A Chaplain makes history

94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command
Story by Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley

Date: 10.04.2018
Posted: 10.04.2018 22:35
News ID: 295506
A Chaplain makes history

U.S. Army Col. Khallid M. Shabazz, the chaplain for the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command was promoted to the rank of Colonel, which is the highest rank attained by a Muslim Chaplain, on October 4, 2018, at Hickam Officer’s Club on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael T. Morrissey, Commander of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, presided over the ceremony.

Morrissey had the opportunity to share some kind words about the newly promoted Col. Khallid M. Shabazz.

“For those of us who know Khallid, he is a force of nature, a force of personality, one of those unique types that I like to describe as someone you meet and you feel like you’ve known them your whole life,” said Morrissey. “Troops naturally gravitate towards him.”

Col. Khallid M. Shabazz has attained the highest rank by a Muslim Chaplain, which is a phenomenal achievement. Shabazz hails from Alexandria, Louisiana; he has obtained numerous degrees during his lifetime and is also a published author. Above everything, he cites his family as his greatest source of inspiration.

Shabazz shared much of his spotlight, with his partner in life, his wife Rhonda.

“We’ve been doing this thing for 28 years and she is not my backbone, honestly, she’s the gristle that holds my backbone together,” Shabazz remarked. “I appreciate you and I love you.”

The promotion ceremony included remarks by Brig. Gen. Michael T. Morrissey, the oath of office, remarks by Col. Khallid Shabazz and a closing prayer.