Saturday, July 21, 2007

UUA Endorser Visits U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School


On the 11th and 12th of July, 2007 the Rev. Beth Miller, the Director of Ministry and Professional Leadership (top center) and Rev. Lisa Presley, the Chair of the Committee on Military Ministry (top left), visited the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School at Ft. Jackson, SC.


This historic visit was commemorated with the hanging of an "Endorser's Banner" in the hall of banners at the Center and School. Though the UUA has long been represented in Army Chaplaincy, this is the first time that the symbol of our faith has joined those of other Chaplaincy Endorsers. The banner was received for the school by CH (COL) David Kenehan (top right), the Deputy Commandant of the Chaplain Center and School.


This summer is a historic time at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School for Unitarian Universalism. Two Unitarian Universalists are students at the Chaplain Officer Basic Leaders Course this summer: CH (CPT) George Tyger (bottom left) formerly the minister of the Universalist Church of Rochester, and 2LT David Pyle (bottom right) a third year student at the Meadville Lombard Theological School.


Also, this summer marked the retirement ceremony of our senior Unitarian Universalist Minister serving as a Military Chaplain, CH (COL) Vernon Chandler (2nd from left) after 32 years of military service as a chaplain.


Rev. Miller and Rev. Presley met with the Deputy Commandant of the Chaplain Center and School, attended a prayer breakfast organized by students of the school (and led by CH Tyger), toured Ft. Jackson and the Chaplain's Museum, as well as had in-depth discussions with CH Chandler, CH Tyger, and 2LT Pyle about the need for an increased liberal religious voice in our military chaplaincy.


UUMM would like to thank Beth Miller and Lisa Presley for their visit, and their dedication to this important ministry of our faith!