Last week saw the first military chaplain fatality since the Vietnam war. Chaplain Dale Goetz and four others were killed by an IED while driving between bases last Monday. Goetz, a native of White, S.D, was a Baptist minister there until 2003 when he heard about the dire need for chaplains in the military, and left to answer the call.
Unfortunately, it was that very shortage that got him killed. Because there aren't enough to go around, most military chaplains have to serve multiple units, acting like modern-day circuit riders as they travel from base to base and perform services nearly every day of the week. They also regularly accompany their troops on patrol, unarmed except for their Bible.
In today's military climate, chaplains are sometimes marginalized by commanders who worry about having a man of faith around in an ultra-politically-correct culture. Chaplains also find themselves targeted by the enemy - who relish the thought of taking out a Christian leader.
All in all, the life of a military chaplain might sound like a difficult and thankless job. But I can tell you from experience, there are few positions that garner such universal respect from the troops. When a young enlisted man is having trouble adjusting to military life, or an NCO receives word that his wife is leaving him - the chaplain is the guy they want to talk to. I've never seen anyone object to the chaplain coming along on a mission, either, even though he doesn't carry a weapon. Indeed, when Chaplain Goetz was killed, he was riding alongside the men he served.
And for him, if it ever felt like a thankless job, I doubt he feels that way now. Because he's finally met his ultimate Commander, and heard the sweetest words any man can hear:
"Well done, good and faithful servant."