July 2025 marks 250 years of military chaplaincy in America and in the U.S. Army, in particular. This is a time for celebration. It is also a time to remember that we still have important work to do and need wisdom to do it. Those who have gone before us are important sources of wisdom. Chaplain assistants and now religious affairs specialists have been vital members of unit ministry and religious support teams throughout our history, and they have much to teach us. I encourage all our religious support teammates across the force to attend to their stories.
We tell our stories to celebrate wins when appropriate and we tell them to try to effect change when necessary. I know religious affairs specialists have important things to say. I hear them as I am making my rounds. Please don’t stop yourself from saying them in our branch publication; your voice needs to be heard in Military Chaplaincy Review.
Put your fingers to keyboards to write and write some more. We need to hear from you. I encourage military chaplains across the services and at every level to support all your religious support teammates as professional writers. Provide them the time and space to be able to write. Your support of their professional development is critical for the success of our religious support mission.
Pro Deo et Patria!
Sergeant Major Meaghan B. Simmons
U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Regimental Sergeant Major