2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Div. PAO
Chaplain's assistant, Spc. Spencer Sprinkman, Task Force 1-73, takes a protective stance in front of Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Koyn, while practicing battle drills before their next mission.
The Task Force 1-73 Chaplain and his assistant also depend on each other. The relationship between Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Koyn and Spc. Spencer Sprinkman is extremely important in a combat zone and in a regular work environment.
“It’s important that we mesh, not necessarily on religious views, but on personality,” said Sprinkman. “We have to be able to read each other.”
On the battlefield, Koyn, a native of Florissant, Mo., provides any assistance he can whether it’s prayer on the flight line, nurturing the living, caring and administering prayer for the wounded, and honoring the dead. He also ensures that every Soldier can execute their religious beliefs.
Sprinkman, a native of West Bend, Wis., also helps minister and provide encouragement to Soldiers.
“This job isn’t about being a bible thumper, it’s about being sensitive and respectful to religion,” said Sprinkman.
Not only does Koyn rely on Sprinkman to lend a helping hand in Soldiers’ assistance, but once the bullets start flying the chaplain relies on his assistant to keep him alive.
“My chaplain has to be able to trust me…he has to know that I’m going to have to the ability to protect him,” said Sprinkman. “I don’t just do administrative work, I also perform personal security.”
“I’m putting my life into his hands,” said Koyn. “Having him excel at his job enables me to focus on my main mission.”
Having someone’s life in the palm of your hand can be stressful, but Koyn and Sprinkman have gone through training tailored for personal security. The chaplain is also a former infantry officer and has taught Sprinkman some battle drills, so they’re prepared to take on any situation that’s thrown their way, said Koyn.
They rehearse their battle drills at least once a week to keep it fresh in their memory, explained Sprinkman.
“The training isn’t planned into the schedule, so we have to force our own training,” said Koyn.
They’ve rehearsed so much that they’ve been able to create a standard guidebook of battle drills for future TF 1-73 Chaplain’s and Chaplain’s assistant.
Koyn and Sprinkman also attended the Emergency Medical Ministry Course, a two week course that teaches trauma ministry, combat stress control, and grief and loss. During this two week course they were able to bond and get to know each other, said Koyn
When they’re not rehearsing or in combat, the chaplain relies on his assistant to help with administrative work such as helping maintain his schedule, putting in purchase request or giving input on the morale within the unit.
“He is my honest broker with what is going on with the lower-enlisted Soldiers,” said Koyn.
Wherever the chaplain needs help, he needs to be able to trust his assistant.
“If we don’t trust each other then nothing will go smoothly,” said Sprinkman. “He has to trust that I’m going to get the job done.”