Chaplain’s Spouse Receives Army Achievement Medal
By Church of God Chaplain (MAJ) Jeff Walden, US Army.
Proverbs 31 describes a woman who not only takes care of her family, but also does remarkable exploits in the marketplace. “She does [her husband] good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands”.
As a chaplain in the US Army, I generally receive some sort of award whenever we change from one station to another (PCS). But it is a bit out of the ordinary for my wife to receive an award. This indicates that the community has been greatly impacted by her presence. “Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come.”
On the 5th of June, Roslyn Walden received the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. The citation reads as follows: “Sustained superior performance of duty as clinical nurse at SHAPE Healthcare Facility during the period from 6 September 05 to 19 June 08. Mrs. Walden has demonstrated outstanding professionalism and dedication in the performance of her duties. Her medical skills, intelligence and attitude have, without question greatly contributed to the successful operation of the Department of Nursing. Her wealth of related knowledge and her pleasant personality reflect great credit to herself, the SHAPE Healthcare Facility and the Department of the Army.”
Any recognition embarrasses Roslyn. But she took on many roles at this high-visibility clinic. She wrote policies concerning immunization, doctors were required to attend training classes that she taught, she designed teaching aids that went throughout Europe and Army-wide, and was the go-to person for a plethora of nursing issues. And along the way, she also made many friends as a pastor’s wife. This ministry touched people on many levels.
Usually, whenever an award is presented, polite applause follows. But when Roslyn was presented her award, spontaneous hoops and hollers went forth. For many people, I am “Roslyn’s husband.” And that introduction gives me instant credibility. “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.” I experience those words because of her. Roslyn would say that most Church of God chaplain’s spouses are just as deserving–they all wear many hats. I won’t argue, but I am not married to them. I am proud of mine! “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”
To learn more about the Church of God Chaplains Commission chaplaincy programs, visit the Chaplains Commission website at: www.cogchaplains.com.
