CHAPLAINS CORNER

Chaplains Corner

July 2025 Message from the State Chaplain Dale Iannello-

Comrade Chaplains,

As we step into the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to thank you all for the continued support, friendship, and commitment to the sacred mission we share. I’m both humbled and honored to serve as your newly elected Washington State VFW Chaplain. It’s a calling I don’t take lightly, and one I embrace with all my heart. Chaplains are more than a prayer at a podium — we’re the heart of care, the keepers of compassion, and the steady voices of hope in moments both joyful and solemn.

Whether we’re sending a card, making a call, leading a memorial, or simply listening, we stand as spiritual first responders in our Posts, Districts, and Departments. Never forget — you don’t need a collar or clergy credentials to be a good chaplain. You only need a servant’s heart and the willingness to show up for those who’ve served. And in that, I see greatness in every one of you. Let us carry forward the mission with love, faith, and purpose. We are Chaplains — and that means something powerful.

Finally, make sure you check out the VFW Chaplain resource page at: https://lotcs.org/vfw_chaplain.html

There you’ll find abundant information about being a VFW Chaplain. Yours in Comradeship,

Chappy State Chaplain Washington Veterans of Foreign Wars 2024-2025

Department of Washington VFW – State Chaplain

New 2023 Chaplain's Handbook (Revised)

📥 (Download)

Letter from VFW National Chaplain

Rev. Peter R. Hook
National Chaplain 2024–25
📥 (Download)

Dale Iannello

August message from your Chaplain

Current State Chaplain 2025–2026
Department of Washington
📧 chaplain@vfwwa.org

Responsibilities of a Chaplain

BEING A CHAPLAIN

You were elected to the office of Post/District Chaplain. You have an important responsibility to your Post or District. Whether you have been selected for your religious training or your past VFW experiences, you are expected to be the spiritual advisor to your organization and its members.

You are not expected to know everything but are expected to search for answers and follow up with those who ask. Do not be afraid to ask questions when necessary. Many ministers and chaplains are willing to assist. Build a contact list and offer VFW-related support when needed—everyone benefits from the connection.

PURPOSE OF CHAPLAINS

The office of Chaplain is more than offering prayers at meetings. The Chaplain serves a deeper purpose:

To help persons grow in their relationship with God.
To help persons grow in their relationships with one another.
To serve as a reminder of the transcendent in life.
To foster an environment that encourages moral and spiritual growth.
To remind all Americans that God is the source of all rights and privileges.

The VFW is inclusive of all faiths. Chaplains serve the spiritual needs of everyone, regardless of denomination or affiliation. Ministry must be available wherever it is needed.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CHAPLAINS

Academic credentials are not required. The most important qualifications include:

A willingness to serve.
A sense of spiritual maturity.
Commitment to the Chaplain’s ministry.
A caring heart.
A desire to help people.
Strict confidentiality.
Neutrality in conflict.
Clear public speaking skills.
A positive self-image.
Pride in the office and a strong work ethic.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAPLAIN

Offer spiritual comfort in times of stress, illness, or bereavement.
Coordinate with the Service Officer to aid members and their families.
Maintain confidentiality when approached in confidence.
Lead ritual prayers at meetings and special ceremonies.
Join your Post’s Memorial Team to support grieving families.
Promote harmony and unity in your Post, District, or State.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Be a person of moral and intellectual integrity.
Serve on the Executive Committee.
Represent your Post in religious and civic affairs.
Provide pastoral care.
Conduct or assist in Memorial and Funeral services.
Send cards to the sick or bereaved.
Visit members in hospitals or in mourning.
Participate in parades and ceremonies such as 9/11, Veterans Day, and POW/MIA services.
Present Memorial Bibles to families of deceased members.
Uphold and promote respect for the Chaplain's office.

KEY RESOURCES

These are essential tools for Chaplains:

Chaplains Resource Manual

This is the most detailed of the sources. It would be the first one that I printed.

Chaplains Handbook

This is the formal handbook of the national VFW. It is no longer in print because it is available in several places online for downloading and printing yourself. If you do find an old, printed copy, hold on to it!

VFW Meeting Prayers

This is a one-page document that has only the prayers needed to be offered during a VFW meeting. It can be easily printed out for use in the meeting should you wish to.

💡 Tip: Print copies for easy access during ceremonies or emergencies. Libraries often provide low-cost or free printing options.