaching or nursing experience in common. One woman with a quick wit and a curious mind was the Director for Special Education in her school district. I met at least a couple of wives who just by their presence gave me more insight into their husband. For some it was obvious that the couples drew much strength from being with each other.
Visitors to our classroom during the last week included Navy and Air Force chaplains. We spent time discussing how chaplains work together during joint operations. We had a couple of highly motivated "rah, rah" recruiters stop by and present some of the latest figures in recruiting and what it means specifically for the chaplaincy. As individuals are entering seminary later and later in life, the chaplaincy has had to adjust the age caps. Right now, there are many Catholic chaplains who are entering at far beyond 40. Many Protestants are close to 40. Other briefings included a presentation of how the branch is supported by Non-commissioned Officers and what our responsibilities are to their education, training and promotion. For those of you who don't know it, the military is run by the Army's middle management: the NCO's.
We spent a few afternoons simply preparing for graduation. We had songs to learn, facing movements to practice, and making sure that the pins and ribbons on our uniforms were correct. I finally earned my first ribbons. These were ones everyone gets just for showing up: The Global War on Terrorism ribbon, The Army Service ribbon, and The National defense Service Medal which shares an odd similarity to the Rainbow Flag. At least I wasn't going into the graduation dinner devoid of ribbons. I had been feeling self conscious around all the peacock officers who have all sorts of doo-dads pinned on themselves. Additionally, the graduating Chaplains (versus graduating Staff Specialists) all received chaplain's kits. The Army has a kit for each religion. The Protestant kit can be used for Catholics because it has a reversible cross/crucifix and a pyx (a small silver box) for wafers and an oil stock for anointing. I believe that the Catholics have their own specified kit as do the Orthodox. The Orthodox kit is packed with all the necessary accoutrements, as are Jewish (complete with Seder items), Hindu and Buddhist. Chaplains were all given black and white reversible stoles with the seal of the United States embroidered in gold thread. This item will mostly be used for military funerals.
Mom and my dear friend Bonnie (A former choir director who saw me through my combat training at a previous congregation in another Conference.) arrived at the graduation dinner right on time as the receiving line was about to begin. Their adventure started in Reading and Lancaster to Philadelphia and then a flight to Raleigh, NC. From there they drove 3.5 hours to Columbia. It was moving for me to have Mom there because I knew it would fill her with some pride and help put her mind at ease for the mission I have undertaken. We went through the receiving line and met General Hicks, the Chief of Chaplains. Gen. Hicks entered as an enlisted soldier about 35 years ago. He was very warm and gentle. The evening included many introductions of new friends and colleagues. We had various presentations to Small Group Leaders (chaplain trainers) and NCO's who made the program memorable. We even presented lampoonish skits. A brilliant one was presented by first platoon with the direction of CH (1LT) Jonathan Fisher who had voice and drama training. (Jonathan, a GA Guardsman was promoted from Staff Specialist to Chaplain during the last week. He, like most Guard Chaplains are being used for Iraq right of way.) They based their skit on how to cut a pizza and used the various personalities to do retakes of the same scene. The room was in an uproar of laughter because the impersonations were near perfect. My mom was laughing without having any experience of the real individuals; so it translated well.
The evening culminated with a pinning ceremony for all the chaplains. We all stood around the ball room in our dress blues and Class A's as the higher officers pinned us with the Chaplain Branch Crest. There was an immense amount of pride present in the room of over 200 service persons, families and guests. It was very silent and solemn. The color guard shortly thereafter retrieved the colors and slowly exited the room as the sergeant lead the way with an outstretched saber.
The next day started early. I found that 6:50 A.M. was a bit too early even though we were told to be present. We mostly waited around until 7:40 A.M. when we conducted one last rehearsal. (I think.) Anyway, chapel began at 8 A.M. and CH (MAJ) Brown, our Course Leader gave a solid homily on having humility and was peppered with good humor. During the break between chapel service and the graduation ceremony, I had the opportunity to introduce Mom and Bonnie to CH (1LT) Louis Kaminski, a Catholic Priest from the Scranton area. Fr. Louis and I are heading to Iraq with the same brigade. He will cover a wide area because of the lack of priests as chaplains. (Only 8% of the chaplaincy is Catholic, while 25% of the Army is Catholic.) Mom, of course, told Fr. Louis to look after me.
Our graduation ceremony was short and sweet. CH Hicks gave the graduation speech. It mostly was based on his life story and some important advice to "be who you are and live out your calling." In other words, pay less attention in trying to "make it" in the Army and more in taking care of soldiers. During one point in his speech he inserted a quote from John Wayne. I think it had to do with courage. Bonnie later mentioned that there would have been better persons to quote for the military given that John Wayne was a draft dodger. I never knew... I guess it's one of those image vs. substance things... After the graduation, we all lined up outside the School House as everyone came by and shook our hands. I was impressed at the cross section of America that was present. "Rednecks," Asians, Puerto Ricans, Well-heeled white folks, African-Americans, Veterans, Conservatives and Liberals, elderly persons, teenagers and children. As people shook my hand I would often ask them for whom did they come. One man stated that he just liked coming to the chaplains graduations and wanted to wish us well. It was a beautiful and humbling day as many said, "Thank you for what you are doing."
It was hard to say goodbye to one of the best group experiences of my life, so far. But it wouldn't be another hour or so while our platoon members waited again in line to receive our final evaluations. We started to grumble a bit, as family members were kept waiting and others had travel plans to fulfill. After each student came out with his paperwork in hand, he would say goodbye in his own way to the remaining chaplains. I shook our class leader's hand and thanked him for his excellent leadership (Since, I had come in 3 phases I was able to compare. CH Long had been in Special Forces and was a quiet, yet clear spoken leader. ) As I turned around to leave, one of my buddies called my name and ran and gave me a hug. This was especially meaningful given that we had a couple disagreements, yet remained friends with each other. All of these experiences have been a great blessing and have been strengthening for the road ahead.
The drive back to Lancaster was amazingly pleasant and relaxing. The interstate traffic moved smoothly. I came home to an additional new housemate who brought six! dogs with him. Three of them are Vizsla pups. When the pups started crying in the middle of the night, I brought them to bed with me. For a while they walked all around the bed and over me and wrestled. Then they settled down. One slept on top of my head. The next morning I found one under my pillow. They are irresistibly cute. Luckily I don't have to succumb to the temptation of keeping any. Orders arrived today. I fly to MS on Friday. According to this piece of paper I will be on orders "no more than 545 days"...
Some acquaintances, friends and church members sometimes wonder and ask about what called and motivated me toward this work. It is as complex as the experiences that have made me who I am and as simple as the desire to do something with dignity and meaning. I don't see anything extraordinary in what I am doing and can think of at least a handful of others who might be better at it. But, I believe that my call has a lot to do with wanting to be where I might be most useful to others. I believe that I can be with others in their times of grief, because I am familiar with its contours. I believe that in the military I am learning things about myself that I hadn't seen before, such as the ability to be more flexible in the face of difficulties and that there is genuinely strength in diversity. I have learned that I often great respect and admiration for individuals who are so very different than I am. And that common ground is a matter of being willing to be open to common experience. One doesn't even have to "talk about it" and figure it out. Common experience and especially common experience in adversity reveal truth if not being truth in themselves. One day when I met up with a professor friend of mine and began to reveal doubts about my path said, "Yes. But do you look good in the uniform? That's what really matters." I howled with laughter. And told him that quickly put things back into perspective.
The week prior to graduation was filled with some winding down events and programs. One of the highlights for most of my Protestant colleagues was the arrival of wives and other family members. The new officers wives were briefed in an adjacent room and were given some survival skills and regular refreshments. Most of them were young, attractive and upbeat. Many of them had teaching or nursing experience in common. One woman with a quick wit and a curious mind was the Director for Special Education in her school district. I met at least a couple of wives who just by their presence gave me more insight into their husband. For some it was obvious that the couples drew much strength from being with each other.
Visitors to our classroom during the last week included Navy and Air Force chaplains. We spent time discussing how chaplains work together during joint operations. We had a couple of highly motivated "rah, rah" recruiters stop by and present some of the latest figures in recruiting and what it means specifically for the chaplaincy. As individuals are entering seminary later and later in life, the chaplaincy has had to adjust the age caps. Right now, there are many Catholic chaplains who are entering at far beyond 40. Many Protestants are close to 40. Other briefings included a presentation of how the branch is supported by Non-commissioned Officers and what our responsibilities are to their education, training and promotion. For those of you who don't know it, the military is run by the Army's middle management: the NCO's.
We spent a few afternoons simply preparing for graduation. We had songs to learn, facing movements to practice, and making sure that the pins and ribbons on our uniforms were correct. I finally earned my first ribbons. These were ones everyone gets just for showing up: The Global War on Terrorism ribbon, The Army Service ribbon, and The National defense Service Medal which shares an odd similarity to the Rainbow Flag. At least I wasn't going into the graduation dinner devoid of ribbons. I had been feeling self conscious around all the peacock officers who have all sorts of doo-dads pinned on themselves. Additionally, the graduating Chaplains (versus graduating Staff Specialists) all received chaplain's kits. The Army has a kit for each religion. The Protestant kit can be used for Catholics because it has a reversible cross/crucifix and a pyx (a small silver box) for wafers and an oil stock for anointing. I believe that the Catholics have their own specified kit as do the Orthodox. The Orthodox kit is packed with all the necessary accoutrements, as are Jewish (complete with Seder items), Hindu and Buddhist. Chaplains were all given black and white reversible stoles with the seal of the United States embroidered in gold thread. This item will mostly be used for military funerals.
Mom and my dear friend Bonnie (A former choir director who saw me through my combat training at a previous congregation in another Conference.) arrived at the graduation dinner right on time as the receiving line was about to begin. Their adventure started in Reading and Lancaster to Philadelphia and then a flight to Raleigh, NC. From there they drove 3.5 hours to Columbia. It was moving for me to have Mom there because I knew it would fill her with some pride and help put her mind at ease for the mission I have undertaken. We went through the receiving line and met General Hicks, the Chief of Chaplains. Gen. Hicks entered as an enlisted soldier about 35 years ago. He was very warm and gentle. The evening included many introductions of new friends and colleagues. We had various presentations to Small Group Leaders (chaplain trainers) and NCO's who made the program memorable. We even presented lampoonish skits. A brilliant one was presented by first platoon with the direction of CH (1LT) Jonathan Fisher who had voice and drama training. (Jonathan, a GA Guardsman was promoted from Staff Specialist to Chaplain during the last week. He, like most Guard Chaplains are being used for Iraq right of way.) They based their skit on how to cut a pizza and used the various personalities to do retakes of the same scene. The room was in an uproar of laughter because the impersonations were near perfect. My mom was laughing without having any experience of the real individuals; so it translated well.
The evening culminated with a pinning ceremony for all the chaplains. We all stood around the ball room in our dress blues and Class A's as the higher officers pinned us with the Chaplain Branch Crest. There was an immense amount of pride present in the room of over 200 service persons, families and guests. It was very silent and solemn. The color guard shortly thereafter retrieved the colors and slowly exited the room as the sergeant lead the way with an outstretched saber.
The next day started early. I found that 6:50 A.M. was a bit too early even though we were told to be present. We mostly waited around until 7:40 A.M. when we conducted one last rehearsal. (I think.) Anyway, chapel began at 8 A.M. and CH (MAJ) Brown, our Course Leader gave a solid homily on having humility and was peppered with good humor. During the break between chapel service and the graduation ceremony, I had the opportunity to introduce Mom and Bonnie to CH (1LT) Louis Kaminski, a Catholic Priest from the Scranton area. Fr. Louis and I are heading to Iraq with the same brigade. He will cover a wide area because of the lack of priests as chaplains. (Only 8% of the chaplaincy is Catholic, while 25% of the Army is Catholic.) Mom, of course, told Fr. Louis to look after me.
Our graduation ceremony was short and sweet. CH Hicks gave the graduation speech. It mostly was based on his life story and some important advice to "be who you are and live out your calling." In other words, pay less attention in trying to "make it" in the Army and more in taking care of soldiers. During one point in his speech he inserted a quote from John Wayne. I think it had to do with courage. Bonnie later mentioned that there would have been better persons to quote for the military given that John Wayne was a draft dodger. I never knew... I guess it's one of those image vs. substance things... After the graduation, we all lined up outside the School House as everyone came by and shook our hands. I was impressed at the cross section of America that was present. "Rednecks," Asians, Puerto Ricans, Well-heeled white folks, African-Americans, Veterans, Conservatives and Liberals, elderly persons, teenagers and children. As people shook my hand I would often ask them for whom did they come. One man stated that he just liked coming to the chaplains graduations and wanted to wish us well. It was a beautiful and humbling day as many said, "Thank you for what you are doing."
It was hard to say goodbye to one of the best group experiences of my life, so far. But it wouldn't be another hour or so while our platoon members waited again in line to receive our final evaluations. We started to grumble a bit, as family members were kept waiting and others had travel plans to fulfill. After each student came out with his paperwork in hand, he would say goodbye in his own way to the remaining chaplains. I shook our class leader's hand and thanked him for his excellent leadership (Since, I had come in 3 phases I was able to compare. CH Long had been in Special Forces and was a quiet, yet clear spoken leader. ) As I turned around to leave, one of my buddies called my name and ran and gave me a hug. This was especially meaningful given that we had a couple disagreements, yet remained friends with each other. All of these experiences have been a great blessing and have been strengthening for the road ahead.
The drive back to Lancaster was amazingly pleasant and relaxing. The interstate traffic moved smoothly. I came home to an additional new housemate who brought six! dogs with him. Three of them are Vizsla pups. When the pups started crying in the middle of the night, I brought them to bed with me. For a while they walked all around the bed and over me and wrestled. Then they settled down. One slept on top of my head. The next morning I found one under my pillow. They are irresistibly cute. Luckily I don't have to succumb to the temptation of keeping any. Orders arrived today. I fly to MS on Friday. According to this piece of paper I will be on orders "no more than 545 days"...
posted by Chaplain (CPT) Fokas at 5:19 PM
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