Chaplain says "Auf Wiedersehen" after 32 years

12.07.2008

Story by Maj. John Heil 

332nd Medical Brigade

By John Heil
332nd Medical Brigade

NASHVILLE, TN— December 7, forever known as a day that will live in infamy, will also be known, for the 332nd Medical Brigade, as a day its chaplain, Col. Richard Uhler, would say "Auf Wiedersehen" at his last sermon in Nashville, Tenn., as an Army Reservist.

It's symbolic that the chaplain who began his military career as a combat medic would also end his 32 year career with a Medical Brigade.

His career, which began in the late 1960's, spanned five decades with continuous service in all three components since 1978.

"That year, 1978, was a time of transition for our family," said Uhler, "Going back into the military was not the highest priority, but an opportunity that presented itself to reenter seamlessly – and the rest is history as they say."

He served in Vietnam and when he returned to the United States, after his tour in Vietnam, he then went to Canada. He said that Canadians asked him, "Let me get this straight - you went to Vietnam first and then you came to Canada?" Sounds of laughter followed from his parrish.

A chaplain provides spiritual and pastoral support for service personnel, including the conduct of religious services at sea or in the field. Military chaplains have a long history; the first English military-oriented chaplains, for instance, were priests on board proto-naval vessels during the eighth century A.D. Land based chaplains appeared during the reign of King Edward I. The current form of military chaplain dates from the era of WWI.

Though Chaplain Uhler, like other chaplains, led many to Christ, he'll never forget those who have also helped he and his family during their journey in life.

In his testimony Chaplain Uhler said "Each Christmas season, I am reminded of something that took place Christmas, 1978, a story that illustrates the real spirit of the season."

"A young couple with two small children faced an uncertain future and perhaps a not so merry Christmas since minimum wage barely put food on the table. There was no room in the budget for extravagance that year, but a telephone call from a Boy Scout leader turned what was destined to be a dismal holiday season into an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime."

"The Scoutmaster told them that the troop traditionally got names of people in need to give them a small token of benevolence during the holiday season and someone submitted this family's name. The Scoutmaster called to arrange a convenient time for the troop to deliver this so-called "small" token. There was not a dry eye in the home that day when after 14 Boy Scouts each brought in a bag of groceries, a fully decorated Christmas tree came through the door."

"Now thirty years later, this story is still a misty-eyed reminder of true benevolence during the Christmas season. The groceries and the live Christmas tree can only be a memory now and the Christmas tree stand will have to be the only visual reminder of that day. The identity of those thoughtful enough to submit a name to the Boy Scouts will never be known, but our family will never forget Christmas 1978."


"My military career may not have existed or flourished if decisions or circumstances created a different outcome," said Uhler. "Whether positive or negative result, I am at peace with the outcome."

Uhler preached, "In many ways peace comes to us in stillness and rest. It comes when we can quiet the world around us and listen for God's still small voice. Peace comes when we can get away from the hectic activities that would drain us and keep us focused on what's happening around us."

"But peace also can come when we are in the midst of our everyday activities. When we know we are doing the right things, when we are sure that our life is in order. Peace can come also in the midst of our deepest worries and conflicts when we are at rest with God."

"When we trust that whatever is happening," Uhler said, "God is the midst of it."

He closed by saying "Auf Wiedersehen", not goodbye. Uhler said, "That expression literally means "til we meet again - Or something like that. Is that like the emailing and texting 'TTYL'?"

"As I look back on a military career that began in 1969 and will come to an end this December 14 wondering where 40 years went," said Uhler, "What I see is not the time spent, but rather how I could be of help to the hundreds of soldiers with whom I came in contact either as a medic or a chaplain."

"So may it not be goodbye, rather Auf Wiedersehen."

• Date Taken: 12.07.2008
• Date Posted: 12.27.2008 00:30
• Story ID: 28174