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Military Chaplain Spreads the Word

By Pfc. Erik Anderson

3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

Paul Voorhees explained that when he was a young man, his father told him there was no point in staying up all night to pray because God hears you the first time.

Paul Voorhees shares a moment with Staff Sgt. Erica McGee, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, at the altar during a gospel service at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq.

Voorhees frequently offers up one-liners as he travels around southern Iraq, but he is not another commander doing battlefield circulation or handing out awards. At an age where many Americans are considering retirement options, Voorhees purchased a ticket to Baghdad, and in August, he spent nearly a week visiting some of his favorite people: U.S. Soldiers. "To come over here is a privilege for me, to be able to stand among Soldiers," Voorhees said. Early on, he had aspirations of becoming an ordained minister. "I went to bible school in Florida from 1980 to 1981," he said. "When my father passed away in 1983, I left school to take over the family business. I thought my opportunity to minister was over."

Paul Voorhees bows his head in prayer with Col. Pete Jones (left), commander of the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, and Chaplain. (Maj.) David Lile, also with 3rd HBCT, during a gospel service at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq.

Years later, the family business grew, and he found an opportunity to minister again by becoming the chaplain for the Harris County Sheriff's Office in 1994. At the time, he was the only chaplain in Georgia who wasn't ordained. It wasn't long before his local church leader took note, and Chaplain Paul Voorhees was ordained. During his trip to Iraq, Voorhees spent a Sunday among the troops of the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, starting with the annual Country's Midnight Express 5-kilometer run. The run was simulcast in Columbus, Ga., and Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq. More than 200 Soldiers ran the route in Iraq, while thousands participated in Columbus.

Paul Voorhees speaks during a gospel service at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq.

Following the run, Voorhees attended the protestant service and was the featured preacher during the gospel service, ministering to Soldiers as they came to the altar seeking spiritual guidance. Voorhees holds Soldiers in very high regard, and he said this trip is very special to him. "Soldiers have unconditional support for each other," he said. "It is all about taking care of the person to the left and right." He believes that God has blessed him, and this trip is his way of giving back to those he admires. "I'm interested in saving lives, saving Soldiers," he said. "This is an opportunity for me to help the people that are willing to die for their country. If I can put a spark in one person's life, it is worth it for me."

Chaplain Paul Voorhees provides religious support for the Harris County Sheriff and Volunteer Fire Fighters. The Voorhees family has been a fixture in the Columbus, Ga., community for 50 years, operating a military supply company that caters to Fort Benning and local law enforcement.