In observance of the Chaplain Corps Birthday, I spoke with Chaplain (Col.) Brian W. Chepey, the Garrison Chaplain.

Chaplain Corps Birthday is July 29

In observance of the Chaplain Corps Birthday, I spoke with Chaplain (Col.) Brian W. Chepey, the Garrison Chaplain.

The Chaplain Corps will celebrate 247 years on July 29.

Chepey said Chaplains are pastors first, and many pastors were called to serve, to leave their congregations and serve with the Soldiers.

“Imagine being a pastor who eats, sleeps, and drinks with their congregation.”

Chepey said the root of the Army Chaplaincy is to Nurture the Living, Care for the Wounded and Honor the Fallen.

“If we stray from those it is too hard to focus on the essentials, which is taking care of the spiritual resiliency of our Soldiers, so they can bounce back and get back in the fight. So, we’ve got to always maintain that focus.”

Chepey said he decided to serve because there was no doubt in his mind that is what God wanted him to do.

The Continental Congress established chaplains as an integral part of the Army of the United States on 29 July 1775. Chaplains have served in significant numbers from the earliest battles of the American War of Independence to the present. From the beginning, the Army has turned to chaplains to Nurture the Living, Care for the Wounded and Honor the Fallen.

The Chaplain Corps itself is a product of the nation’s commitment to religious freedom and its recognition that religion plays an integral role in the lives of many of its Soldiers. Chaplains have contributed to Soldiers’ religious freedom, moral development, and spiritual well-being throughout the history of the Army. Army chaplains represent many religious traditions present within the pluralistic religious culture of the United States. In many nations of the world, religious beliefs influence perceptions of power, diplomacy, law, and social customs. Throughout the Army’s history, chaplains have advised commanders on the impact of religion both within their own ranks and within the larger operational environment.

In a letter to the Chaplain Corps Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Thomas L. Solhjem, Chief of Chaplains, shared the following:

The Chaplain Corps was established in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized one ordained Chaplain, serving at the rank of Captain, for each regular regiment of the Continental Army. The Continental Army needed clergy to provide religious support for the volunteers fighting for our Nation’s independence. Clergy often joined that Army alongside volunteers from their communities. As a result, they reflected the demographics of their era, but those demographics changed over time.

Since the War for Independence and the Chaplain Corps’ inception when it was exclusively male and Protestant, our Corps has evolved and diversified along with the rest of the Army. Roman Catholic Chaplains were added to the Corps during the Mexican American War (1846-1848); and Jewish and African American Chaplains were added to the Corps during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The Army later commissioned its first female Chaplain in 1974, its first Muslim Chaplain in 1993, its first Buddhist Chaplain in 2009, and its first Hindu Chaplain in 2011. These changes were needed to allow a more diverse Corps to care for a more diverse Army.

In recognition of the Army’s growing religious diversity, Chaplain (Major General) Zimmerman, who served as the 18th Chief of Chaplains from 1990 to 1994, requested a review of the Chaplain Corps insignia. He wanted to ensure the Corps’ cultural artifacts reflected our espoused values of advocating for the free exercise of religion, with equal dignity and respect for all. The Institute of Heraldry subsequently updated the Chaplain Corps Insignia, and Chaplain Zimmerman approved the new designs. On 11 February 1993, a new Chaplain Corps Crest was authorized, and the 1986 version was canceled. The revised crest communicated full acceptance of all Chaplain Corps members, removing faith group-specific emblems.

As I look across the Chaplain Corps, I am encouraged by the increased diversity reflected in our members, as we work collaboratively to care for everyone with dignity and respect. That collaboration makes me excited about our Corps’ future because I know we are committed to continued service and advocacy at the leading edge of the free exercise of religion within our Army, as our Corps “Cares for the Soul of the Army” and builds Army spiritual readiness.

By Miriam Rodriguez

WSMR Public Affairs