Part 1: A Conversation with U.S. Army Chaplain, Special Needs Parent and Writer Brad Lee

It is my honor to introduce you to United States Army Chaplain, Brad Lee. Chaplain Lee is a husband and father of six, and a writer with a forthcoming book inspired by his journey with his young son who has Downs Syndrome and Autism. 

In Part 1 of this two part conversation, Chaplain Lee shares the road that led him to become a chaplain in the U.S. Army, some of the adventures, challenges, and opportunities he encounters as he serves our country and our soldiers, as well as some powerful thoughts on and wise counsel to our nation. 

Part 1: A Conversation with U.S. Army Chaplain, Special Needs Parent and Writer Brad Lee

My hope is that this conversation informs, educates, and inspires many to better appreciate our military, as well as minister to families with special needs children, and inform us how to support them.

In part two which I will post in a few days, Chaplain Lee returns with his wife, Lori, as they share more about life as a military family and a family with a special needs child, his ministry, Special Needs Marriage, for marriages and families, and his forthcoming book. Don’t miss Chaplain Brad Lee and His wife Lori’s wise words and powerful testimonies in Part 2 and be sure to check out the recommended resources from Chaplain Lee at the end of this article!

It is the Soldier

by U.S. Army Veteran Charles Michael Province

It is the Soldier, not the minister

Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter

Who has given us freedom of press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet

Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer

Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer

Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag,

And whose coffin is draped by the flag,

Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

There is nothing more sacred and honorable than when we stand up in front of a group of soldiers in a chapel or a battlefield and honor one of our fallen. 

The first time that you hear the national anthem played after you’ve been deployed in a civilian setting it means something totally different.

When you’ve actually seen the rocket’s red glare, and it’s not just a line in a song — that has a whole new meaning. 

—U.S. Army Chaplain Brad Lee

Chaplain Brad Lee’s YouTube Channel: Special Needs Marriage and Family Channel

I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch this SLIDESHOW featuring the poem, It is the Soldier HERE: It is the Soldier poem by U.S.Army Veteran Charles Michael Province read by Retired Colonel, United States Army, Senator John Papagoeoge

Did you know that in 1999 Congress designated May as Military Appreciation Month? But I’m grateful everyday for those who served and gave all, and for those who serve today to establish and secure our freedom. 

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Thrilled to have my article in honor of Military Appreciation Month featuring quotes from interviews with members of our armed forces, a little military history, and more on Southern Ohio Christian Voice HERE: Tribute to Our American Military

The Star Spangled Banner

Chaplain Brad Lee’s YouTube Channel: Special Needs Marriage and Family Channel

ChurchLeaders.com – Special Needs:  The Unreached People that We Overlook 

www.autism.org

www.autism-society.org

You can connect with Chaplain Brad Lee Here: 

FaceBook: Brad Lee https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1194139038

Twitter: Special Needs Marriage @MarriageNeeds

Click HERE to watch Part 2: A Conversation with U.S. Army Chaplain, Special Needs Parent and Writer Brad Lee

Click here to read my article on Southern Ohio Christian Voice here: Tribute to Our American Military

CLICK HERE to sign up for the TATTOO IT ON YOUR HEART NEWSLETTER to receive my blog posts, occasional notifications of special events, offers, and free downloads by email.

Click HERE to watch Part 2: A Conversation with U.S. Army Chaplain, Special Needs Parent and Writer Brad Lee

© 2020 Rachael M Colby Tattoo It On Your Heart

Author: Rachael M. Colby

Rachel M. Colby has a heart for reconciliation and a passion to uplift those who serve in tough places. She writes to connect cultures’ questions with Christianity’s answers, inspire faith, and motivate. She is an award-winning writer in the categories of articles, poetry, devotions, essays, flash fiction, and children’s picture books. Her article The Integration of Oak Ridge (the subject of her WIP) won the 2022 Selah Award for Articles in Print at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is a longtime member of The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and a protégé in the Cecil Murphey Mentoring program. Rachael's work has appeared on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Christian Devotions, Southern Ohio Christian Voice, Inkspirations Online, in the compilation books Creative Writing Journal: Faith Inspired Writing Prompts & Hope-Filled Poetry, Defining Moments: Memorable and Inspiring Stories from Outstanding Leaders, and The Courage to Write: 62 Devotions to Encourage Your Writing Journey, and in the Oak Ridger newspaper. This Jamaican-born wife, mom, beach bum, artist, work in progress, makes her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She runs on copious amounts of coffee, chocolate, and a whole lot of “Help me, Jesus.”

16 thoughts on “Part 1: A Conversation with U.S. Army Chaplain, Special Needs Parent and Writer Brad Lee”

  1. As the mother of an Army Reserves officer, I’m thankful for chaplains. Thank you for sharing this message so we can understand the role of chaplains better. God bless you, him, the Army, and America.

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    1. Amen and you are welcome, (my honor), and God bless you, Nancy. Thank you for watching and hope you catch part 2 of my interview with Chaplain Lee. (And you may as well check out some of the other offerings while you’re here too.) 🙂

      Like

  2. Such a good interview, Especially his thoughts on the complexity of faith when ministering
    to those in the military service.

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  3. Rachael, your interview was wonderful! I enjoyed learning more about an Army chaplain’s work. Chaplain Lee, thank you for giving us a good example of serving Christ wherever we are. We appreciate what you do to support our soldiers.

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  4. Your interview with the chaplain was just wonderful. I related to a lot of what the chaplain was saying because I retired from the US Army a few years ago. I am looking forward to session 2.

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    1. Thank you for your service to our country, sir. I had wonderful interviewees. (Chaplain Lee’s wife, Lori, joins him in part 2 of this interview.) Honored to interview them and blessed by the opportunity to bless you.

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  5. Wow! The interview really peeled back the curtain and helped me better appreciate those serving our country. Thank you to Chaplain Lee and you, Rachel, for conducting the interview.

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  6. Powerful poem! Thanks for sharing this, Rachel. I’m behind in watching videos but hope to watch this interview soon! And congrats on being featured in Sohio again!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Very good interview Rachel! I think Brad Lee speaks very well.
    I’m looking forward to the second part!
    Thanks for a great video.
    Ben C.

    Liked by 1 person

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