Retired from the Navy Chaplain Corps this week

July 3, 2020 | Me

[bethelgrad]

My first ever and only thread I posted on FR was just prior to leaving for Navy Chaplain school back in 2004. Today is a 2nd (likely last) bookend post with a thank you for your prayers and support for our service members.

I started out as a Marine infantryman back in 1992. Got out in 1996 with a calling to ministry. After college and seminary I was commissioned as a Navy chaplain in 2004 and retired on July 1 with twenty total active duty years. I feel very fortunate and privileged to serve my country in this capacity and it was an honor to minister to our Marines, Sailors, and Coasties throughout my career. I am now in San Antonio on a 12 month residency in clinical pastoral education at the VA. After I complete my residency I'll be eligible for a permanent position with the VA. I don't know if God is leading me to pursue this as a second career, but it is where He has me for the time being.

It's been an amazing journey so far and I'm grateful for it all. Our nation has seen a whirlwind of change over the last 28 years since I first left for bootcamp, some good, much of it not so good and downright scary. My faith and family have kept me grounded and sustained me. In addition, Freerepublic has also kept me sane and I appreciate this site for being there for me throughout the years.

Thank you, God bless, and Semper Fi!

[Nifster]

Congratulations.

Smooth seas and following winds

[billorites]

I’ve met some very smart people who work for the VA.

[rockrr]

Sounds like a great career. Wish you luck on your next steps!

[Joe 6-pack]

"I started out as a Marine infantryman back in 1992."

When I was a new lieutenant, our Battalion Chaplain had a Special Forces tab and master jump wings. I think his prior service made a HUGE difference in the way he ministered to the force, and would imagine the same held true for you.

Thanks for your service, congratulations on finishing your 20, and God Bless!

[spacejunkie2001]

God bless you on your continued journey!

[Just mythoughts]

Congrats ... May the Lord keep you... Happy Independence Day, one of those Heavenly Blessings, no other nation in all of history has to be thankful. The Heavenly Father has indeed shed his Grace upon US, in spite of the lunatic rebels attempts to destroy.

[moovova]

Thank you Sir! And good luck in your future endeavors.

[Traveler59]

As a 28 year veteran myself, I wish to thank you and your fellow Chaplin's for being the rock that held me together through some of the most difficult times of service. Sometimes it was just the coffee and donuts that worked, sometimes it was just the solitude of the chapel tent that helped me get my mind back together. It was that Christmas Mass at the underground church in Saudi Arabia, the Easter Sunrise service in Iraq that kept getting interrupted by mortar/rocket attacks, and many other services that are no less memorable. Later in my career as I supervised my young troops, when they had issues that were beyond my ability, I would send them to the Chaplin. Because I knew they would get the same help I did, and become a much better person for it.

From my heart Bethelgrad, thank you.

[Yo-Yo]

Thank you for your service to our Country and to our Lord.

[marktwain]

A Chaplain helped me get my head straight, when I was going through some tough times.

[Robert DeLong]

Congratulations. 8>)

[Midwesterner53]

I’m a retired Army Officer. Thank you brother!

[mass55th]

Congratulations!!! May you have a very happy, healthy, and long retirement. When I retired in 2003, I discovered that the older you get, the faster time goes. Cherish each moment of it, and God Bless you and yours.

[left that other site]

God Bless You, FRiend!

[oh8eleven]

Congrats and Semper Fi ...

[Gamecock]

Congrats and thank you for your service!

My favorite activity as a retiree is to hang around the PX and complain about how easy the troops today have it. Try it out sometime.

[BluH2o]

Went thru Parris Island back in the mid-sixties. Remember how every recruit in my platoon attended Sunday AM church services. It was the one hour every week when you weren't being harassed by our DI’s. The Chaplain was always pleased to have an attentive full house.

[carpediem365]

Congrats, Bethelgrad! Enjoy the next stage of the journey. I just began year 25 as a USAF chaplain. Air Reserve, ANG, and currently on Active Duty. God is good.

[Keyga8tor]

Thank You for your service Chaplin. Service Chaplins are what kept me going to services on Sundays (and other days as well) Although retired, I seek out a base church service whenever possible.