News / Events
U.S. Army Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants Recognized by the Military Order of the Purple Heart
Springfield, VA, August 3, 2009 -- July 29 marked the 234th Anniversary of the Army Chaplains Corp and 100th Anniversary for the Chaplain Assistant, as Army Chaplains, their assistants, families, friends and wounded warriors gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to mark this special occasion.
According to National Commander Jeff Roy, “servicemen and women of all branches of the military owe a debt of gratitude to military chaplains and their assistants for their moral and spiritual leadership as well as their caring and compassionate service to active duty soldiers, veterans, and their families. On this date, we specifically honor the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps.”
According to Army records, since the corps was created on July 29, 1775, more than 25,000 chaplains have served as religious and spiritual leaders for 25 million soldiers and their families. Presently, the Army has 2,700 chaplains and an equal number of assistants across the active Army, Reserve and National Guard. More than 1,000 chaplains have been mobilized or deployed in support of contingency operations worldwide since 2003. Unknown to many, 400 chaplains have died in combat, Six chaplains have received the Medal of Honor, and 27 have received the Distinguished Service Cross. Many others have received, Purple Hearts, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars for Valor, and Combat Action Badges during the 234 year history of the Chaplain Corps.
Two such heroes are members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH). Father Leonard F. Stegman served as Chaplain for almost 30 years, entering the Army in June, 1943. Now National Chaplain Emeritus of the MOPH, “Father Len” was awarded the Silver Star twice for gallantry in action, and the Purple Heart. Now living in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 92, he claims he has just begun to serve the Lord but will retire as soon as he gets through middle age. Current National Chaplain Conrad “Connie” N. Walker, served in the U.S. army for 28 years, much of that time with Airborne units. Also a highly decorated hero, Chaplain Connie Walker was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, Legion of Merit, and Purple Heart for his pastoral missions under hostile conditions in Vietnam. He is a Master Parachutist, having made many hundreds of jumps with the troops, including one combat jump, earning him the nickname of “The Leapin’ Deacon.”
The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.
For information contact:
National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535
Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org
