Caring for Our Troops
By Rev Stephen Gammon, CDR, CHC, USN
Religious liberty has been a treasured freedom in America. To ensure that soldiers had opportunity to practice their faith while serving, the Continental Congress authorized one chaplain for each regiment of the Continental Army on 29 July 1775. On 28 November 1775, Navy Chaplains were authorized when the second article of Navy Regulations stated, “The Commanders of the ships of the thirteen United Colonies are to take care that divine services be performed twice a day on board and a sermon preached on Sundays, unless bad weather or other extraordinary accidents prevent.” The first Chaplain known to have served in the Continental Navy was Rev. Benjamin Balch, a Congregational minister. The Air Force Chaplain Corps transitioned from the Army Air Corps in 1949 after the USAF was made a separate branch of the military.
The first military Chaplain endorsed by CCCC was Rev. Les Felker, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1984. There are 13 Active duty, 7 Reserves and National Guard, and 18 Retired Chaplains now representing the CCCC. We care for the troops wherever called to serve. bringing His presence. Our ministries of care vary, reflecting our diverse circumstances. A recent example shared by Chaplain (COL) Marc Gauthier, USA is an account of a Chaplain on his team who was present where deaths occurred, providing emergency response, prayers and God’s care in the crisis. Chaplain (MAJ) Scot Baker, USAF described his recent personal experience of offering counsel and spiritual support to commanders and warriors facing real world ethical dilemmas. Wherever we go we are God’s available servants.
In 1989 after nine years as a local church pastor I heard God’s call to the Navy. I never envisioned such a call, but disciples of Jesus go wherever He sends. My hardest struggle was to leave the church family I loved to live and serve in a primarily secular institution, but God calls us into the world as His witnesses. Everywhere I went at sea, in the field, in garrison and forward deployed, divine appointments occurred. In 1996 when I returned to local church life I continued serving as a Navy Reserve Chaplain. In 2001 soon after the attacks against America I was recalled to active duty for one year. From 2003 to 2011 while blessed to serve as CCCC Conference Minister I also served in the Navy Reserves, resigning when recalled again to active duty.
Since then I have served in Port Hueneme, San Diego CA, Guantanamo Bay Cuba and now Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island where I lead a team of Chaplains caring for Marines, Sailors, families, and 20,000 recruits who annually become US Marines. Caring for troops here includes providing ministries of presence wherever Recruits are training, giving counsel and prayer as needed, and offering a Command Religious Program that ensures opportunities to worship. Sunday morning worship services are available for various faith perspectives, and over 80% of recruits choose to attend. I personally support and sometimes lead the Contemporary Christian and Traditional Protestant services, with combined attendance averaging 2500 weekly. I treasure the privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus.
Since 1775 Chaplains have cared for the troops, and since 1963 the CCCC has endorsed Chaplains to represent us and serve the Lord Jesus. Your Chaplains do this extremely well. Please pray for them and their families, and that through their ministries of care lives will be changed and Christ will be glorified.
