Do Chaplains Die from War?
Posted by Chaplain Campbell. Filed in Chaplains, Stories |
MilitaryTimes.com posted this story from The Associated Press on Sunday, 21 June 2009.
“Army chaplain dies 5 years after bomb blast
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota priest who was gravely wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq five years ago has died.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis on Sunday confirmed the death of the Rev. Tim Vakoc, who died at a nursing home in suburban New Hope.
The cause of death has not been released, but a note posted on his CaringBridge Web site says he died about 8 p.m. Saturday surrounded by family and friends.
The priest and Robbinsdale native was an Army chaplain in May 2004 when the blast cost him an eye and severely damaged his brain.
Archbishop John Nienstedt calls Vakoc a man of peace who chose to endure the horror of war to bring the peace of Christ to America’s fighting men and women.”
What are your thoughts on a non-combatant dying from battle wounds?
Tags: Chaplain, Military Times, Rev. Tim Vakoc
Monday, June 22nd 2009 at 5:05 pm
It is sad when anybody who volunteer to serve in the military gets killed…esp somebody like a Chaplain. But like all who volunteer to serve I believe that they know the risk(s) going into it…and that they still want to go out and serve other members of the military in that way makes the sacrifices they go through that much more great.
Tuesday, June 23rd 2009 at 7:35 am
I think you are absolutely right … even non-combatants such as medics and chaplains willingly serve in the military and very possibly in combat. This brings inherant risk. Chaplain Vakoc is an example of one who stayed with his (military) flock, even in harm’s way and paid a huge price for his faithful service.
Chaplain Campbell
Monday, July 6th 2009 at 6:14 pm
How soon will you update your blog? I’m interested in reading some more information on this issue.
Tuesday, July 7th 2009 at 11:27 am
Thanks for your comment about Chaplain Vakoc. For more information about Chaplain Vakoc, go to http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/07/02/23879-chaplain-vakoc-leaves-legacy-of-care/?ref=home-headline-title5 .