Still to Fight On

INTRODUCTION Following high school graduation, I decided to enlist in the military. “The service, as we called it, appealed to me as an effective way to get started in life. Three of my brothers had served, and others from my town (called Oakwood Village in Ohio) had spent time on active duty in Vietnam. Besides, my parents had always said, “the military would make a man out of me.” In the military, they said, I would meet people “from all walks of life.” They never questioned these wise old sayings; they simply believed them to be true. Their credulity, however, was not enough to convince me. I had to experience the military for myself. I enlisted in the Air Force and served for almost five years. After my discharge, I attended college and seminary and re-entered the military as a chaplain, first as an Air Force Reservist, then as active duty in the Navy. Following one tour with the Navy, I served civilian pastorates: then, with a little luck and God’s grace, the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) as a hired me as a hospital staff chaplain. I went on to serve as a VA chaplain for over 22 years. Military service and VA chaplaincy caused me to form an identity. Along with the other identities of minister, chaplain, father, son, husband, was that of an African American veteran. This makes me one of over two million people so designated. These persons anonymously blend in with other Americans in the daily rhythm of life. Within this group, however, there exists a sizable number of veterans who extensively use the services of VA hospitals. I dedicate this book to these African American veterans. These African American veterans frequently enter VA hospitals because of service connected or combat related illnesses. Another reason appears to be inexpensive or free medical care guaranteed to every veteran as a benefit of military service. In most cases, these reasons are difficult to separate from each other. Most importantly, however, is the idea that this group of veterans constitutes a unique population with special needs. While serving this unique population, I have gained insights that may be of help to other VA chaplains and pastors. I am certainly aware that hundreds of VA chaplains and others throughout the VA have similar concern for the unique circumstances of these minority veterans. Only some of these chaplains and clinicians, however, share my experience and perspective as an African American veteran. Moreover, not much literature within the VA or elsewhere addresses the concerns of these veterans. Therefore, this task has fallen to me. Some African American veterans find themselves either partially or fully dependent upon the VA. These veterans need psychological care that addresses alcohol or drug dependence, traumatic stresses from combat, and in some cases, acute psychosis. Other African American veterans may have medical needs, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, cancer, high blood pressure and HIV. Most recently, I am sure the Covid 19 virus complicates and adds to their list of medical needs. These health problems and diseases have caused stress and chaos in their lives. Ministry to these African American veterans is vital and crucial; however, it is not meant to exclude those of the majority race and culture. Traumas of war and other military conflicts affect black, brown and white alike. Instead, this ministry considers the double jeopardy faced by African Americans that is unknown by the majority. African Americans are veterans of both military service and racial oppression. While finding refuge in a VA hospital will not shield them from these realities, my hope is that compassionate, caring ministry from one who identifies will help to mitigate their suffering. Among others who might benefit from this book are caregivers, clergy, and veterans themselves. I base this book not only upon personal experience, but also the subjective and objective history of African American veterans. Further, this book contains a survey of autobiographical, contextual, bibliographical, theological, biblical, historical, experiential, and clinical information. The aim is to synthesize ideas that will result in a vision of the ministry. The book also highlights the plight of these forgotten and invisible veterans by casting light on their invisibility and heightening awareness of their issues. Using theological and biblical resources, it demonstrates why this group is of concern for the church and its ministry. Moreover, the book also surveys these groups. national history, tradition, and culture. Using these methods, I attempt to inspire, give rays of hope, express concern and suggest ways of healing.