From my Christian tradition the post-Easter session is a hope-renewed beginning from the harsh realities of challenges, suffering, and death. “Hope springs eternal” is a reality to live despite worldly situations that remain. Policy changes to the Army Chaplaincy and another war tests hope. Regardless of your faith, I commend to you God’s hope that is present in all our religions represented in the Army. That hope is greater than the powers present on this earth. Please pray for our soldiers and their families. Pray for our Unit Ministry Teams, Directors of Religious Education, and our Department of the Army Civilians who actively serve or continue the mission of “bringing God to people and people to God” as veterans.

My thanks to all who have so far submitted their comments on the recent changes in policy and personnel within the Army Chaplaincy. You are helping me better understand where USACCRA is on these current issues. Know that all emails are only seen by me. They are not shared with others so all may express themselves without fear or concern from colleagues or others. Rather than assuming I know where people are on these topics, I am asking, to best represent USACCRA consensus when called upon.

Meanwhile, our hope from God directs our ministry mission to soldiers and their families, actively serving and veterans. Here are some opportunities for supporting this ministry mission as UMTs for life.

-We are coming down the wire for donations to this year’s scholarships. Please seriously consider an offering to this worthy cause supporting our members’ families. Any amount is welcomed and used with success. We are looking at the first of May to set scholarship amounts based on money received.

-Registration for our next Biennial Gathering in San Antonio, TX at the Menger Hotel next to the Alamo, 27-30 October 2026, is wide open and ready for your sign up. Note, hotel rates are the military per diem rate for the area. There are two actions. First, register for the event with your choice of meals and trip or not. Second, reserve your room at the Menger hotel. Here are the websites.

https://www.events.afr-reg.com/e/USACCRA26  (for registration to the event by website)

Printable registration to mail in and pay by check:

https://chaplainregiment.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/USACCRA-2026-Reunion-Registration-Form.pdf

(This is the best way to register so you don’t pay an extra 3.5%.)

Reservation link for The Historic Menger Hotel: 

https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=97267&Chain=27716&group=261025CHAPLAINS&arrive=10/25/2026

Please decide and reserve your place soon. Waiting until the last moment wreaks havoc on planning and the quality of success for the best gathering possible. Show your support for the Army Chaplaincy and personal relationships you have across the decades with friends and colleagues.

Lastly, USACCRA has a new website editor of articles, CH(COL)-Ret. Tom Brouillard. Especially for those who would like to expand on their recent comments about chaplaincy changes, please consider writing an article where you stand with pros and cons to support your position These are not academic scholarly pieces nor are they visceral letter-to-the-editor comments, but a reasonable explanation of your thoughts and feelings on pertinent topics in our Corps. Send all articles to Tom Brouillard at dachrci@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your steadfast support for God and Country.

Scottie Lloyd

USACCRA President