Remembrance and Relationships
When USACCRA was born at the turn of the 21st century, a spontaneous group of Army Unit Ministry Teams gathered to keep relations, forged in peace and war, on-going. To produce a time and place for remembrance and relationships. Over 400 people attended the first gathering and two years later this group increased to 500. They formalized this group into an association with lofty aspirations of expanding not just in size but across the Corps as an inclusive family in support of the mission they served so well and wish to continue in some way. USACCRA is a long name, but it is part of our inherited legacy. Those lofty ideals have grown into the branch association to the Army Chaplain Corps we experience today. The 250th Anniversary Ball announced that latest transformation to achieve the original dreams embedded in a constitution and by-laws set forth by our founders.
This movement is based on remembrance and relationships. For many, November is a month of memories. Many Christinas celebrate All Saints Day, a time to remember souls now departed leaving models of faith for the living. Jews, Muslims, and Hindus have similar ‘remembrances’ that are important to their faith development and practice. All religious traditions are centered around a story or stories of faith and God. It’s who we are.
Often, I am asked why be a part of USACCRA. “What’s in it for me?” USACCRA doesn’t sell insurance or peddle politics on the hill. There are other fine military associations that do a far better job than us because of their money, power structures, and longevity of existence. We are young with modest means. We strive to be greater. For now, our Association benefits are slowly expanding with increased memberships and donations. We can only go as fast as people (actively serving and veterans) participate and donate. Every person in the Corps is important for the survival and success of USACCRA. Hence the renewal of the Corps Store on line, https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.goproline.com%2FUS-Army-Chaplain-Corps-Regimental-Assoc.html&data=05%7C02%7C%7C5fb73b15a57d493dfef608ddab83049b%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638855301384587834%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hWMsyP5w9o5tQGqS9B02JOtSvb9T%2FdPM0VKS4jp63Fs%3D&reserved=0 the family scholarships (chaplainregiment.org), the sponsorship of the anniversary ball, the charity golf tournament, and our biennial gathering.
One of the highlight events at these gatherings is a memorial service. All the UMT and related Corps family names that we have been given are collected and remembered solemnly with a dignity due their lives of service to “God and country”. Widows are included. Department of the Army Civilians are included. All compos are included. All faith groups are included. All ranks are included. We are family together in service and memory. We honor our past and learn from our remembrance of their lives so that we can enrich the future of the Army Chaplain Corps. It is a part of our sacred oaths and who we are. This is a benefit to remember and be remembered with the lessons we pass on as legacy.
The Associaiton’s biennial gatherings are not for exaggerating veterans to brag and boast only, but a renewal of relationships that stand the test of time, politics, and society. It is for the whole serving Army Chaplain Corps family to deepen their relationships and celebrate them as the gift from God they are. The next biennial gathering is in San Antonio, TX, 27-30 October 2026 under the theme ‘United in Service, Enriched by Faith’. You are invited. Come. Enjoy your family, expanding your relationships and remembering, always remembering.
Pro Deo et Patria,
Scottie Lloyd (USACCRA President)
