'Captain Ski' upholds bond between chaplains and Marines

Photo By Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr. | Navy Capt. Carl Jerome Cwiklinski, the command chaplain for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Central Command, stands next to the altar at the South Mesa Chapel where he provides service every Sunday at 9 a.m. As the I MEF chaplain, some of his primary responsibilities include coordinating religious ministries within MARCENT, managing religious personnel and working directly with the MEF staff.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

04.30.2009

Story by Cpl. Brian Gabriel Jr. 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Chaplains have established a long and storied history with the United States Marine Corps, dating back to its creation in 1775.

Whether celebrating mass in a combat zone or giving wounded Marines last rites on the front lines, chaplains remained an essential element in military units. Navy Capt. Carl Jerome Cwiklinski, the Command Chaplain for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Central Command, continues his predecessors' legacy of providing spiritual support and guidance for Marines.

Cwiklinski, more commonly known as 'Friar Jerome' and 'Captain Ski,' began his military career by enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1972. During his ten-year enlisted tenure, the Buffalo, N.Y., native served as a rifleman and an infantry unit leader, including an assignment at 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

It was during this time that he gained first-hand experience with chaplains. While in Force Recon, Cwiklinski drew inspiration from the chaplains who would stay right beside their Marines during training. Even during parachuting exercises, the chaplains would bless the Marines as they jumped out the plane.

"That meant something to me. It meant something to me that he was qualified. He knew the rigors of the training I had to go through. He knew my fears; he knew the risks," Cwiklinski said. "That has merit for the people that have to identify with the chaplain."

Having attained the rank of chief warrant officer, he was released from active duty in 1982 to pursue his vocation to the Orthodox priesthood. In 1984, Cwiklinski was commissioned ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve Theological Student Program. Soon afterwards in 1985, Cwiklinski was ordained as a deacon and priest and served at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., until his return to active duty.

Cwiklinski's Chaplain Corps assignments are as just as varied and diverse as his Marine Corps career. Some of his assignments include 1st Marine Division, the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill., and more recently, the Coast Guard Pacific Area, based at Alameda, Calif. Cwiklinski said he feels that working with such a wide variety of service members, especially Marines, has been a privilege.

"It's about the people of God and where they are serving. And we will go with them, whatever circumstances that may be," Cwiklinski said.

As the I MEF chaplain, some of his primary responsibilities include coordinating religious ministries within MARCENT, managing religious personnel, and working directly with the MEF staff. Additionally, Cwiklinski is also responsible for ensuring that each unit has an equal amount of religious personnel representing their faith.

Although Cwiklinski may appear to have a packed schedule solely from his primary responsibilities, he still makes time to counsel and help Marines with their personal issues, regardless of rank.

"It's not my job, per say, to be a minister to a unit, but if somebody walks through my door and is a soul in pain, then I'm going to do my best to help them," Cwiklinski said. "No chaplain is above doing ministry, no matter what the rank is."

Cwiklinski also explained that the chaplain's office is perfect for issues where a Marine would feel awkward of out of place seeking help from their gunnery sergeant or platoon commander. The chaplain is a confidential resource, and anything brought up during a counseling session cannot be divulged.

The chaplain's office also has access to a host of resources if a Marine's or Sailor's issues cannot be resolved on the spot. The Marine Corps family team building and the family readiness office all have excellent working relationships with the chaplain's office, Cwiklinski said.

"Regardless of what faith people subscribe to, regardless of what faith that chaplain is, we're there for them," Cwiklinski said. "If we feel we're not able to meet their needs, then it's my job to find them a more comfortable resource they can be helped by."

Much like his chaplain during his time as a Marine, Cwiklinski takes pride in being able to identify with the Marines and Sailors under his care. His chaplain had gone through the same hardships he endured on a daily basis.

Practices like participating in the same training and wearing the same uniform are instrumental in developing a good rapport between chaplains and Marines, Cwiklinski said.

The chaplain needs to get around to all those different units, to be seen so that people know that he's not just sitting in an office, but he's actually someone that is going to get out there where there's boots on the ground, Cwiklinski added.

A cornerstone of Cwiklinski's philosophy is to keep his door open to anyone, regardless of their job, rank or religious beliefs. He stresses that no matter what issues or problems may arise, Marines and Sailors alike can be sure to find solace through the chaplain's office.

• Date Taken: 04.30.2009
• Date Posted: 04.30.2009 15:12
• Story ID: 33063
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US