228th TTSB chaplain says goodbye, leaves ‘big shoes’ to fill

Photo By Capt. Jessica Donnelly | Maj. Charles Poore, outgoing 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade chaplain, stands with Capt. Jim Major, incoming 228th TTSB chaplain, during Poore's final drill with the unit in February at the University Readiness Center in Spartanburg, S.C.  

SPARTANBURG, SC, UNITED STATES

02.08.2015

Story by Sgt. Bethany Witherington 

228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - After more than seven years with the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, the current brigade chaplain said goodbye to the unit as he takes the next step in his journey and career and welcomes the new chaplain in his place.

Maj. Charles Poore, 228th TTSB chaplain, attended his last drill with the brigade in February before transferring to the South Carolina National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters. Capt. Jim Major is the incoming brigade chaplain transferring from the 122nd Engineer Battalion.

While Poore prepares for his next assignment, he explained how much he enjoyed being part of the 228th and how the camaraderie within the brigade made him feel at home and made his experience much more enjoyable.

“These last two years at annual training, I have enjoyed learning from the Soldiers in the field,” said Poore. “I would go out to see the Soldiers and … watching their faces light up as they were telling me what they were doing, that is an experience I enjoy.”

Poore also deployed with the brigade during his service and although it took him away from his own family, he enjoyed the experience because he was able to see and experience all of the different cultures.

Poore entered the South Carolina Army National Guard as a captain through direct commission, which he explained was a challenge because he was expected to know things he did not know. However, Col. Wally Hall, 228th TTSB commander, said that Poore has progressed very well as a direct commission chaplain and would like to see him promoted to lieutenant colonel someday because he has fulfilled his duties as well as an officer with that rank.

As the brigade chaplain, Poore was responsible for the care and spiritual well-being of the Soldiers and their families, provided advice, conducted religious ceremonies, and assisted the command identifying Soldiers who may be struggling and help them get the support they needed.

“Chaplain Poore kept situations identified at manageable levels while they were being worked out,” said Hall. “He is very good at his job”.

However, being a chaplain is not always fun. Poore explained that there are times being a chaplain means seeing a Soldier or family member during a difficult time.

“One thing I like about chaplaincy is you get to deal with people in a very important part of their lives,” said Poore. “To rejoice with people, you have to cry with people.”

Although Poore is moving on to his next position, Major will remain to fill the spiritual need of the Soldiers and families in the brigade.

“His immediate loss is going to be felt,” said Hall. “He left big shoes to fill. He impacted Soldiers at all levels.”

• Date Taken: 02.08.2015
• Date Posted: 02.09.2015 16:45
• Story ID: 154039
• Location: SPARTANBURG, SC, US
• Hometown: GREENVILLE, SC, US