08/13/08

History

The Texas Chaplains Association was formed in July, 2005 by the then recently appointed Department Chaplain 2005-2006, Harvey H. Klee. Chaplain Klee was inspired by the concerns of the immediate Past Department Chaplain, Rev. Marv Howland 2004-2005, to form better lines of communication between chaplains throughout the organization. The ideas began to flow, others joined in with their suggestions and support and the thought of forming a chaplains association came as a natural result thereof.

It was decided that all past and present chaplains of the American Legion, Department of Texas who have held that position at the Post, District, Division or Department levels as members of the Legion , Auxiliary or Squadron would be eligible for membership and associate with one another so as to better serve their respective organizations in their capacities as Chaplains. Hence, the Texas Chaplains Association was born.

Statement of Purpose & Objectives

The TCA adopted the following as its initial Statement of Purpose & Objectives:

Purpose

The Purpose of the Texas Chaplains Association shall be to serve as a means to provide training, resources and other aids to assist chaplains in the performance of their duties and to act as a support group for those that are charged with the spiritual leadership of their respective organizations within The American Legion, Department of Texas, throughout the Department, Divisions, Districts and Posts as Legion, Auxiliary or Squadron members, and affiliated organizations as may be represented by the membership.

Specific Objectives

The Purpose of the TCA shall be carried out with specific objectives:

To promote the mission statement of the office of Chaplain as set forth in the Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies by providing spiritual leadership within the Posts, Districts, Divisions and Department while performing the duties and responsibilities inherent to the office of Chaplain.

To provide a means by which Chaplains may communicate with one another to promote understanding, cooperation and to exchange ideas.

To encourage Chaplains to become more involved in the activities of their Department, Division, District and Post.

To provide training and development opportunities via workshops, guest speakers, discussion groups, etc. to assist Chaplains in fulfilling their responsibilities.

To provide a variety of resources Chaplains may draw upon to assist them in the performance of their duties.

To support the work and efforts of all Chaplains on behalf of their respective organizations through prayer and fellowship.

 
Initial Goals

The initial goals of the TCA are:

1. The development of a Directory of all those presently serving as Chaplains for their respective organizations to include:
a. Name
b. Address
c. Telephone Number
d. E-mail address
e. Fax address

It was understood that use of the Directory will be restricted solely to TCA purposes and will not under any circumstance be made available to outside interests.

The TCA would seek to provide training opportunities for Chaplains (workshops, discussion groups, etc.), resource aids, and in general, serve as a vehicle for Chaplains to share their experiences with others of like mind, spirit and interest.

The development of a website to promote the organization and its objectives.

Membership would be open to all present and past Chaplains. Annual dues to be $5.

Organizational structure would be kept to a minimum i.e.  President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer; the latter two functions may be performed by the same individual. All current Division Chaplains and Department Chaplain who are TCA members in good standing shall constitute the TCA Board of Directors.

The TCA is dedicated towards achieving its purpose without regard to any factor other than one’s readiness, willingness and ability to perform what ever responsibilities they assume on behalf of the Association. In this regard, there will be no distinction between clergy, laity or rank.

Areas in which volunteers are needed to spearhead are as follows:

 
Membership
Directory
Resources
Website announcements
Workshops/Training
Special Events

If you are interested in serving in any of these areas, contact  hklee@texaschaplains.org

Officers 2007-2008

Harvey H. Klee, President

hklee@texaschaplains.org

Rev. Marv Howland, Vice President

mhowland@texaschaplains.org

Ed Kegley, Secretary/Treasurer

ekegley@texaschaplains.org

Jason R. Denny, Communications Director

jdenny@texaschaplains.org