- October 11, 2024
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After watching the 1955 movie “A Man Called Peter,” based on the life of a preacher who served as chaplain of the United States Senate, and seeing the mentorship of the pastors of his childhood church, Chaplain Harry Gilman knew from the age of 12 that he would be a preacher. He would earn his bachelor’s degree in the Bible, Master of Divinity from Seminary, and a doctorate in theology. Chaplain Gilman served churches in New Jersey and Ohio for 10 years, and then, while playing golf with a Navy recruiter, it was suggested he consider serving as a military chaplain. About a year later, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a captain in the Chaplain Corps and sent to his first assignment at Fort Bliss, Texas, providing religious and spiritual care to a training brigade. He would be assigned in Germany twice, with a tour at Fort Gordon, Georgia in between. There, while still a captain, he was given the duties and responsibilities normally given to a major. One of his most rewarding and humble assignments was as chaplain to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, (The Old Guard), at Ft Myer, Arlington, Virginia, the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. There, he pastored 1,022 soldiers that comprise the official ceremonial unit and escort to the president. One of his collateral duties was as backup chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery, where he provided religious support to 452 funerals during his four-year tour. Later he was chaplain at Fort Lee, Fort Leavenworth, and Fort Belvoir before retiring to Flagler County in 2000 with his wife, Marlene. They will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary this July. Almost immediately upon arriving in Flagler County, he was asked to be chaplain to the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Exemplifying the motto “Never Stop Serving,” Chaplain Gilman has averaged officiating one funeral per week caring for families in Flagler County. Over his entire career and in retirement, he has provided pastoral care at over 1,600 funerals. He is an active presenter for the Veterans in the Classroom program, chaplain to the county’s Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies, and was Flagler County’s 2016 Veteran of the Year.
Need help with Veteran Services?
For information about support organizations and resources available to veterans, call 386-313-4014.
