The challenge to integrate into the lifecycle of a unit is real, but that is what makes serving in the U.S. Army Chaplaincy a joy.
Interestingly, being in a smaller unit like 52nd Ordnance Group of less than 1,000 one would assume it would be less challenging to develop connections with Soldiers, but we are spread out over six installations across the East Coast. Developing relationships and trust with Soldiers here requires intentionality and faithfulness.
One of the key commander’s priorities, second to readiness, is the health of the force. This encompasses not just the physical health of the Soldiers, but the mental, emotional and spiritual, including the Family structure.
One specific program I have implemented into the Group is training the Soldiers on issues pertaining to morals and ethics, including trust. I have combined moral leadership training with the curriculum “The Speed of Trust,” published by Franklin Covey Co.
My trust in my savior, Jesus, is real, based on God’s promise he will always be faithful, which encourages me to be faithful in the lives of the Soldiers God has blessed me with here at the 52nd.
The training is highly interactive and the discussions with Soldiers challenges their personal spiritual beliefs, which many have honestly admitted taking for granted. When discussions occur regarding decisions ranging from everyday life to life-and-death circumstances in war, Soldiers realize that identifying what they value most must be pondered daily. It is during these training sessions that I have been blessed with the opportunity to represent my God who I serve daily, all the while challenging the Soldiers to focus on their role in building trust within their ranks, taking personal accountability seriously, strengthen their Family, while building an environment that diminishes suspicion.
Psalms 119:90 teaches us that “your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.”
Because God’s faithfulness never ends, I will continue to strive to be faithful in the lives of our Soldiers here in the 52nd Ordnance Group, developing trust and relationship one Soldier at a time.