Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

At age thirty-four, David McElwain was recruited into a Navy Reserve unit near Battle Creek, Michigan. A friend, who was already in the Reserve unit, knew of an opening and knew of just the right man to fill it! David was an ordained minister and was serving the congregation of a church in Michigan.

Among the requirements of becoming a Chaplain included being an ordained minister or having performed in a similar field such as counseling. Once he became a Navy Reservist, he went on to Chaplain's School at Newport, Rhode Island.

This is a school for entry level persons provided by the US Navy. Here, new people learn to be Navy Officers and the entire rank structure of the branch. They learn how to write and route paperwork so that things happen. A US Marine Gunnery Sergeant was assigned to each class to teach physical conditioning, drill and ceremonies, wear of the uniform, and marching -among other things.

In a time frame of about 9 months, training including the school and additional learning opportunities took place. Since no employer is sure how things will work out for any employee, long assignments are uncommon. David's first assignment was for two years only and he was sent to Guam. He was a married man and his wife, a nurse, accompanied him on this assignment.

The work on Guam was administering to the needs of the US Navy and Marines assigned to Naval Base Guam. This base was home for five large ships which served various duties in the area.

David took advantage of an opportunity to tour the island. He got the first hand looks at the mass of tunnels dug and covered up by the Japanese so as to protect themselves in WWII.

US forces became involved in an effort called Desert Storm while David was at Guam. The way that affected the men situated there was that they now delivered war inventories to pre-positioning sites so that the supplies could be picked up by oncoming units.

This first assignment provided David a real perspective of life in the US Navy and how best to fulfill his role in serving those he came into contact with. Towards the end of this, the person who actually directed his future -called a "detailer" knew that this Chaplain was required to serve aboard a ship.

The next move was to Mayport, Florida. This Naval Base is located near the Port of Jacksonville. David served first on an Aegis-class Cruiser. While the change of station and assignment is taking place, David and his wife are in the process of adopting children. He had to use up some leave time so they could travel to Costa Rica for introductions to four children. He made it clear to the adoption agency that he was likely to be deploying on sea duty at any time.

The ship David was assigned to sailed. It was out of port three days when Mrs. McElwain received a call from the adoption agency asking her to come and take the children they had spoken for. Essentially, Mrs. McElwain was a single parent for the first six months of her husband's assignment.

Life on the ship was somewhat pleasant but fairly stressful at the same time. The stress came from the training requirements placed on the men and women. The physical fitness standards never go away. The actual work was centered around the weapon systems of the ship. Plainly put, the weapons that were fired had to strike what was being aimed at. A ship of this size and capability was also one that needed maintenance and worked on as it sailed. There was also the need to feed 350 to 400 personnel three times a day. Occasionally the ship would need re-supplied and re-fueled along the way.

It is not real unusual to expect that a sailor's home environment can change while the ship is out to sea. In the early nineties, most communication was still by snail mail. Hard-to-read letters came to sailors who needed the help of a Chaplain to get through the news. The slower communication had some distinct advantages. If a death occurred from the home front, messages could be relayed by Red Cross, allowing some time to ease situations. The Chaplain could be brought in if the event required his/her counseling. In todays cell phone/email/social media, news travels very fast.

The actual time in Mayport lasted three and a half years. David's work sites changed but this was the main place for them. There were four children adopted and of course, there were challenges, but things worked out as well as could be expected.

Chaplain's work is not easy. Whether he/she is on a ship or on shore duty, there is no off time. Availability is most, if not all, the time. Seldom do people come to them with great news. Usually the contact is with a matter that is weighing heavily on ones mind. Moreover, the Chaplains don't have the advantage of having known their subject for much time. Their work is frequently done by their wits, experiences, and the knowledge and belief that the Grace of God travels with them. The range of counseling covers such a wide spectrum of humanity that it is often hard to grasp the importance of their work.

Sometimes, in a field situation, where a service of Holy Communion is called for, a stack of MREs will work for an altar as will the tailgate of an HMMV. Chaplains don't usually wear their robing unless there is a formal service. Make no mistake, the silver cross worn on the left collar of the Chaplain's uniform is substantial enough to identify such a person.

The military Chaplaincy provides a different level/effort of service to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Chaplains offer such a variety and breadth of experience for all of our military members that they are considered major players in the overall scheme of our armed forces.

David served over twenty years. In this line of work, promotions are not that important, yet they are, in the end, important! Chaplain McElwain moved around several different theaters of operation, offering his expertise and love to many, many individuals and groups. A human look at it could be that the awards and ceremonies aren't that important. Their service is.

This good man is on the Chaplain's Staff at the veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cheyenne, WY.

Chaplain David McElwain, you ministered to so many and saved lives in the process. Thank you for your selfless service!