History happened on 1 August 2025 at the Columbia, SC Convention Center when 781 people gathered to celebrate 250 years of Army Chaplaincy support of religious freedom. It was the largest gathering of UMTs in our Corps’ life in service to God and country. USACCRA sponsored the event partnering with the Army Chaplaincy Corps to begin a new chapter for our Association as the Corps’ branch association. Like the AG, the Artillery, and others the Army Chaplain Corps now has its own non-profit civilian association supporting it in the mission of “bringing God to people and people to God”. This is a historic timeline event.
The week leading up to the Friday ball was filled with excitement, energy, and activity. The Corps historian and museum director teamed up contracting the most extensive artifact display outside of our museum. Chaplain kits from the mid-1800s to the present showed how worship came to Soldiers wherever they served. A chaplain’s tent filled with items used by chaplains over the years to facilitate their ministry including a bicycle retooled for a unit padre, demonstrated UMT innovation to reach soldiers for God. First displayed on the school campus, this display removed to the convention center for the ball.
Our Association got things started on Tuesday with its first charity golf tournament on the Ft. Jackson course, raising about $3,000 for USACCRA family educational scholarships. Designed and orchestrated by the Association’s 1st VP, SGM-Ret. Chris Patterson and ably supported by 3rd VP CH-Ret. Karen Diefendorf besides several other board members, 59 participants played through 100-degree humid heat. Deputy Chief of Chaplains Jack Stumme and wife among were among them going 18 holes. Treasurer CH-Ret. Dennis Madtes kept the fast-changing finances legal and ethical. Board members Frank Leon photographed posterity https://www.flickr.com/photos/203257418@N04/ . Jonathan Gibbs III set up shop with samples from our newly opened online Corps Store https://store.goproline.com/US-Army-Chaplain-Corps-Regimental-Assoc.html . Karen Diefendorf, also a board member with Wreaths Across America, obtained a live radio program during the entire day with interviews of players and sponsors. The Chief of Chaplains, CH(MG) Bill Green, Jr., RSGM Meaghan Simmons, and myself kicked off the game with a welcome and the national anthem. Then the fun began. Adding to the game, Chris Patterson lured Jon “Happy” Gilmore, the World Military Long Driver Champion (retired Marine, hurrah!) to anchor one of the toughest and longest holes on the course. For an extra donation, Jon would drive your shot close to the hole marked with an American flag over 400 yards uphill across two sand traps. I witnessed the “Happy” Gilmore do this with a 404-yard smash that came within inches of that flag. I don’t play golf, but I can admire brilliance and strength. It was awesome! By day’s end players, sponsors, and spectators alike were planning on a repeat game next year.
Starting Wednesday and concluding Friday noon, the Chief of Chaplains and RSGM hosted a Religious Leaders Symposium with UMTs arriving from around the world for strategic discussions on the future of the Corps. Thursday morning these leaders and the schoolhouse (IRL) students and faculty ran a 2-mile ceremonial course on Ft. Jackson ending with another first, a greeting by Association veterans as a sort of passing the baton experience. To complete the run God provided a good downpour to baptize the effort but parted the clouds just as the run ended with cheers. A perfect movie moment.
Also, on Wednesday your president was able to spring for lunch and listen and learn from students at the IRL about how things are going and their views on the chaplaincy. These students are the future of the Corps.
The crescendo experience came with the ball. General Xavier Brunson from his command in Korea served as our guest speaker with added welcomes and conclusions by CH Green, Jr. and me. Volunteer soldiers and Association board members prepared a detailed setting beyond any party I have ever seen in my nearly 40 years in an Army uniform. The Gibson Girls, a female singer trio entertained dressed in WWII Army uniforms. The cake cutting was done using a saber once owned by the first Chief of Chaplains and now owned by Association member Bob Nay. Presentations galore thanked many people. USACCRA thanked sponsors, announced our 2025 scholarship selectees, spotlighted our Honorary Corps UMT, and board members supporting arrangements. We honored the IRL UMT that led the planning with USACCRA for this event, CH(LTC) Thomas Berry and SFC Angela Curry with lifetime memberships, certificate and coin. Also announced was our next biennial gathering in San Antonio, the last week of October 2026 at the Menger Hotel across from the Alamo with the theme, “United in Service, Enabled by Faith”.
The Chief followed with his own regimental awards for several people, including me with the Martin of Tours medal. I accepted it on behalf of the USACCRA Board. We work as a team, the only way success is won.
This cursory summary misses much more. The week was full and the ball deserving of its own spotlight. But know this. USACCRA sponsored this event in partnership with our Army Chaplain Corps that ignited an exceptional effort. Be proud of your Association and your Corps. We are getting better together as a team using our callings from God to bring God to our Soldiers and their Families. That is success and satisfaction for us all.
Pro Deo et patria,
Scottie Lloyd
USACCRA President
