Four Chaplains Day Held in February Winter Conference Memorial

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Four Chaplains Day Held in February Winter Conference Memorial North Dakota Legion News March 2020 Page 7 Four Chaplains Day Winter Conference Memorial Service Honors Held in February Auxiliary Members A Memorial Service honoring deceased Auxiliary departed members are missed by their families and their members was officiated by Department Chaplain Sandra units and we appreciate their past loyalty and commitment Petermann at the 2020 Winter Conference on Saturday, to the American Legion Auxiliary and its mission to support January 25. District Presidents and Department Officers veterans and their families. read the names of 230 members, including three Past Submitted by Department Chaplain Sandra Petermann Department Presidents, who passed away in 2019. Our On Saturday, February 1, 2020, a display in honor of Four Chaplains Day was set up at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson, North Dakota. Sunday, February 2, 2020, was named Four Chaplains Day to Participants in Winter Conference Memorial Service: (L to R): Gloria Covert, District 3 President; Marcy commemorate the events of February 3, 1943, when Schmidt, Department Secretary; LoAnn Dick, District 8 President; Gigi Moore, Past Department President; Peggy the troop ship USAT Dorchester sank after suffering a Moran, District 5 Vice President; Berniece Froiland, District 1 President; Kathy Tuma, District 2 President; Rose torpedo attack by a German submarine. Laning, District 7 President; and Joan Lasher, District 4 President. The Dorchester left New York on January 23, 1943, as part of a convoy of three ships carrying four chaplains, 902 service men, merchant marines and civilian workers. The Dorchester was torpedoed by German submarine Veterans and Auxiliary Members Honored U-223 off the coast of New Foundland at 12:55 AM, February 3, 1943, and sank less than 20 minutes after the deadly attack. During Christmas at Nelson County Care Center When the Dorchester began to sink, four chaplains Just before Christmas, Ole Semling Post 135 of of different religions, Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. McVille made a decision to ensure the veterans and the Alexander D. Goodell, Jewish; Lt. John P. Washington, American Legion Auxiliary members residing at the Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Polling, Dutch Nelson County Health System Care Center in McVille, Reformed were helping to calm passengers and organize ND, were remembered at Christmas. an orderly evacuation. Life vests were passed out to the Nineteen (60” X 80”) fleece throws were ordered men, but the supply ran out before every man had one. and Past Department President Judy Twete embroidered The four chaplains gave up their own life vests to others names on each of the nineteen gifts to be delivered. and assisted as many men as they could into lifeboats. Each recipient also received a holiday gift bag filled They then linked their arms together, reciting prayers with chocolate treats and personal care items. and singing hymns as they went down with the ship. Each veteran and Auxiliary member received a The Four Chaplains were posthumously awarded personal visit by Post Adjutant Larry Johnson and Ole the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross Semling Unit 135 member Judy Twete, who thanked on December 19, 1944. The Four Chaplains Medal them for their service or membership and presented was introduced on July 14, 1960. Those medals were their gifts. There were many thank yous and even some presented to the next of kin of each of the four Dorchester chaplains on January 18, 1961. In 2006, the chaplains tears as each happy resident received the surprise gift. were also posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. It was a heartwarming experience to see the joy on The display in the lobby of St. Patrick’s Catholic the faces of these veterans and Auxiliary members who Church was well-received with a lot of curiosity from served their country in some way in the past. The soft attendees about this mostly unknown, unheralded World and cozy blankets will be a reminder for a long time War II tragedy and story of sacrifice. Materials were that these very special people are appreciated. made available to educate and mark the occasion. Submitted by Past Department President Judy Larry Johnson, Post 135 Adjutant (L) and Judy Submitted by Department Chaplain, Sandra Twete Twete, Past Department President and Unit 135 Petermann Auxiliary Member (R) Auxiliary Spring District Meetings The dates and times for Spring District Meetings have been set. More information on meeting venues will be announced as plans come together. Make arrangements now to attend your respective District Meetings. District 5 – Hazelton, ND District 1 – Hope, ND Districts 6 and 9 – New Town, ND Monday, March 23, 2020, 7:00 PM Wednesday March 25, 2020, 7:00 PM Saturday, March 28, 2020, 11:00 AM (CST) District 10 – North Dakota Veterans Home District 2 – Park River, ND District 4 – Jamestown, ND Lisbon, ND Thursday, March 26, 2020, 7:00 PM Thursday, April 2, 2020, 7:00 PM Tuesday, March 24, 2020, 7:00 PM District 3 – Leeds, ND Districts 7 and 8 – Center, ND (Host Lester W. Peterson Post and Unit Friday, March 27, 2020, 7:00 PM Saturday, April 4, 2020, 191 of Gwinner) (Time and venue to be announced) Page 8 March 2020 North Dakota Legion News Hello, North Dakota Auxiliary Members. be a part of. Thank you to Joan In memory of Past As I write this note to you, I realize it’s already been Lasher, District 4 President, Department Presidents: Mae six months since I began serving you as Department other District Presidents and Ione Hande, District 8; Ardel President. It has been my honor and privilege to have members of District 4 for Ingwalson, District 9; and served you. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but I believe hosting my recognition event Norma Treptow, District 2. it will be the last position I’ll hold within the Auxiliary. on Saturday afternoon. The “Not that I was ever in Thank you, everyone, for your support over these past six red velvet cake was simply need, for I have learned how months. Your continued support will help me get through delicious, and I enjoyed visiting to be content with whatever I the next six months as well. I want to thank everyone for with all of you. have.” Philippians 4:11. the gifts I’ve received and your donations to my President’s As you know, I appointed In our lives, we have Project. You are all so generous and I’m so lucky to have a committee to review and make recommendations for experienced enough to know that there isn’t a mirror that experienced this with you. revising our Department Constitution. Diane Kraemer can reflect what is in our heart and that is what counts. The My President’s Project for this year is the VA Medical presented the results at the conference and the Department beauty of comprehending life’s greatest treasure is finding Center in Fargo. The volunteer and professional staff at that Office has mailed a copy to all units for review. All units satisfaction and fulfillment with who we are and what we facility does so much for our veterans and I appreciate their will be required to review their unit constitutions and revise use, no matter how we look, imperfections included. So, dedication and commitment. A dear friend has painted a them as well. look in your mirror, and in whatever state you find yourself: beautiful ‘Poppy’ picture that will be donated to the North Year-end reports are due soon. Unit presidents, please Thank God! Rejoice in what you see! Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon for the enjoyment of the prepare your reports now so they are ready to mail to your Let us pray. “Dear Heavenly Father, we will give to residents there. I still have a lot of my president’s pins left respective District President for her report. The Department others as You give to us. We will bless, as we are blessed, so please contact me or your District President to get one. Office will be sending out a reminder. knowing whatever we give we will have forever. Guide The 2020 membership drive is going well. At this District meetings are being planned for March and our hearts and minds as we work together for You and The writing, North Dakota’s membership sits just over 81%. April and I hope many of you will attend. I look forward to American Legion Family. Amen.” Let’s keep the momentum going and sprint for 100% by seeing all of you again soon. Sandra Petermann June 1 in time for Department Convention. A big shout out It’s a big year for the American Legion Auxiliary. We and thank you for a job well done goes to Sandy Smith and are celebrating our 100th birthday this year and plans are her committee of unit membership chairs. Membership is a underway for celebrating at the Department Convention big job and Sandy I appreciate everything you’ve done to in June. I call upon all units to attend the convention and keep membership on the forefront. Thank you. bring some of your historical materials and artifacts with Winter Conference went well and for the most part the you. The convention committee is planning to display your weather and the roads cooperated. Thank you to all who items so everyone can see how far we’ve come in 100 Hello from beautiful attended. There’s always new information to absorb and, years. downtown Minot. of course, the comradery among members is always nice to Myrna Ronholm Experiencing North Dakota winter weather with its changing cold and welcome warm-ups, I just had to laugh when I saw a meme on Facebook about the groundhog who didn’t see his shadow which should mean It seems like we just got back from Winter Conference I want to remind all unit spring is coming early.
Recommended publications
  • The Four Immortal Chaplains
    1 The Four Immortal Chaplains Chaplain’s Hill, Arlington National Cemetery By Jerry Klinger Freedom is a work in progress – William Rabinowitz Too few Christians and Jews know the story today. Perhaps even fewer would know the story of Jewish Chaplain Alexander Goode who died that night, if it would not be for a single man, a Catholic. “It was the evening of Feb. 2, 1943, and the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 service men, merchant seamen and civilian workers. Once a luxury coastal liner, the 5,649-ton vessel had been converted into an Army transport ship. The Dorchester, one of three ships in the SG-19 convoy, was moving steadily across the icy waters from Newfoundland toward an American base in Greenland. SG-19 was escorted by Coast Guard Cutters Tampa, Escanaba and Comanche. Hans J. Danielsen, the ship's captain, was concerned and cautious. Earlier the Tampa had detected a submarine with its sonar. Danielsen knew he was in dangerous waters even before he got the alarming information. German U-boats were constantly prowling these vital sea lanes, and several ships had already been blasted and sunk. The Dorchester was now only 150 miles from its destination, but the captain ordered the men to sleep 2 in their clothing and keep life jackets on. Many soldiers sleeping deep in the ship's hold disregarded the order because of the engine's heat. Others ignored it because the life jackets were uncomfortable. On Feb. 3, at 12:55 a.m., a periscope broke the chilly Atlantic waters.
    [Show full text]
  • Four Chaplains
    Suggestions for a Four Chaplains Day observance Four Chaplains Day services vary in length and format, but all should tell the story of the The American Legion chaplains’ supreme sacrifice – and bring together people of diverse backgrounds and creeds in recognition of our common humanity. FOUR Invite representatives of different faith groups to participate. Clergy representing the faiths CHAPLAINS of the Four Chaplains is especially fitting. Ask your mayor or governor to issue a proclamation designating the first Sunday of DAY February “Four Chaplains Sunday.” Create a focal point, placing photos of the Four Chaplains, four red roses, life jackets, or The American Legion four empty seats near the altar or podium. P.O. Box 1055 Include a candle lighting or wreath laying. Indianapolis, IN 46206 Have a message that centers on the Four (317) 630-1200 Chaplains and selfless service. www.legion.org Spread the word about your program through Follow The American Legion online: social media, local newspapers, and radio and www.legion.org/facebook TV stations. Encourage reporters to write an @AmericanLegion advance or follow-up story. Send copies to the Chapel of Four Chaplains for its archives. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Collect an offering to support the work of the Chapel of Four Chaplains. For a suggested program, download The American Legion Chaplain’s Handbook at legion.org/publications or contact the Chapel of Four Chaplains at [email protected]. Chapel of Four Chaplains 1201 Constitution Ave. The Navy Yard, Building 649 Philadelphia, PA 19112 (215) 218-1943 fourchaplains.org Stock# 26-001 (Rev.
    [Show full text]
  • Chaplain Alexander Goode (1911–1943) GAVE HIS LIFE for the HIGHEST DUTY
    Chaplain Alexander Goode (1911–1943) GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE HIGHEST DUTY Student and Teacher Resources Created by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum With additional support provided by George Wasserman Family Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, AT&T, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Marjorie Kovler Fund/Peter and Judy Kovler, Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca, LLP. Media sponsorship provided by Washington Jewish Week. All images, unless noted otherwise, were donated by Teresa Goode Kaplan to the JHSGW Collection. © 2007. Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington. Classroom resources developed for JHSGW by Erin McCormally, Education Specialist, with assistance from Nathalie Lavine, Curatorial Associate, and Sharon Barry. Designed by Addison Hall. Poster designed by Jeanne Krohn. ;\Xi=i`\e[j1 <eZcfj\[Xi\\[lZXk`feXci\jfliZ\jkf_\cg`eZfigfiXk\A\n`j_8d\i`ZXe?\i`kX^\ Dfek_`ekfpfliZlii`Zlcld%N\Ëm\Zi\Xk\[k_\j\k\XZ_\iXe[jkl[\eki\jfliZ\j Xggifgi`Xk\]fi.k_Æ()k_^iX[\ij kfXZZfdgXepfligfjk\ife:_XgcX`e 8c\oXe[\i;%>ff[\Xe[k_\=fli:_XgcX`ej% K_`jp\XiËj]\Xkli\fe:_XgcX`e>ff[\cXleZ_\jk_\A\n`j_?`jkfi`ZXcJfZ`\kpf] >i\Xk\iNXj_`e^kfeËjgfjk\ij\i`\j#CfZXcJkfi`\j%<XZ_DXp#n\n`cci\c\Xj\ k\XZ_`e^gfjk\ijXe[i\jfliZ\jkf_\`^_k\eXnXi\e\jjf]A\n`j_8d\i`ZXe_`jkfip# Zlckli\#Xe[_\i`kX^\%E\okp\XiËjgfjk\in`ccZ\c\YiXk\k_\-'k_Xee`m\ijXipf]k_\ Le`k\[JkXk\Ëji\Zf^e`k`fef]k_\JkXk\f]@jiX\c`e(0+/%@_fg\pfln`ccÔe[k_\j\ i\jfliZ\jlj\]lc]fip\XijkfZfd\% <eZcfj\[`j`e]fidXk`fefek_\=fli:_XgcX`ej#:_XgcX`e>ff[\#Xe[A\n`j_ 8d\i`ZXe?\i`kX^\Dfek_%8cjf`eZcl[\[Xi\[`jZljj`fehl\jk`fejkflj\n`k_pfli
    [Show full text]
  • “All the News That Fits, We Print”
    February Issue 2013 “All the News that Fits, We Print” “Love: a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise, and the lips to pucker.‖- Author Unknown To All Of Our Celebrants ―A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love Horace Peck, 5th for you.‖ -Author Unknown Arlene Sass, 6th Henry Sass, 8th Harold Luria, 9th Anna Schwartzfarb, 13th Memories are like a garden. Regularly Roz Seiler, 13th tend the pleasant blossoms, and re- move the invasive weeds. James Mayo, 14th Sylvia Griffin 17th Linda Fifer Ralphs Special points of interest: Holidays in February Birthstone: Amethyst Flowers: Violet Groundhog Day, 2nd Color: Light Blue and Yellow Chinese New Year: I have no way of knowing how people The Year of the SNAKE really feel, but the vast majority of Ash Wednesday 2/13 those I meet couldn‘t be nicer. Every Valentine‘s Day, 14th once in a while someone barks at me. My New year‘s resolution is not to President‘s Day, 18th bark back. Tucker Carlson Purim, 24th Page 1 This Little Ditty By Ruth Grupper This is a little ditty that my son wrote when I retired from work. This is a story of a girl named Ruth. Wait, let me begin again. This is the story of a rirl named Guth. Guth Grupper. Guth has a skill, a very skecial spill that can help you understand this sort shublicpool. She was a tirst-grade feacher.
    [Show full text]
  • Four Chaplains Story and Sample Proclamations
    STORY OF THE FOUR CHAPLAINS .... a rendezvous with destiny, February 3, 1943 The freighter rose and fell sluggishly at her pier, with the dark waves slapping at her sides. The garish New England night was full of shadows and the sound of winches, screeching cranes, and the shuffling cadence of weary troops. One of the black shadows hung over the stern of the freighter almost obliterating her name ... the DORCHESTER. The vessel was old and small, and only the exigencies of total war had forced her transformation into the troopship. On this night in mid-January, 1943 she was being loaded with troops at the Massachusetts port; her destination hidden in an envelope of secret orders. Soldiers, 904 men in all, tramped through the companion-way down into the bowels of the ship. Naked light bulbs showed them their quarters -- bunks hastily built into the hold, four tiers high, six meager feet of space per man. Among their number walked four chaplains. Their names - Fox, Goode, Poling, and Washington - told nothing. At 0600 the next morning the DORCHESTER cast off her lines and headed out to sea. The men grew tense with fear of the unknown moments ahead, and rumors as to their destination flew across the ship. Only the sky pilot knew they were headed for Greenland. At this period of World War II, allied shipping, under constant attack by wolf packs of Nazi U-boats, were being sunk almost as fast as it could be built. All available destroyers were sent to guard the carriers and battlewagons pounding the Japanese Islands in the far Pacific and the vital convoys to the United Kingdom.
    [Show full text]
  • Military Chaplain History
    A Brief History of American Military Chaplains and their Connection with Methodism in the Anchorage Alaska Community June 2007 Larry Hayden Commission on Archives and History Alaska Missionary Conference The United Methodist Church 1 Table of Contents Page Number Table of Contents ………………………………………………………. 2 Acknowledgements …………………………………………………….. x Early History …………………………………………………………… x The 1940s -- World War II ……………………………………………… x Chaplain Assistants ……………………………………………………… x The 1950s -- Korean Conflict …………………………………………… x Retreats …………………………………………………………………. x Women’s Commissioning ……………………………………………… x The UMT (Unit Ministry Team) …………………………………………. x The 1980s ………………………………………………………………… x The Alaska Connection ………………………………………………… y Fort Richardson Beginnings …………………………………………… y Community Relations ………………………………………………….. y Alaska Missionary Conference Journal Reports ………………………… y Appendixes …………………………………………………………….. z Four Chaplains Military Chaplains Association The Covenant and the Code of Ethics for Chaplains of the Armed Forces Protestant Women of the Chapel Official Qualifications and Some Historical Chaplain Duties Corporate Chaplains of America Citations and Sources for Continued Research Statement on Public Prayer in the Navy Officers, Soldiers, and God Miscellaneous items Why I Am A Chaplain – United Methodist Endorsing Agency 2 The original title of this booklet, Soldiers of God, was changed so that readers would not be confused with any reference to the mujahidin Islamic Warriers of Afghanistan and Pakistan who where fighting the Soviets, or to the White Supremacists of the White Camelia Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. It does not have any relation to the Salvation Army terminology. It was chosen because of its identifying nature and is referenced in the Chaplain’s report in the Alaska Missionary Conference Annual Journal of 1962, printed on page 81 of the Journal. The photograph on the front cover of this booklet was taken in the late 1950s on Elmendorf Air Force Base.
    [Show full text]
  • Providing Shepherds for Soldiers: a History of Catholic Military Chaplaincy in the U.S.” Reverend Mark Francis O’Malley, Hist.Eccl.D
    “Providing Shepherds for Soldiers: A History of Catholic Military Chaplaincy in the U.S.” Reverend Mark Francis O’Malley, Hist.Eccl.D. April 21, 2010 Archbishop Peter L. Gerety Lecture Series Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology Seton Hall University “On one occasion, an officer was dying – shot in the face – blood pouring out. He wrote on a slip of paper: ‘Chaplain’, and the slip, red with blood, was carried around by a soldier, seeking for a chaplain. It was handed to me. I hurried: the man was conscious – dying fast. ‘Speak to me’ he said ‘of Jesus’. He had been baptized – there was no time to talk of the Church. I talked of the Savior, and of sorrow for sin. The memory of that scene has never been effaced from my mind. I have not doubted the salvation of that soul.”1 – Fr. John Ireland, Civil War Chaplain The history of Catholic military chaplaincy reaches back to the Roman armies of Constantine, when priests were attached to military troops in order to provide for the spiritual support of soldiers during the journey into battle. From the battles of Christian Rome through the Crusades of the Middle Ages and the post-Reformation wars of fragmented Christendom, till the present, Catholic military chaplaincy has existed in some distinct manner.2 This evening, I would like to present the story of Catholic chaplaincy in the United States by first providing an overview of the institutional development; followed by a review of the activity of the military bishops during the wars of the twentieth century; and finally a sampling of the activity of select chaplains.
    [Show full text]
  • Four Immortal Chaplains (77 Years Later)
    P a g e | 1 Four Immortal Chaplains (77 years later) There’s a true story that ironically has the beginnings of good joke—there was a rabbi, a priest, and two Protestant pastors. But when these four men came together for the first time it was anything but a joke. When they met at the Army Chaplains School at Harvard in 1942, each was responding out of love of country and fellowman, just as my adoptive father did that very summer when he joined the Navy immediately after his college graduation. George Fox, a Pennsylvania native who had served Methodist parishes in New England, was 40, a decade older than the other three. He had already served with valor as an ambulance driver in World War I. Alexander Goode, a Brooklyn native but who had grown up in Washington, D.C. and after rabbinical training had just earned a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. Clark V. Poling, a Dutch Reformed pastor, who had grown up in Ohio and studied at Yale Divinity before serving parishes in Connecticut and New York. P a g e | 2 John Washington, ordained priest in 1935, had served Roman Catholic parishes in his native New Jersey. It is said that these four men instantly bonded at Harvard’s Chaplains’ School, where they were described as being “in the thick of it,” bonding with laughter and prayer and goodwill. Commissioned as First Lieutenants, they had reported to different bases around the country but were delighted to find themselves together in late 1942 when they were assigned as chaplains on the USAT Dorchester, a 368-foot long former cruise ship which had been converted for military transport.
    [Show full text]
  • Commemorating the Four Chaplains Jew, Protestant, Catholic: America Realizing Its Diversity
    Courtesy of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Commemorating the Four Chaplains Jew, Protestant, Catholic: America realizing its diversity Guide for Programming Introduction The Four Chaplains, also referred to as the “Immortal Chaplains” or the “Dorchester Chaplains,” were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel as the troop ship U.S. Army Transport (USAT) Dorchester sank on Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. This event was the catalyst for Americans to embrace interfaith understanding. Until the Dorchester, there was no mention in print of Catholics, Protestants and Jews working together in this manner, especially in prayer. It was a transformational moment for America, the first time all three denominations were recognized by the mainstream population as serving together and with common purpose. Many communities participate in events on or near Four Chaplains Day (Feb. 3) as a way of remembering the sacrifice of these men and to honor their legacy. The following are suggestions for programs, lessons, and discussions on the legacy of the Four Chaplains. As survivors of the USAT Dorchester began recounting their experience, the actions of the chaplains in the face of grave danger stood out. Each chaplain made the decision to help a fellow soldier, not asking about his religion or beliefs, leaving the world with the message of “Interfaith in Action,” the line included on the stamp commemorating the chaplains.
    [Show full text]
  • Four Chaplains Prayer
    American Legion Department of Florida Religious Emphasis Chairman Manual 1 Table of Contents Department Awards ............................................................................................. 3 Report Guidelines ............................................................................................. 3-4 Report Scoring Guidelines ................................................................................... 5 Suggested Service Introduction ........................................................................... 6 Service Formats ................................................................................................... 7 Prayer ................................................................................................................... 8 Chaplains Service Suggestions ....................................................................... 8-10 Candle Lighting Ceremony ........................................................................... 10-11 Saga of the Four Chaplains ........................................................................... 12-13 Biographical Data of Four Chaplains ........................................................... 14-17 Legion of Honor Information ............................................................................. 18 Legion of Honor Nomination Form ................................................................... 19 2 Department Awards Best Post Chaplain Report Best Religious Emphasis Report Report Guidelines The following should provide the Chaplain
    [Show full text]
  • Four Chaplains Memorial Guidelines
    1 The Chapel of Four Chaplains 1201 Constitution Avenue The Navy Yard, Bldg. 649 Philadelphia, PA 19112-1307 Tel. 215-218-1943 Fax 215-218-1949 Guidelines for Four Chaplains Interfaith Memorial Services www.fourchaplains.org e-mail: [email protected] We are grateful to all those organizations and communities who through the years have honored the memory of the Four Chaplains, and we hope these guidelines will be the stimulus for continued remembrances. 2 FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL SERVICE Bill Kaemmer Executive Director The Chapel of Four Chaplains 1201 Constitution Ave., The Navy Yard, Bldg. 649 Philadelphia, PA 19112 [email protected] (O) 215-218-1943 (F) 215-218-1949 Dear Friends of the Chapel of Four Chaplains, Thank you for taking the time to plan, organize and execute a Four Chaplains Memorial Service. Churches, Synagogues, Military Fraternal Organizations, Military Chaplains and other groups too numerous to mention have been performing Four Chaplains Memorial Services since the sinking of the U.S.A.T Dorchester on February 3, 1943. The heroic acts of the Four Chaplains; CH (LT) George L. Fox, CH (LT) Alexander D. Goode, CH (LT) Clark V. Poling and CH (LT) John P. Washington have been memorialized through these services to help teach the next generation of the values of interfaith cooperation and selfless service. I served 29 years in the Army Chaplain Corps as a Religious Affairs Specialist and worked with hundreds of chaplains who where “Called to Serve” Soldiers, Airmen/women, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard Personnel and Merchant Marines. We also see dedicated chaplains serving in the Police and Fire Departments, FBI, CIA, Congress, hospitals, VA and other organizations.
    [Show full text]
  • The Transmitter Winter 2013 Page 1 from the Deputy Ch Ief of Ch Aplain S… (Cont’D )
    TThhee TTrraannssmmiitttteerr The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps Winter 2013 From the Deputy Chief of Chaplains…… In early December, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Air Force Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain, Maj Gen, Howard D. Stendahl, during his visit to the Air Force Chaplain Corps College in Columbia, SC. Chaplain Stendahl entered the Air Force Chaplaincy in 1985 when I was responsible for the Senior Course at the Chaplain School then located at Maxwell AFB, AL. It is a sign that you're getting old when one of your former students becomes Chief of Chaplains. In my conversation with Chaplain Stendahl, I was particularly impressed with his genuine regard for the men and women who serve in the Civil Air Patrol, and especially the CAP Chaplain Corps. He had a sincere, profound gratitude for the sacrifices that are made by CAP members to make it one of Ch , Lt Col Ken Colton the finest volunteer organizations in the world. (USAF, Retired) Chaplain Stendahl shared with me his admiration and respect for his boss and friend, General Mark A. Welsh, III, who is the Air Force Chief of Staff (AF/CC). They truly model the type of relationship that every chaplain and commander should have. I shared with Chaplain Stendahl how the first AF Chief of Chaplains, Maj Gen Charles Carpenter, gave birth to the CAP Chaplain Corps when he sent war hero Ch, Lt Col, Robert Preston Taylor to CAP National Headquarters in the 1950's to organize loosely knit CAP Chaplains into a chaplain program modeled after the Air Force Chaplain Service.
    [Show full text]