It is September. Everywhere schools are back in session, and the traditional cycle of learning has begun. So it is with USACCRA as we mull over the After Actin Reviews from the weeklong 250th Anniversary events in July/August. The results of these successful historic activities are only now beginning to inform us about shaping the future.
The charity golf tournament solidifies a new approach to successful scholarship sustainability. The 250th ball, the greatest number of unit ministry teams ever assembled for such a celebration, definitively demonstrated both the future role of USACCRA as the Army Chaplain Corps’ branch association and the strength of mutual partnership between several organizations. The Office of the Chief of Chaplains (OCCH), the Institute of Religious Leadership, corporate sponsors, and the USACCRA worked together for a common goal. The results are what USACCRA is now learning from as we plan with the Army Chaplain Corps how to better support the Corps’ ability to “Bring God to soldiers and soldiers to God.”
This learning and transformation never stop. Like a poster message I once had above my desk with a runner passing through the St. Louis arch, “To the pursuit of excellence, there is no end.”
Joining us in this task is our new 3rd VP for Chapters during the remaining 2025 is Chaplain-Retired Glen Bloomstrom. Chaplain-Retired Karen Diefendorf resigned due to a heavy travel schedule and her already ending term in December 2025. USACCRA owes a deep debt to Karen for her vision, ideas, energy, and comradery. She challenged our Board of Directors and never gave up on my leadership stumbles. It encouraged me to push forward new benefits and expanded roles. We thank you “good and faithful servant of God”. Glen joins our USACCRA September meeting with new energy and ideas.
More to follow as we chart future moves. Please see our redesigned website for information and opportunities. Keep in mind that elections for board replacements is scheduled for December with new terms starting in January 2026. Email me if you are interested in being a part of the leadership team.
FINAL UPDATES
- The Corps Store is reviewing inventory choices to expand offerings as members have asked for. You got suggestions, send a note to Jonathan Gibbs III at jcgibbsiii@gmail.com.
- The OCCH and USACCRA are looking at chapter expansion and training partnership between veterans and actively serving UMTs.
- The Scholarship Team is rolling out under the new direction of board member Dianne Ellwein. Your donations are always needed. Keep it coming to equip our next generation.
- Our Retirement Certificate Program is soon to be launched in all compos.
- Our next USACCRA gathering is scheduled for 27-30 October 2026 in San Antonio, TX using the theme of “United in Service, Enriched by Faith”. Please reserve the date on your calendar. We need to see each other and share our friendships.
PRO DEO et PATRIA
Scottie Lloyd
USACCRA President





