TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Marines, covered head-to-toe in sweat and sand from a long day of training, gathered around a makeshift table, composed of boxes, to sing and pray together aboard the Combat Center’s Prospect training area, Jan. 9, 2016.
Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, Chaplain of the Marine Corps, visited 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, currently conducting a field training exercise, during his trip to the Combat Center from Jan. 8 to Jan. 11.
Scott visited the installation to spend time with Marines in their work environments as well as to celebrate the 240th Chaplain Corps Anniversary and 37th Religious Program Specialist Social.
“It’s always good to see a representative from [Headquarters of the Marine Corps] come down and speak to the Marines as well as for the Marines to get a break in training to talk about something other than infantry mentality and tactics,” said Staff Sgt. Julian Billmair, platoon sergeant, 1/1. “When something is troubling a Marine they sometimes have the cover-up of a ‘tough face’ and when a chaplain takes the time to talk to them it goes a long way.”
During his trip to the installation, Scott also took the time to visit Marines from the Installation Personnel Administration Center, the Combat Center’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, as well as the Catholic and Protestant chapels for religious services.
“I think any time I can experience firsthand how Marines prepare in terms of readiness and resiliency, I can use that experience to help me understand what chaplains and religious personnel can do in support and service,” Scott said. “Being here also helps the Marines know that wherever they go in the world, there is going to be a chaplain there if they need it.”
Chaplains and religious specialists from the Combat Center joined the Chaplain of the Marine Corps in celebrating the 240th Chaplain Corps Anniversary and 37th Religious Program Specialist Social at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneer Town, Calif., Jan. 10. During the event, the chaplains performed a cake-cutting ceremony and Scott, serving as the guest of honor, spoke on the history and significance of Chaplains and religious specialists serving alongside Marines.
During his visit, Scott talked about the meaning of courage and emphasized that serving alongside Marines is a great privilege for any chaplain.
“Most of these Marines want to serve a purpose that is greater than themselves,” Scott said. “They have a sense of calling to something bigger than themselves and I’m so proud to be a part of that and to be able to serve alongside them.”