Fr. Daniel Sparks, Senior Editor
Traditional Anglican priest and U.S. Army chaplain.

Currently browsing Combat Ministry

Battledress Clergy

23 October 2008 at 1952 MDT » Comments (0)

One of the fascinating side issues thrown up by the research for my book – arising from the fact that several in my subject’s circle were or became clergymen – is the role of religion in wartime.
When is a war just? Where did the truth lie when, as soon became apparent to the troops in [...]


Former Army Chaplain Describes Combat Experiences That Led To PTSD

19 October 2008 at 2127 MDT » Comments (0)

Former Army chaplain Jim Johnson became one of the walking wounded after his combat experiences in Vietnam, but it took him years to realize that he really needed help. Dr. Johnson, who is the author of “The Aftermath of Combat Trauma,” a memoir about his journey through Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), spoke at Campbell [...]


Chaplains share their experiences

19 October 2008 at 2026 MDT » Comments (0)

Chaplains use ‘ministry of presence’

13 October 2008 at 1807 MDT » Comments (0)

Military chaplains are sometimes forgotten or regarded as oddities within a rigid structure that comes with its own set of customs and mores.
But they are a vital part of military life — in peacetime and in war.
“Civilian pastors don’t have to deal with issues of being in combat and a war zone and those factors,” [...]


Chaplain’s Iraq mission is troop morale: Military documentary follows Baptist captain counseling Wolfhounds

6 October 2008 at 0644 MDT » Comments (0)

By Tony Perry
Los Angeles Times
SAN DIEGO — A television documentary recently broadcast on the Military Channel explores the role of an Army chaplain in helping soldiers through the danger and dreariness of a 15-month deployment in one of the more dangerous parts of Iraq.
“God’s Soldier” covers three months in the life of Capt. Charles Popov, [...]


Tallahassee pastor answers the Army’s call for a chaplain in Afghanistan

5 October 2008 at 0716 MDT » Comments (0)

They call them dirt sailors — Navy personnel who individually assist the Army. They go alone to wherever the need is, plugging holes so the mission gets accomplished.
Someone in Baghdad needs a bomb specialist, the Navy sends one. A translator in Kandahar? No problem.
In Mike Shockley’s case, the Army needed a chaplain, and so for [...]


He offered more than prayers in Iraq

14 September 2008 at 0848 MDT » Comments (0)

By Andrew Shulman
September 14, 2008

My 15-month deployment to Iraq as a chaplain in the US Army just came to an end, and in a strange way, I was a bit sad to go.

I’m going to miss the people I’ve met, the [...]


Military Channel to air special about Army chaplains in combat

31 August 2008 at 1158 MDT » Comments (7)

The Military Channel will air a television special in September 2008 about the ministry of U.S. Army chaplains in combat in Iraq. The special, entitled “God’s Soldier”, is 120 minutes and is scheduled for 8 p.m. (Eastern) on 10 September, with additional showings at 11 p.m. and on 11 September at 3 a.m.
The Military Channel [...]