Grayslake Man becomes National Guard Chaplain

A Grayslake resident was recently inducted into the Illinois National Guard Chaplain Corps.

At a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield on May 18, 1st Lt. Jeffery Nelson of the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Artillery Regiment in Milan was presented with a stole, a liturgical vestment honoring his completion of Army chaplain training and seminary school.

As a chaplain, Nelson will provide spiritual and religious support for soldiers in the Illinois National Guard. Chaplains are among the support groups available to Soldiers and family looking for advice, counseling and guidance.

Many of the National Guard chaplains are also pastors in their civilian occupations providing spiritual guidance in their local communities.

The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps is one of the oldest and smallest branches of the Army. The Chaplain Corps dates back to July 29, 1775, when the Continental Army was authorized one chaplain per regiment.

Submitted by Staff Sgt. Michael Camacho, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs