Across the United States, the month of July heralded celebrations for the 250th birthday of the nation. On top of the normal 4th of July festivities, extravagant spectacles of all kinds have helped people usher in a quarter millennium. But did you know that this year marks the 251st birthday of the Army Chaplain Corps? That’s right, created officially in 1775, the Army Chaplain Corps predates the formal establishment of the United States as a country and the signing of the declaration of independence. This vital mission, which we are thrilled to support and endorse, has been ongoing since even before the revolutionary war.
Yet, many don’t understand the importance of the work military chaplains do, which is why we’re grateful to be able to share a brief but practical post from Army Chaplain (CPT) Brent Mangus about the nature of chaplain work. Read below for a window into the deeply meaningful role chaplains have in the lives of military men and women.
By: Army Chaplain (CPT) Brent Mangus
As Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, gathered for their convoy brief before departing for Annual Training, they paused for a moment that reflected one of the Army’s oldest traditions. Following the briefing, Battalion Chaplain Capt. Brent Mangus led the formation in prayer, asking God for protection over the Soldiers, wisdom for their leaders, and safe travel for every vehicle as the convoy began its journey.
The prayer also included a blessing over the vehicles that would carry the unit to its training mission, recognizing both the risks of military travel and the importance of beginning every mission with faith, humility, and hope.
The moment reflects the renewed emphasis from the Department of the Army that military chaplains are, first and foremost, pastors to the Soldiers they serve. While chaplains advise commanders on matters of religion and morale, their primary mission remains providing religious support, spiritual care, and the free exercise of religion for all service members—whether through worship services, counseling, crisis ministry, or simply being present alongside Soldiers during training and deployment.
Chaplain Brent Mangus (Center) prays with the 1-108th Field Artillery Battalion
Chaplain Mangus has served with the 1-108th Field Artillery Battalion since October 2018, when he joined the unit as a chaplain candidate while completing his ministerial training. After commissioning as a chaplain in April 2022, he remained with the battalion, continuing to serve Soldiers and their families throughout training, emergency response missions, and annual exercises.
As the convoy rolled out toward Annual Training, the prayer served as a reminder that before the miles begin and the mission unfolds, the care of Soldiers includes not only their physical readiness, but also their spiritual well-being.
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Interested in learning more about the chaplains we endorse? You can find each chaplain the CGGC endorses, along with their preferred contact information at the link below.
We’re so grateful to all those who’ve come along side us and helped to support our chaplains through their vital ministry. And of course we’re grateful to our chaplains themselves, who sacrifice greatly to be on mission in a unique and challenging environment, serving a diverse congregation of young people who need to hear about Jesus Christ, and be loved by Him.
CGGC eNews—Vol. 20, No. 31
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