I just wanted to thank you for the great work the Herald did on military chaplains [May 31]. I also wanted to tell you of another avenue that pastors have to help in the effort. Virginia has a little known military unit under the governor and state adjutant general known as the Virginia Defense Force. It falls under the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. Its history goes back to the original state militia before it came under federal control. The Virginia Defense Force has an all volunteer chaplain corp.
Recently, the National Guard has requested that the Defense Force be ready to provide volunteer chaplains to the National Guard, so a new section has been put in place. Ordained ministers with or without prior military service are needed. Most pastors already have too much on their plates, but if there is one day a month and a few days in the fall that can be donated, there is a need. For more information, check out www.virginiadefenseforce.org .
R. Lee Farmer, Pastor, Coan Baptist Church, Heathsville
Chaplain (Lieutenant), Virginia Defense Force