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The Chaplain seminar at 2021 DAV National Convention provided a clearer view about the definition of the responsibilities of a DAV Chaplain. This included important details in how to to, how not and the impact our labors have upon the lives of more than just fellow Veterans. By: Rev. James G.W. Fisher |
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Understanding Our Responsibilities As a chapter chaplain, we are responsible for leading the opening and closing prayer of our chapter meetings. We are responsible as the spiritual leader of the chapter which often times causes us to be called upon to represent the chapter at a funeral for deceased members or other event. We also need to send sympathy cards to the spouses of the ceased as well as chapter members who are out sick. It doesn't stop there though, it is important to visit members of the chapter when they are ill, and family of chapter members who are deceased.The details outlined above are merely the foundation defined by the DAV Officer Guide. There are many more details that need to be considered to be most effective as the Chaplain of a chapter. We must remember that every individual we socialize with, deserves respect and we should speak with them before approaching. Interactive Social Communication You may not be aware of this, but the average human brain has an abundance of social neurons. These neurons serve as filters which allow us to identify when, how and with whom to react. As a Chaplain, when you socially interact with others each day, everyone is influenced from that interaction. When others around you laugh, the interaction with others stimulates you to feel good and possibly laugh as well.
Always be prepared! There are specialty services available as the National Center for PTSD Treatment and VA Mental Health services at VA medical centers. You should keep up to date on the services available in your area for PTSD/MST and suicidal concerns so you are ready to be there for a Veteran when needed most in your social interaction.
Think Before You Approach One of the biggest mistakes that is so often forgotten is to recognize is the importance of proper communication with others. As a chaplain, this is a vital part of labors. It is human nature to simply approach others to share a personal thought or feeling. This however is being careless and not considering the person we are socializing with.
Respecting Personal Space We must remember that every individual we socialize with deserves respect and we should speak with them before approaching. It is a primary concern to remember that we have no way of knowing the emotional state of anyone by a mere glance. In speaking to others, there can be more to what is being said we might realize. Quite often there is an underlying message in what they are sharing with you that helps you as chaplain establish the most effective way to be there for that person. Understanding The Entire Picture As a chaplain, this it is a vital part of our labors to not just know how to communicate effectively but have a full understanding of the resources available for a Veteran. A Veteran might appear to have suicidal ideations but if you don't know where to send them or who to contact, then that Veteran's life might be lost because of your being uninformed. A chaplain is not a service officer but should be fully aware of all resources available to be there for the Veterans we serve.
Personal Risk When you socially interact with others each day, everyone is influenced from that interaction. When others around you laugh, the interaction with others stimulates you to feel good and possibly laugh as well. For a victim of a traumatic PTSD / MST experience, the same social interaction can instead serve as a trigger to cause an unintentional aggressive response to occur. For others, they simply become more reticent or restrained in their reaction. It is important to consider the fact that a victim of MST, is not responsible for their actions. For most victims, they have put up a wall to protect them from the traumatic experience they have endured. The normal flow of social neurons in their brains does not allow them to recognize and respond effectively. A chaplain must always be cautious not just in the benefit of the Veteran, but your own self.
Chaplain Responsibility Every individual has a different battle to fight in order to understand and/or contribute to the improvement of their lives. The most important part as a Chaplain, is that you take the initial step to begin that change for improvement desired. That in actuality is one of the most difficult. To overcome that challenge is a substantial accomplishment. After taking that first step, it's not always an easy path to travel. For some there are plenty of mental speed-bumps or chuckholes potentially along the way. For others, the transition can seem like a big relief. One just needs to remember that their new path is unique and their own. It is by their own conscious choice how they handle it with you as their Chaplain.
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