Photo By Rob Wieland | Maj. Brian Tung, chaplain, poses in his new office at Surface Deployment and...... read more read more
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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - U.S. Army Maj. Brian Tung, chaplain, went from flying UH-58 and UH-60 helicopters to following the path the Lord has sent him on by becoming an Army Chaplain.
Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command recently welcomed Tung as the new command chaplain.
While Tung was born in the United States, his father was born in Kirin, China, and fled that country with the assistance of U.S. Army Col. Bill Jenna. After arriving in the U.S., his father joined the Army as an enlisted Soldier and became a naturalized citizen. Throughout this period of his father’s life, Col. Jenna continued to provide help and mentorship.
Col. Jenna continued their friendship throughout the latter part of his 40-year Army career, and until he passed away in 1973.
“Col. Jenna and my father inspired me to become an Army officer,” said Tung. “I wanted to serve this great nation.”
A native of Newport News, Virginia, Tung graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1994, and began his career in Army Aviation as an OH-58 and later UH-60 Black Hawk pilot.
During what would be his last flying duties, Tung was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. It was during this assignment he met Ch. (Col.) Scott McChrystal, who was the guest speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast.
“Ch. (Col.) McChrystal was instrumental in my decision to follow my faith,” said Tung. He explained the process he had to take and the fundamental duties and tasks of being an Army Chaplain.
During that time Tung had grown in his faith and attended services, activities, and Officer Christian Fellowship groups; this is where he made the commitment to become an Army Chaplain
“I always felt the desire to help others, and had a strong sense of faith,” he continued, “I wanted to help Soldiers and families, and inspire them in their life journey,” said Tung.
After serving as a Functional Area 24 Telecommunications Systems Engineer in Indianapolis, Indiana, Tung answered the call to become a Chaplain, resigned his commission, and was released from Active Duty in 2003 to attend seminary. He continued in Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) status throughout the three years of his seminary studies.
“It was a very difficult decision to resign my Army commission; after praying about it, it (becoming a chaplain) was what I was supposed to do,” said Tung
Tung was endorsed by the Assemblies of God, returned to active duty in 2007, and was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska for his first chaplain duties.
“I’ve had many amazing experiences as a Chaplain. The most rewarding aspect for me was being with loved ones of service members who have lost their lives. Being able to help the loved ones talk about the person they will never see again, and sharing special moments with them is the most rewarding,” said Tung.
On a more personal side, Tung is married to his wife Waterlily. They have three children: Daniel, Elijah, and Shekinah who all enjoy music and swimming.
“My family and I are very active in swimming and very passionate about music,” he said. Tung has been known to play the guitar, piano, and sing in the choir.
Future plans for Tung include continuing to follow the path the Lord has sent him on.
“I’m really excited to be here at SDDC. My goal is to faithfully serve all members of the command,” said Tung.
Among his many duties, he will continue to be a professional military religious leader and professional military religious staff adviser to all SDDC service members and civilians.
Tung also looks forward to becoming more knowledgeable about SDDC-specific personnel programs so he can better advise and assist all Surface Warriors.
| Date Taken: | 02.05.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.05.2016 11:26 |
| Story ID: | 188020 |
| Location: | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 751 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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