Joint Task Force Chaplains Strive to Meet Troopers' Needs Regardless of Faith

Photo By Shanita Simmons | Army Capt. Chaplain Scott Brill dialogues with Troopers as they are transported into Camp Delta. "Rap with the Chap" is a new weekly bus ministry designed to accommodate shift workers who may not attend church services. Joint Task Force Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities.  

03.25.2008

Story by Spc. Shanita Simmons 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

By Spc. Shanita Simmons
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – The Joint Task Force Guantanamo Command Chaplain, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Daniel McKay, and his fellow chaplains and staff provide 24 hour pastoral care and support to all JTF personnel.

"If you need to talk about anything, we are here with 100 percent confidentiality being afforded to you on any subject," said McKay.

He added that chaplains are available for troopers experiencing relational issues or difficulties at home, work or elsewhere. Many troopers facing ethical choices and dilemmas need a listening ear, while others seek scriptural understanding and guidance. Some troopers just need someone to pray with them.

Since deployments take troopers away from their family members and their closest friends, the JTF chaplains fill that void by becoming friends and confidants to those in need.

"Troopers are daily lifted up in prayer," said McKay. "We are continually asking for God's protection, guidance and provision for them and their loved ones."

One way that troopers can strengthen their own spiritual lives is by fellowshipping with others who attend church services. Troopers can attend traditional services reflecting Catholic, Protestant and other faith traditions during the weekends or throughout the week at troopers Chapel or at the base chapel.

However, to better reach out to troopers, the JTF chaplains' staff is constantly pursuing innovative ways to ensure that that trooper's spiritual health needs are being met.

Troopers living in Tierra Kay Housing now have an opportunity to "Rap with the Chap" on a special ministry bus during their ride to and from work before the sun rises on Tuesday mornings. This outreach service is designed to bring encouragement and prayer from Chaplain Army Capt. Scott Brill and other volunteers.

Another new service named "Troopers Next" held Wednesday evenings at troopers Chapel is an interfaith praise service led by Brill. The service, which is geared towards troopers between the ages of 18 and 25, provides a casual environment for individuals to investigate the spiritual side of life or seek religious direction.

Thursday evenings, troopers can attend a Song, Testimony and Praise service led by McKay at troopers Chapel that focuses on developing and maintaining a Christ-like character. Troopers accustomed to liturgical services can find one Sunday mornings at the base chapel where Chaplain Army Chaplain Yun Kim leads the congregation.

McKay notes that study after study confirms that the stronger troopers are spiritually, or the healthier their relationships are with God, the better they perform in every other area of life.

"After all, it is through our relationship with our Creator that we discover life's deeper meaning, purpose and joy, both for now and for all eternity," said McKay.

McKay emphasizes that part of the chaplains' mission here is to provide religious services and programs for all faith groups, provided they are recognized by the Department of Defense. Therefore, if an individual or particular religious group feels their religious needs are not being met, they should make his staff aware of their needs.

"I want our troopers to know just how genuinely and immensely proud we are of each of them. Their level of dedication and professionalism in performing the challenging tasks that are entrusted to them here is superb and is truly inspirational," said McKay. "I'm grateful for those who do attend our services. I hope to reach those who do not attend through those who do attend. My fellow chaplains, I can assure you, also serve with this same understanding."

• Date Taken: 03.25.2008
• Date Posted: 03.28.2008 09:35
• Story ID: 17847