By Cmdr. Scott Cauble, Naval Chaplaincy School and Center
Retired Navy Chaplain Stanley J. Beach addressed chaplain and religious program specialist (RP) students during a visit to Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) March 13-14.
Beach retired as a captain after 30 years of service in 1987 and is considered a “living legend” in the Chaplain Corps. The NCSC building was named in his honor in 2012 for the heroic acts of service he performed with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines during the Vietnam War. He received the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart for sustaining severe leg and stomach injuries while ministering to wounded Marines and carrying them to aid stations.
Along with his lifelong contributions to the Chaplain Corps as a devoted mentor and leader, Beach is also a former director of what was then called the Naval Chaplains School.
"Chaplain Beach left an impression on me that chaplaincy, above all, is relationship building in its purest form,” said Ensign Karen Levels, a Basic Leadership Course student. “I am incredibly grateful and humbled to have had the chance to meet this inspiring man.”
Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Marshall George, assigned to USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and attending the RP Manager's Course, expressed appreciation of Beach’s understanding of the history of the RP rating.
“Chaplain Beach helped us better understand the significance of what makes RPs different from the enlisted who work with chaplains in other branches of service,” said George. “He believes we are the eyes and ears for the chaplains we work alongside of to help our Sailors and Marines.”
For information about the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, visit www.netc.navy.mil/centers/chaplain/.
For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao and Twitter @netcpao.