By Fr. Michael Zimmer
Chaplain, Major, Nebraska Air National Guard
Currently deployed overseas in CENTCOM (United States Central Command)
“What do you do all day?” This common question about military chaplaincy always elicits a similar response: “It depends! My days are incredibly varied. One moment I might be discussing everyday life with someone, and the next I’m helping a service member navigate a personal crisis, including suicidal thoughts.”
American military chaplaincy has a rich history, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Pastors accompanied state militias, providing moral guidance and support amidst the horrors of war. Recognizing their vital role, Congress formally established the position of chaplain in the Continental Army in 1775. While we hold officer rank and adhere to military standards, including physical fitness and professional development, we have no command authority and are non-combatants. We are forbidden from carrying weapons, yet we accompany those who do, even into the heart of conflict. History is replete with examples of courageous chaplains, including Medal of Honor recipients like the recently repatriated Venerable Emil Kapaun, whose unwavering faith and virtue in the face of unimaginable suffering during the Korean War continues to inspire.
Here in Nebraska, and across the United States, we’re blessed with a deep sense of patriotism. We celebrate our military members, and the support they receive from the public is unparalleled. However, this service comes at a steep price for our military personnel and their families.
As a priest, I have the distinct privilege of serving as a military chaplain, walking alongside those who serve our nation. Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of accompaniment, and that’s precisely what military chaplains do. We journey with our service members through the everyday challenges of life, compounded by the extraordinary responsibility of defending freedom, pursuing peace, and, when necessary, waging war. The burdens they carry can be immense, and we, as chaplains, help shoulder that weight.
Like civilian pastors, I celebrate the sacraments, provide religious instruction, and welcome new members into the Church. A core competency for military chaplains is to provide religious services and accommodate the religious needs of all personnel, in order to promote and strengthen Spiritual Fitness.
Courtesy photos
However, the diversity of those I serve is unique. In my 13 years as a parish priest, I primarily ministered to a relatively homogenous group of Nebraskans, mostly Catholic and Protestant. In the military, I serve individuals from a vast spectrum of faiths and beliefs—Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, agnostics, and atheists, to name a few. My role is to serve them all.
An essential role that military chaplains fulfill is pastoral counseling during a crisis. Crisis counseling provides a critical lifeline for military members facing a wide range of challenges, from acute stress reactions in combat zones to the emotional and psychological impact of deployments, injuries, and reintegration into civilian life.
It offers immediate support and coping mechanisms during times of intense distress, helping individuals navigate overwhelming emotions, stabilize their mental state, and prevent long-term psychological harm. This intervention can address issues such as grief, trauma, relationship problems, and suicidal ideation, ensuring that service members have access to confidential and specialized care tailored to their unique experiences and needs. By providing this crucial support, crisis counseling contributes significantly to the overall well-being and resilience of the military community.
This support transcends individual beliefs, as evidenced by a conversation I had with an atheist service member. He shared that, while deployed and facing intense personal struggles, a chaplain’s support was instrumental in his ability to cope and function effectively in a demanding environment down range. He now considers himself one of the biggest advocates for chaplains in the military, while maintaining his atheistic belief.
Some argue against the presence of chaplains in the military, claiming it constitutes government-imposed religion. This is a profound misunderstanding. While each chaplain adheres to a specific faith tradition, we are prohibited from proselytizing. The First Amendment guarantees not only freedom of religion but also the right to practice that religion. Chaplains uphold and protect this right for our service members. I never compromise my Catholic faith, but I ensure that all service members can freely practice theirs. And when asked about my own beliefs, I am free to share the Good News.
I am deeply grateful for my military service. The need for priests is significant nationwide, and particularly acute in the military, where Catholics represent a large percentage of service members. The Diocese of Lincoln, blessed with a strong priestly vocation rate, generously allows priests to serve in the military. Currently, three priests from the diocese serve in the Nebraska Army/Air National Guard, with one on active duty and another joining this summer.
My role in the Nebraska Air National Guard also involves domestic operations, responding to natural disasters and state emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic as well as deployments overseas. My service has taken me from operations in Washington D.C. to South Carolina, to overseas missions in South Korea, the Czech Republic, Saudia Arabia, Tajikistan and Qatar.
Serving as a military chaplain is a profound honor. It’s a privilege to walk alongside these brave men and women, offering support and guidance amidst the complexities and sacrifices of military life. From the quiet moments of everyday conversation to the intense moments of crisis, the chaplaincy provides a vital presence, ensuring that our service members have access to spiritual and emotional care, regardless of their faith or belief system. It is a ministry of presence, of accompaniment, and of unwavering support for those who dedicate their lives to serving our nation.
