***The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Celebrates 247 Years in July***
The Army’s most important mission is taking care of its people. To meet that mission, the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) System aims to improve Soldier performance and readiness by connecting physical, mental, and spiritual training with an emphasis on total wellness. Spiritual readiness is key to holistic health because when your spiritual life is in check, you are motivated to make better choices in other areas of your life.
Since 1775, the Army Chaplain Corps has nurtured the soul of the Army Reserve
by providing support, motivation, and emotional guidance to Soldiers and their families. Chaplains help families build resilience as they deal with unique challenges while also supporting Army Reserve leaders as they manage difficult decisions that ensure the safety and future of our country.
Army Reserve Chaplains help Soldiers develop a personal spiritual practice – whatever that may look like for them – and provide them with tools for support in times of stress and hardship. A holistically healthy Soldier is better able to use their unique skills and talents to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Some of the ways Chaplains make a difference include:
- Providing marriage and family counseling
- Serving as a staff chaplain at a medical facility
- Becoming an instructor at one of several Officer service schools
- Tending to the spiritual needs of every Soldier both at home and while on deployment
Join me in a recent interview with Chaplain (CPT) Paul Schlador, Officer in Charge of the 116th Chaplain Detachment in Ft. Lewis, WA as he discussed the role of Chaplains in the Army Reserve, the impact they have on Soldiers and their families, and how the Corps has grown over the last 247 years.
Listen to the entire interview here.
BIO
CH (CPT) David “Paul” Schlador
Chaplain, U.S. Army Reserve Command
Chaplain (CPT) D. Paul Schlador is the Office in Charge of the 116th Chaplain Detachment in Ft. Lewis, WA. Prior this this assignment, he served as the Battalion Chaplain for the 173d Brigade Engineer Battalion where he provided religious support for 450 Soldiers.
In October 2011 Chaplain Schlador received a direct commission as a 56X – Chaplain Candidate with the North Dakota Army National Guard where he served for 2 years before transferring to the Wisconsin Army national Guard. In December 2017, Chaplain Schlador received his commission as a 56A – Chaplain. He served for 11 years in the national Guard to include a deployment in support of the COVID-19 pandemic as the JOC Chaplain for the Wisconsin National Guard and a deployment to Washington DC in response to the January 6 crisis. In July 2022 Chaplain Schlador transferred to the Army Reserves.
His assignments include Acting Battalion Chaplain for the 147th AV BN in Madison, WI; Acting Battalion Chaplain for the 257 BSB, in Oak Creek, WI; Battalion Chaplain for the 724 EN BN in Chippawa Falls, WI; Battalion Chaplain for the 173 BEB in Wausau, WI; Officer in Charge for the 118th CH DET in Des Moines, IA; and is now servicing as the Officer in Charge for the 116th CH DET in Ft. Lewis, Washington.
CH Schlador’s awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal – with 1st Bronze Hourglass, the Armed Forces Service Medal, three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal. He received his associate degree from Gateway Community College in HVAC and Refrigeration. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oak Hills Christian College in Pastoral Studies. He also received his master’s degree in divinity from Multnomah Seminary. His military schools include the Chaplain Basic Officer Leaders and Chaplain Captain Career courses.
Chaplain Schlador is a Traditional Reservist with the Army Reserve and a full-time pastor in Duluth, MN where he lives with his Wife and two youngest of six children.
Interview courtesy of: U.S. Army Reserve