Rock Island Arsenal Religious Support Office

Team, it is ok to talk to someone.

It’s OK to ask for help, and it’s OK to talk about PTSD.

The free and confidential Veterans Crisis Line is always available for veterans, service members and those who support them:

☎️ Call 988 and press 1
📱 Text 838255
⌨️ Chat at https://988lifeline.org/chat

The symbol for the Month of the Military Child is the dandelion. Dandelions can take root and flourish practically anywhere the wind blows them. Like them, military children are uprooted and replanted across the world, and can thrive wherever they land.

ARMY ART FRIDAY - MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

“MILITARY TRANSPORT”
By Army Artist SFC Jason Spencer

A father carrying his daughter away from a graduation ceremony held at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, June 2023. Summer in South Carolina means hot and tired children. So military transport was provided back to car!

It’s especially important to recognize the role of military children, and the sacrifices that they make for our country as well.

RIA Spiritual Readiness Event: Christian Worship Service
The Arsenal Island workforce is invited to this Spiritual Readiness Event to include a Christian Worship Service every third Sunday of the month – the next service will be Sunday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m., in the Caisson Room located in Building 60 on the 1st floor. All are welcome.

This is a Spiritual Readiness Event – Resilience drives personal readiness, and personal readiness relies on five dimensions, sometimes called the five pillars: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and family. Sustaining healthy behaviors within and across these dimensions is essential to personal readiness. Army Ready and Resilient.

The event is sponsored by the ASC/JMC/First Army chaplain's office.

For questions please call 309-782-4603.

Rock Island Arsenal is having Ash Wednesday Services tomorrow, Feb. 14 at noon in the Caisson Room in Building 60. Father Ben Snyder, from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf, will be dispensing the ashes.

This is a Spiritual Readiness Event – Resilience drives personal readiness, and personal readiness relies on five dimensions, sometimes called the five pillars: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and family. Sustaining healthy behaviors within and across these dimensions is essential to personal readiness. Army Ready and Resilient.

The event is sponsored by the ASC/JMC/First Army chaplain's office. For questions please call 309-782-4603 or [email protected].

"You have to be called to do this, because this job is hard. It’s not just preaching on Sundays," said Chaplain (Capt.) Simon Jackson, chaplain, Joint Munitions Command, of being a Chaplain. "There are some highlights, but it’s also just being with people navigating the highs and lows of life. You are there for births, weddings, baptisms, but you’re also there for the deaths, the times they’re in the hospital, and those sorts of things.

"It’s a calling, and if it weren’t for that calling, I would have left this job a long time ago, because it can be difficult," said Jackson. "It means time away from your family. In the past five years, I’ve spent over a year and a half away from my family."

From a rifle to a bible, Jackson is JMC’s latest Chaplain Simon Jackson wants to build relationships with people and earn their trust.Doing those things are vital in the role he holds with the Army.Jackson is...

Find purpose and accomplishment each day for a meaningful future. Learn more here: https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/ard/R2/Spiritual-Readiness.html

Happy Mahayana New Year!

As we embark on the journey of the Buddhist lunar calendar, let's embrace the spirit of compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment. May this year bring inner peace, harmony, and positive transformations to all.

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The Arsenal Island workforce is invited to this Spiritual Readiness Event to include a Christian Study every Wednesday – the next service is today, Jan. 10, at Noon, in the Caisson Room located in Building 60 on the 1st floor.

All are welcome, please bring your lunch.

This is a Spiritual Readiness Event – Resilience drives personal readiness, and personal readiness relies on five dimensions, sometimes called the five pillars: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and family. Sustaining healthy behaviors within and across these dimensions is essential to personal readiness. Army Ready and Resilient.

The event is sponsored by the ASC/JMC/First Army chaplain's office. For questions please call 309-782-4603 or [email protected].

Happy Epiphany to our Christian chaplains, Soldiers, and their families. As we celebrate the journey of the Three Wise Men, may this day bring revelations of joy, wisdom, and love. Let the guiding star illuminate your path in the coming year!

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Tonight, we would like to wish all our Christian chaplains, Soldiers, and their families a very enchanting 12th Night of Christmas! At its core, The 12th Night is a celebration of the visitation of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles. The journey of the Magi, guided by the bright Star of Bethlehem, mirrors the universal theme of seeking and discovering profound truths. May the guiding star always illuminate your path in 2024!

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We are excited for the New Year. The U.S. Army Chaplain Recruiting Team (North Central) is recruiting for called and qualified clergy to serve as active-duty Army Chaplains. To apply and for direct inquiries, contact us at 847-400-1176, 847-626-8701, or 847-626-8659.

Happy 114th Anniversary Army Chaplain Assistants!

On this day in 1909, the official military occupation specialty (MOS) of chaplain assistant, or Religious Affairs Specialist, was established by General Orders No. 253 by the War Department in Washington, D.C. In August 1965, Religious Affairs Specialists were designated as 71M, and given a job description and specific skill requirements. In October 2001, the Religious Affairs Specialist MOS changed from 71M to 56M, serving in a "stand-alone" Career Management Field to "team up with chaplains around the world to provide religious support to Soldiers and Families across the full spectrum of military operations."

Religious Affairs Specialists provide much-needed support to chaplains during missions and everyday activities. Today, we honor those who have selflessly served over the past 114 years, protecting our chaplains, soldiers, and the American people.

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Happy Kawanzaa!

to all! Christmas is an annual Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed cultural holiday.

As we gather with loved ones, may the spirit of giving and joy fill our hearts. Let kindness be the gift we share, and gratitude be the melody of the day. May the magic of Christmas bring warmth, love, and cherished moments. Wishing you a day filled with peace and happiness!

Blessed Week 4 of Advent! The final candle, symbolizing Love, is aglow. As we approach Christmas, let's cherish the love that surrounds us. Share kindness, express gratitude, and embrace the spirit of giving. Wishing everyone a love-filled week!

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Happy Human Light to everyone and to anyone who observes it. It's a great time to be human! 🙆🕯️

RIA Spiritual Readiness Event: Weekly Christian Bible Study

The Arsenal Island workforce is invited to this Spiritual Readiness Event to include a Christian Study every Wednesday – the next service will be Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Noon, in the Caisson Room located in Building 60 on the 1st floor.

All are welcome, please bring your lunch.

This is a Spiritual Readiness Event – Resilience drives personal readiness, and personal readiness relies on five dimensions, sometimes called the five pillars: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and family. Sustaining healthy behaviors within and across these dimensions is essential to personal readiness. Army Ready and Resilient.

The event is sponsored by the ASC/JMC/First Army chaplain's office. For questions please call 309-782-4603 or [email protected].

Week 2 of Advent: The second candle lit symbolizes peace.

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The Army Black Knights are representing the 3rd Infantry Division today as they take the field against the Navy Midshipmen in America’s Game.

https://www.army.mil/armynavygame/

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Upcoming opportunities for religious observances here on Rock Island Arsenal:

🛐 Friday, Dec. 15: There will be a RIA holiday prayer celebration at 11:30 a.m. in Heritage Hall, Building 60.
🛐 Sunday, Dec. 17: The next monthly RIA chapel service will be at 11 a.m. in the Caisson Room, Building 60.

For more information contact 309-782-4603.

Today was the first day of Hanukkah! To all who celebrate the Festival of Lights, here's to a happy, peaceful, and wonderful Hanukkah!

Spiritual Readiness Event - Holy Day of Obligation the Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary - Father Ben Snyder, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, performed Mass at the Arsenal in the Caisson Room for the Rock Island Arsenal Catholic community.

Spiritual Readiness Events – Resilience drives personal readiness, and personal readiness relies on five dimensions, sometimes called the five pillars: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and family. Sustaining healthy behaviors within and across these dimensions is essential to personal readiness. Army Ready and Resilient.