Fort McCoy Religious Support Office welcomes new garrison chaplain

Photo By Scott Sturkol | Chaplain (Maj.) Raymond Leach, new garrison chaplain, provides the invocation during the post observance of Women's History Month on March 22, 2018, at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. (U.S. Army photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)  

FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

04.26.2018

Story by Aimee Malone 

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

One of the perennials of military life is the faces around you will change. The Religious Support Office (RSO) welcomed a new addition in February — new garrison Chaplain (Maj.) Raymond Leach.

Leach has served in the ministry since 1992 and received a direct commission in the Iowa National Guard in 2004. He has deployed to Iraq and transferred to the Army Reserve in 2009.

This isn't Leach's first time to Fort McCoy. "I did my first annual training as an Iowa National Guard chaplain here at Fort McCoy in 2005," Leach said.

He also spent time as the 181st Infantry Brigade (now Multi-Functional Training Brigade) chaplain before returning as the garrison chaplain. While stationed at Fort McCoy, he and his Family previously attended Bible Evangelical Free Church in Tomah.

"It isn't often that a military family gets to 'come home' and return to a duty station for a second tour. We have been telling people how great Fort McCoy is ever since we arrived the first time in 2009," Leach said.

"After four years here as the 181st Brigade chaplain, and 3 1/2 years of repeated visits as the USARC training chaplain during major exercises at Fort McCoy, we have many friendships we are returning to and great working relationships that have picked up right where we left off," he said. "We are already enjoying the sense that we have returned home."

He and his wife, Tammy, have both served in youth, young adult, and children's ministries. Leach said he sees chaplaincy as a mission field to the ministry. In addition to his military work, Leach has traveled to Hungary, Portugal, Spain, and Peru on mission trips.

Leach said he enjoys fishing, hunting, sports, and any sort of outdoor activity, "especially when my wife and children are participating." He and his wife both enjoy music, as well.

Leach said he and his Family look forward to meeting new members of the Fort McCoy community as well as reconnecting with those they met before.

The RSO conducts both Catholic Mass and Protestant services at 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Catholic Mass is in Chapel 10, building 1759, and Protestant services are in Chapel 1, building 2672. Fellowship takes place before and after services from 9 to 9:30 a.m. 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. at the RSO, building 2675.

"I believe it is important for everyone in the Fort McCoy Family to know that they have a garrison chaplain who cares about them," Leach said. "I may not have opportunities to interface with everyone on a regular basis, but I do see myself as everyone's chaplain and want to get that message out."

Leach said he and his Family also host a "Taco Tuesday" dinner every week starting at 5:30 p.m. at their home in South Post Housing Area. The whole community is invited to meet and mingle. Call the RSO for the address and more information.

"Thanks for inviting us to come home and be a part of the Fort McCoy Team," Leach said.

• Date Taken: 04.26.2018
• Date Posted: 04.26.2018 11:55
• Story ID: 274612
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WI, US