<p>It has come to my attention recently that Kings Point's chaplains are being sent elsewhere without any replacements. For more information here's the Academy's response:</p>
<p>We were just talking about this. This is something that needs to be fixed. Ideas?</p>
<p>I understand that an offer was extended to a fine seminary trained man (and '66 KP grad), but the offer was so low that it would be impossible for him to do so.</p>
<p>I didn't know anybody went into the ministry for the dough.</p>
<p>the fact is, he couldn't survive off of that offer.</p>
<p>This is dreadful! Please keep us updated as religion is paramount to my son.</p>
<p>I concer, this is very sad.</p>
<p>To me this is ridiculous. The Navy has approximately 1000 Naval Reserve Midshipmen at Kings Point and can't provide a chaplain? We all need to contact our congressional representatives on this one.</p>
<p>It would be great to have Navy Chaplains at KP. But actually, if they are able to get chaplains trained in campus ministry vice Navy Chaplains, I think that the Mids might be better off.</p>
<p>lfwb dad , you took the words right out of my mouth...I was composing the same response........these guys and gals might benefit from a college youth perspective...</p>
<p>here's why the navy is pulling their chaplains.
the Academy has not paid for the Chaplains for the last 6-7 years. a tab that's around $2 million. the navy decided to pull them due to this fact. here's the way you all can help. call the administration and tell them you want a full time, LEGITIMATE, chaplain on campus. one that has solid theology and high levels of training and integrity. parents have a lot of sway at our school. we need your help!</p>
<p>The Navy is getting 200+ Trained Reserve and Active Duty Officers every year from Kings Point for FREE! There is no way that KP should have to pay for Chaplaiins from the Navy!!! Adm. Stewart was right in not paying the bill!! He has this parent's support. </p>
<p>Right now, I think that the Army values Kings Point and its graduates more than the Navy. Maybe they will put some Army Chaplains at KP for free.</p>
<p>The Navy should put Chaplains at KP and simply say "thank you" for the privilege!</p>
<p>the fact is they don't get us for free. they fund our education and training. they pay a lot for us. regardless of that...
the fee associated with the chaplains was part of the contract the school had with the chaplains, even if it seems rediculous to be charged for them, it was part of the contract nonetheless. the Academy didn't keep up their part of the contract, so the navy didn't keep doing its part. it's only fair. sure it sucks, and we wish the navy would keep Father Shuley and the Protestant Chaplain that was to be coming in next month (i can't remember his name), but because of how things happened, that's not possible. as sad as it is, we now have to fight toe-to-toe with the admin to get what we want as far as this is concerned. they're trying to get away with doing the least they legally can. this will not do. for example, one of the guys they're considering for the job is by no means legit. he's as far off in left field as they come. they are pretty much trying to skimp on a chaplain once again, when in fact the chaplain is one of the most valuable assets to the academy. if we as a family don't do something, we're going to get hosed. i know the candidates will be fine for indoc, they're left in good hands, but after that, things could get bumpy. once again, we need your help! as JRH said, there is a very highly qualified applicant that is also a KP grad. i know him personally and value his leadership and potential in this area a lot. he and his wife are amazing people that welcome everyone into their home and family with open arms. he is preaching for indoc. they are very willing to continue doing what they do (voluntary support role to the chaplain and they teach the sunday school class together) if there is someone better fit for the job.
the chaplain is essential not only for the spiritual well-being of mids but also for the mental well-being. in general, the chaplains have opened their homes to mids as a type of sanctuary. where there is no regiment, and where you're kind of home without being at home. the last protestant chaplain, LCDR Haagen did a great job of this. the joke was that his kids had about 300 big brothers and sisters cause we were always over there with them. either way, we need them!</p>
<p>i agree with my bud is2day4him. the prospect that was offered a pitiful pay for all he has done is an awesome person that could contribute much to the academy and the midshipmen. the thing about navy chaplains (or at least the protestant ones) is that they come with families. we are reminded of our own at home and it provides for awesome bonding times and relaxation. an additional benefit of religious leaders is their confidentiality. sure you can go to the people in patten but they keep records and if you just want simple, heartfelt advice the chaplains are the best way to do that. i think it is pathetic that after all this academy has put into the chapel, one of our major symbols of eternal light and fellowship, they take out the very heart of it. i know a lot of it is about money, but if the navy wont supply two chaplains to upkeep the morale of the academy, realistic comparisons must be made when looking for a new chaplain, someone that has gone through some kind of leadership experience, preferably the KP one, and may have a wife, so that our sisters here have someone they can go to in similar confidentiality. i can think of the perfect '66 grad, who has been successful in life and would make an awesome addition to the KP family...</p>
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the fact is they don't get us for free. they fund our education and training. they pay a lot for us.
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</p>
<p>No, the Navy does not fund your education and training, the Department of Transportation does.</p>
<p>KP grads are the best deal the Navy has going for it. Perhaps if the Navy reimburses DOT for each graduate........</p>
<p>The cost of two Chaplians in the Navy budget is a rounding error.</p>
<p>2day your anger is pointed in the wrong direction. Its the Navy not KP Administration you should have your gripe with. Have your parents write SECNAV. </p>
<p>Have your parents write their Congressman and have them increase the overall KP budget.</p>
<p>Ok KP folks now is the time to come together. Here is a link that will give you access to electronic mail for each representative in the Country! LET'S BLAST THEM!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.house.gov/writerep/%5B/url%5D">http://www.house.gov/writerep/</a></p>
<p>i don't agree with either side LFWB. i see your point about the navy should continue sending the chaplains because of what they get from our school, and on the other hand, the academy didn't keep the terms of the contract they had with the navy, so it's really a catch 22. you can't blame one side without blaming the other. i hope writing to congress will help. i'm skeptical though. from what i've been told personally by VADM Stewart is that congress gives us around $55 million a year. the minimum operational budget for the school is about 3 times that. alumni fund the rest through their very generous contributions. with that said, i don't know how much writing to congress would help seeing as they don't give us enough money for survival as it is.
bottom line is, this isn't pretty. we can all say who is at fault and disagree on who screwed up, but either way, fact is, we're without chaplains as it stands right now and we can't let this happen. as i said, parents have a huge sway at our school. please use it!</p>
<p>So let me get this straight. The Chapel was just remodeled/refurbished but now there's no chaplains? Why is it that KP always gets to play the b*****d stepchild of the service academies?</p>
<p>Somebody has to be last!</p>
<p>Just kidding LFWB. </p>
<p>Interesting problem that the Academy finds itself with. Apparently there are some contractual issues that we do not seem to understand. I would be curious to hear the whole story.</p>
<p>Oh well, governmental agencies will always find a way to complicate things.</p>
<p>too true Bill0.</p>
<p>Here is the real deal. Not from the Academy but from Chaplains in the Air Force, Army and Navy who I talked with in the puzzle palace today. </p>
<p>There is a shortage of Chaplains in every service. Chaplains need to be where they are needed most -- that is with those people who are in harms way and their families -- not with a bunch of kids who are away from home for the first time.</p>