Photo By Spc. Anna Laurin | Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general, places the official state chaplain’s...... read more read more
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TOPEKA, Kan. - Chaplain (Lt. Col.) William David Jenkins became the state chaplain for the Kansas National Guard at a transfer of authority ceremony, Jan. 8, 2012, at Nickell Armory, in Topeka, Kan.
During the ceremony, Chaplain (Col.) Donald Davidson put on the official state chaplain’s stole for the last time as Maj. Gen. (Kan.) Lee Tafanelli took it and placed it upon Jenkins’ shoulders, signifying the transfer of authority over the Kansas National Guard’s Chaplain Corps. Davidson is retiring from the military, having served 28 years in the Kansas National Guard.
“Chaplain Jenkins, we welcome you and your experience to the command team,” said Tafanelli. “I know we have significant challenges ahead, but I can think of no one better equipped to handle those challenges and lead us, and set the force up spiritually to meet our needs in the future as we face some very difficult and challenging times. So again, welcome and congratulations on this assignment and certainly, on behalf of the Kansas National Guard, we all look forward to working with you.”
During the ceremony, Jenkins thanked Davidson for his efforts in strengthening the Chaplain Corps during his time as the state chaplain.
"The Kansas National Guard chaplaincy is stronger than it has been in years,” said Jenkins. “Chaplain Davidson has left a solid legacy to build upon. I hope to use my experience from multiple deployments in ways that will continue to strengthen our chaplaincy as we care for Kansas Guard service members and their families."
Jenkins was born and raised in Fredonia, Kan., and was the command chaplain of the 35th Infantry Division, Kansas Army National Guard.
Jenkins resides in Topeka, where he serves as bereavement coordinator for Grace Hospice. As a pastor of the Disciples of Christ, he has served churches in Southeastern Kansas. He is currently a candidate for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church.
Jenkins received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible Ministries from Manhattan Christian College in 1978 and his Master of Divinity degree from Phillips Graduate Seminary in Enid, Okla., in 1984. He completed clinical pastoral education in 1983 and received certification in family systems therapy at the Menninger Institute in 1986.
He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at the University of the South at Sewanee, Tenn., and will graduate from the U.S. Army War College in July 2012.
Prior to his current assignment, Jenkins served the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor; 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment and was brigade chaplain for the 35th Division Artillery and the 635th Regional Support Group.
Jenkins was deployed in support of Stabilization Force 13 and 14 as the deputy command chaplain in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He later served as deputy command chaplain for the 377th Theater Support Group in Kuwait and in 2007-2008 was the command chaplain for Kosovo Force 9.
Jenkins’ military awards include the Meritorious Service Award with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and several other medals and ribbons.
Jenkins is an avid gardener and can be seen in his neighborhood on daily runs with the family basset hound, Penelope.
Jenkins is married to Mary Anna. They have two grown children, Tim, a graphic designer who resides in Wichita, Kan., and Anna, a teacher with the Auburn-Washburn School District in Topeka.
The day Jenkins was announced to be the next state chaplain will forever be a highlight of his career.
“I felt honored to be asked to be the state chaplain. As a chaplain, it is the pinnacle in terms of being able to serve, to maximize experience,” said Jenkins, “especially in terms of training and mentoring of the younger chaplains, subordinate chaplains and chaplain assistants, and to build a strong state National Guard, Army and Air. I feel very honored to be given that opportunity.”
| Date Taken: | 01.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.27.2012 16:07 |
| Story ID: | 82953 |
| Location: | TOPEKA, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 500 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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