Over the past couple of weeks, Stan has graciously been talking to me about doing an interview on Club Adventist. I did not feel that I could set aside a specific evening time, as has been done in the past interviews. I felt that this would infringe upon time I should be giving to my wife and family. So, I shared with Stan that I would be willing to engage in an interview if I could come in and out, according to the time I had available to respond to posted question. Stan has agreed to this.

The purpose of this is larger than just me. You probably do have questions that apply to me. But, in a broader sense, I am simply a part of the larger SDA clergy who are employed by governmental agencies. Currently these primarily serve as millitary chaplains, chaplains working in prisons, and chaplains employed by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). Both Stan and I feel that the value of this interview is in understanding this larger picture, rather than just knowing something about me.

I am not offended by any question that I feel is sincere. So, I will make a deal with you: I will not be offended by your question, and you do not be offended by my response. My responses will likely be somewhat short. (Do I presume to much on your questions? )

For those of you who do not know my background, here is a short description of it: I am an Ordained minister who is credentialed by the General Conference. I have served for 18 years on active duty in the U. S. Army, as a chaplain, and some additional time as an enlisted person (draftee). I have also served in the Army National Guard, and in the Army Reserves, as a chaplain. Currently, I am employed as a chaplain by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

While I am employed by the Federal Government, I work in a situation where the General Conference maintains the legal right to terminate my employment, and is required to give formal permission for be to be employed, before the government can hire me. This is a legal right to fire me without cause, i.e. for any reason.

Let the questions begin. "

For historical material on SDA Chaplaincies I have relied upon work I once did in Seminary, and the following. All, are out of print. But, they probably still exist in the General Conference:

Mole, Robert L. GOD ALSO LOVES MILITARY PEOPLE: A BRIEF STORY OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH AND THE AMERICAN MILITARY CHAPLAINCY, 1860 - 1976. General Conference of SDAs, 1977, 374 pages.

Mole, Robert L. HE CALLED SOME TO BE CHAPLAINS: A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH AND ITS CHAPLAINCIES IN THE MILITARY, VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND IN NON-ADVENTIST OPERATED INSTITUTIONS. Vol. I. 1982, General Conference, 321 pages.

As above. Vol. II: AN EXPANDING VISION. 1982, General Conference, 184 pages.

NOTE: The 1982 publications are a revision and update of the GOD ALSO LOVES MILITARY PEOPLE publication.

These publications contain potographs and material on all known chaplains, up to the time of publication, on which material could be obtained. E.g. They contain material on me."

I intend to remain here as long as I have questions to answer. I may not get to them all today. But, I should get any leftovers tomorrow (Sabbath, 11/19). So, hang in there.

I will put some kind of response on every question.

I guess that enough time as passed that we can consider this interview to be over. However, if you post more comments and questions, I will respond to them.

It is the custom to close these interviews with prayer, so let us pray:

God, as I have reflected on the history of the SDA chaplaincies, I have been reminded of your leading in my live, personally, and in the lives of people here on earth. Thank you Lord for your involvement in our human life. I ask that you will continue to lead each and every one of us reading these posts and bring us to the place where we will follow you, as Lord and Saviour.

In the name of Christ, Amen.

The following is a more recent book about the SDA military chaplaincy:

Mole, Robert L. & Mole, Dale M. FOR GOD AND COUNTRY: OPERATION WHITECOAT: 1954 - 1973. 1998, Tech Servcies, 197 pages.

This book was published in 1998, following the 1993 death of Dr. Robert Mole.

The primary focus of this book is "Whitecoat," a research program that has become contraversal in the years since it ceased opperations. If you have read the right (wrong) publications, you will know what I mean when I say that. But, it includes a few pages on the historical background of the SDA military chaplaincy.

I acknowledge the issues that have been raised in the years since Whitcoat closed in 1973. But, I will state that the 2,000 or so SDA military that participated in that researach contributed to medical knowledge that saves lives today.

NOTE: This Whitecoat had nothing to do with the tobacco company project that is listed on the Internet.