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- The Rev. Daniel J. Sparks is the senior editor of ArmyChaplaincy.com. He serves as a chaplain with the 36th Engineer Brigade at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. He previously served with the 2nd Infantry Division and 43rd Sustainment Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Fr. Sparks is a priest of the Reformed Episcopal Church and author of the book He Shall Direct Thy Paths: Reflections for America's Soldiers and Heroes.
Posts by Chaplain Daniel Sparks:
Do I get paid as a chaplain candidate?
As a chaplain candidate, will the Army pay me while I’m in seminary? The short answer is “no”. Chaplain candidates belong to either USAR or USARNG. No Reserve or Guard Soldiers are paid except when they train. USARNG chaplain candidates are paid when they drill, attend CHBOLC, or participate in candidate training practicums. USAR candidates [...]
Care packages: suggested items to send deployed Soldiers
During my previous deployment to Iraq, I received more mail than anyone else in my squadron. Individuals, churches, and organizations sent care packages, cards, and letters. Some of these items were religious in nature, but most were toiletries and snacks. I used them to minister to my Soldiers (and occasionally to bless the Iraqi interpreters). [...]
A combat-tested portable field altar arrangement, Part 1
As I head off to my second deployment—this time to Afghanistan—I anticipate many field services. I try to take services to my Soldiers wherever they are, and my standard at forward outposts is an abbreviated service of Holy Communion. After a great deal of trial and error during field training exercises and during my last [...]
Homosexual conduct undermines security and military discipline
Our military faces the threat of compromised security, increased friction in personal and professional relationships, and poor discipline. This threat looms not from the figure of an enemy in a foreign nation, but its shadow is cast by some of our country’s own citizens. This threat comes from the possible legal authorization and permissiveness of [...]
Jolly Ranchers deployed
When my unit left for Iraq in October 2006, I brought along 100 pounds of Jolly Ranchers. They survived the trip with no problems. These Jolly Ranchers lasted throughout the deployment as I obtained hundreds of pounds of other candy to supplement my supply during the deployment.
Thanks and apology
Dear Readers, Thanks for your visits to ArmyChaplaincy.com. Almost every month, we set a new record for visits. This website continues to reach hundreds of chaplains and potential chaplains every year. Over 100,000 unique visitors read articles on this site last year. And they aren’t just visiting–they are actually spending time viewing the articles. This [...]
Confessions of a Candy Chaplain
I confess. I’m a candy chaplain. Jolly Ranchers are my signature, though I have been known to use other brands. Chocolate is a crowd favorite, but Jolly Ranchers are what they’ve come to expect. I requested that my unit supply me with 100 pounds of Jolly Ranchers before we deployed. Army bureaucracy didn’t make it [...]
How do I contact an Army chaplain recruiter?
A frequent question from readers of this site is “How do I contact an Army chaplain recruiter?” A handful of chaplain recruiters cover large regions of several states. You may locate your nearest chaplain recruiter by visiting http://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/find_a_recruiter.jsp and typing in your ZIP code.
