As you pray for all of those wounded in war, please remember those who suffer moral injuries – which can be as profound in consequence as physical and mental injuries.

Representative Todd Akin of Missouri immediately challenged the Pentagon guidance memo as a violation of federal law.  He is referring to the Defense of Marriage Act of 21 September 1996.  The MCA National Office can’t speculate about what might come next in this substantial struggle over conflicting interests.

As an Association, our position continues to emphasize rigorous accuracy of salient fact, fairness, and justice for all concerned as this policy change unfolds. We might not be able to eliminate or convincingly dispute distortions of fact [and even context] that are often present in controversial issues.  But we certainly can pursue calm, patience, and graciousness in our own responses.   Chaplain Gary Pollitt, Executive Director.

Likely most Americans could offer vivid recollections of their exact locations, thoughts, and feelings on that day.   I was at Naval Hospital Portsmouth that morning for a series of pre-retirement X-rays.   Shortly after the first airplane struck the World Trade Center North Tower, I came through the waiting area on the way to an appointment in the Radiology Department.   Many people were fastened to the television.   

By the time my appointment was finished, the second plane struck the World Trade Center South Tower and another plane struck the Pentagon.   Coming back into the waiting area on the way to the parking garage, I encountered a room full of fellow patients in stunned silence.   With them I watched the South Tower collapse.   While driving back to Virginia Beach, I heard on the car radio about collapse of the North Tower and crash of the plane in Somerset County, PA. 

During unimaginable events, the mind and heart is flooded with all sorts of things, many occurring simultaneously.  While calling home to alert my wife, I wondered if the Hampton Roads area would be attacked.  I also thought about the attack on USS Cole (DDG 67) nearly a year earlier on 12 October 2000.  My official retirement ceremony was just a couple of weeks away.  Although unlikely that any of these events would cause a stop in my orders, I wondered about all sorts of implications for our Navy and the other Armed Services.

Other thoughts over the next days following – at least ones I recall this week – would fill many pages.  The one prevailing thought was about the nature of God and the nature of individual and corporate evil.  Then and now I take consolation in belief that God is not the author of evil.  Through every alarm, tragedy, and atrocity brought about by human hands, God will provide grace and strength.

The national MCA leaders join countless others to remember those who died on September 11, 2001 and the sacrifices of first responders and many others in days that followed.  And, we particularly honor our Warriors and their families.  For nearly a decade, our Warriors have been constantly engaged in fighting.  In defense of our homeland, they and their loved ones have paid staggering prices with repeated deployments, combat trauma and injuries, and death.   Thank you for answering the call to preserve our liberty.  God bless you!

Chaplain Gary R. Pollitt  / Captain, U. S. Navy, Ret. / MCA Executive Director

Chaplain Gunhus speaking to MCA and Veterans Affairs chaplain leaders about mentoring new chaplains

Last May, Chaplain Gunhus circulated an update to a vast network of prayer intercessors. The link below connects with that letter as published in the MCA’s Fall 2010 issue of The Military Chaplain. 

At present, Chaplain Gunhus is particularly active with the Guideposts ministry to the military.  He continues to mentor countless military chaplains as well as civilian clergy at all stages of their careers.  Chaplain Gunhus is a Life Member of the MCA, former National Executive Committee member, and ongoing consultant on strategic ministry.

We join Chaplain Gunhus and his family in thanksgiving to our merciful and faithful God for the healing care provided throughout many challenging months since November 2008.

Chaplain Gunhus’ Fourth Update – 22 May 2010

Not to give more service – but rather to receive prayerful and practical ministry.

The Episcopal Diocese of Albany, NY sponsors a special retreat for military Veterans – whether active, prior service, or retired – called the Welcome Home Initiative (WHI).  This retreat is an exceptional opportunity to relax, reflect, renew, and restore.  The Retreat Team provides support, prayer, and other resources to help military members and Veterans deal with primary or secondary combat and operational stress, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as poly-trauma, moral, and other war injuries.  The WHI also reaches out to spouses and individual family members.

All retreat activities are conducted in an environment of nurture and careful consideration for confidential needs.  The Reverend Nigel Mumford, a combat Veteran and contemporary leader in healing ministries, is the overall Retreat Director.  Father Nigel is joined by a team of individuals who have combat experience or otherwise hold significant understanding of and appreciation for the unique strains and consequences of military life and war.  The retreat takes place in a clearly Christian facility and context.  However, Retreat Teams do not pressure WHI participants to adopt the religious views of the facility or their Team.

A  closing ceremony for the WHI Retreat.  Army Captain Eric Chen relates his experience of trauma while serving in Iraq and healing received during the retreat. 

The retreat occurs over a three day period.  Participants do not pay for lodging, food, snacks, or retreat materials.  They are gifts!  Simply register and then travel to Christ the King Spiritual Life Center in Greenwich, NY.  [About 35 miles from Albany]

The next WHI Retreat is scheduled for 8-10 November 2010.  Discover more information by visiting www.CtKcenter.org/WelcomeHome or calling (518) 692-9550 to request a brochure.  For registration, please contact Sandra at (518) 692-9550 extension 202.   

As a Navy Veteran, the Military Chaplains Association Executive Director attended a retreat in Greenwich last January.  MCA members from various military backgrounds serve on WHI Retreat Teams.  All of us strongly encourage your consideration of this unique invitation – whether you are a Warrior, a family member, or a chaplain.

Please note!  A brand new WHI – West retreat opportunity will occur in Colorado Springs, CO from        27- 29 September 2010.  As of 16 September, participant spaces are still available.   Call Chaplain Mike Williams at (719) 649-8764 or email to revmwilliams777@aol.com.