Chaplain of Marine Corps stresses importance of family

Photo By Sgt. Aaron Hostutler | "You may not be on the front page of a newspaper, but know that what you do is extremely important," Tidd said. "People back in the United States really appreciate everything you do. It has been a tremendous privilege to serve and deploy with Marines and Sailors," said Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd, chaplain of the Marine Corps.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.11.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Aaron Hostutler 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

"That’s why I’m here," Tidd said. "The Marine Corps, Navy and all services are realizing in new ways the vital role families play in supporting Marines, Sailors and Airmen."

Tidd visited Okinawa May 28 as part of a Pacific tour he is conducting to visit Marines and sailors and ensure their needs are being met.

"The Chaplain of the Marine Corps is the chief advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps regarding moral, spiritual welfare and the readiness of military families," said Navy Capt. Robert L. Keane, the Marine Corps Bases Japan chaplain.

"So it’s extremely helpful to him to visit Marines, sailors and their families throughout the world so he can better understand their needs by getting face time with them that he can’t get by sitting in Washington."

According to Tidd, a chaplain’s main mission is to ensure the religious and spiritual needs of Marines and Sailors are being met, but it doesn’t stop there.

"Chaplains are always concerned about a person’s whole life," Tidd said. "The needs people have cover a wide spectrum, and while chaplains play a critical role, they can’t do everything. That’s why it is so important that chaplains serve as a link between Marines, Sailors, their families and the various programs made available to them."

Marines and Sailors have a variety of programs to choose from in supporting their family, including Marine Corps Community Services, Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, the Marine Corps Family Team Building Center and the Family Readiness Officers.

These programs can be helpful anywhere, but being stationed overseas presents unique challenges to service members and their families.

"While chaplains and these programs are important anywhere, it is especially important in Okinawa and other places where Marines and their families are so far away from home," Tidd said.

Families must be proactive because these programs are only beneficial if service members and their families take advantage of them, he said.

"But don’t stop there," Tidd added. "Engage other families who have been here longer and ask them what programs have helped them."

While on his tour, Tidd also had a personal message to deliver to military families.

"You may not be on the front page of a newspaper, but know that what you do is extremely important," Tidd said. "People back in the United States really appreciate everything you do. It has been a tremendous privilege to serve and deploy with Marines and Sailors."

• Date Taken: 06.11.2010
• Date Posted: 07.02.2010 01:49
• Story ID: 52268
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP