Welcome all Chaplains

Chaplains are the best of the best! .

What is a Chaplain?

VFW and Auxiliary chaplains are our nation's comrade veterans who minister to our nation's sons and daughters, and their families.  Like any chaplain or minister, they must provide a dynamic and genuine ministry with a shepherd's heart.  Whether leading worship, visiting a hospital, conducting a final farewell to our comrades, or even answering a phone call just to talk, chaplains are always at the front line of our veterans' lives.

Chaplains serve both God and country by bringing their unique gifts with which they are endowed by God, to the veterans of our nation in the broad, challenging, diverse, and ever changing environment.

In memory of Reverend Thomas Darling, Past VFW National Chaplain (2007-2008)


Below are some resources for your journey as Chaplain



   Rev. Peter R. Hook
PeterHook@verizon.net

Chaplain's Corner
      June 2025


Chaplain Statement of Ethics and Guiding Principles

1. Chaplains will demonstrate utmost personal and professional integrity: truthfulness, honesty, compassion and careful attention.

2. Chaplains will provide an objective, appropriate, holistic support and a comforting presence.

3. Chaplains will not proselytize. Those who are cared for will be provided freedom from unwanted gifts of religious literature or symbols, evangelistic and sermonizing speech, or forced acceptance of specific moral values and traditions.  

4. Chaplains will demonstrate sensitivity to all faith traditions and provide appropriate and sensitive spiritual care to all persons in need, irrespective of their religious or nonreligious identity.

5. Chaplains will not discriminate, with regards to their care, based on sex, age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, socioeconomic status, or any other factors that would hamper a person’s ability to receive spiritual care.

6. Chaplains will, whenever possible, attempt to locate a spiritual leader within the faith tradition of an affected person, if needed.

7. Out of respect for those who are served, Chaplains will maintain confidentiality.

8. Chaplains recognize their personal and professional limits, know their boundaries and make referrals to professionals with appropriate expertise.

9. Chaplains will do no harm.


 



ATTN:  All chaplain reports are now to be filed on the
Department Dashboard under/along with community
service report.
Chaplain of the Year Award requirements




Never Despair Card (Use Avery 8859 Glossy Business
Card Template)

The-Public-Reading-of-Ritual-Prayers
by Reverend Peter R. Hook, Chaplain

A Prayer to Start the Day
by Reverend Peter R. Hook, Chaplain

HOSPITAL VISITATION PRAYERS by Reverend Peter R. Hook, Chaplain

Healing Prayer Jewish
Tradition
When in a Hospital Room
When in Pain
Before Surgery
For Healing
You are Never Alone

PRAYERS ON THE GO These prayers can be viewed on mobile devices:
vfw_prayers_mobile


VFW Chaplain's Handbook 
Updated June 3, 2025


Below are some useful links to guide your service as a Chaplain:
VETERAN RESOURCES
Defense Suicide Prevention Office The Defense Suicide Prevention Office
does not provide crisis services. If you or someone you know is in crisis,
contact the Veteran/Military Crisis Line for immediate assistance.

Veterans Crisis Conversation Handout 
This handout gives helpful information on helping a veteran in crisis.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

6 Ways to Begin a Conversation about Veteran Suicide

Warriors Journey 
Warriors helping Warriors.  (There is a Chaplain section).

VFW Chaplain Department Websites
VFW California Chaplain's Page (Chaplain Frank Correa, State Chaplain)

VFW Colorado Chaplain's Page (Chaplain Kevin Reinhold, State Chaplain)

VFW Missouri Chaplain's Page  (Chaplain Deborah Halter, Past VFW National Chaplain)

VFW Pennsylvania Chaplain's Page   (Chaplain Peter Hook, VFW National Chaplain)

VFW Washington Chaplain's Page (Chaplain Uschi Graeff)

VFW Chaplain Occasion Cards
State Chaplain Get Well
State Chaplain Sympathy
State Chaplain Just a Note
State Chaplain Thinking of You

District Chaplain Get Well
District Chaplain Sympathy
District Chaplain Just a Note
District Chaplain Thinking of You

Post Chaplain Get Well
Post Chaplain Sympathy
Post Chaplain Just a Note
Post Chaplain Thinking of You

Chaplaincy Training Resources
Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), Introduction to
Chaplaincy training https://christianleaders.org/course/view.php?id=607

CLI Informational PDF    CLI Informational slideshow

VFW Chaplain POC’s (Points of Contact)

Peter Hook (VFW National Chaplain)
PeterHook@verizon.net

David Frei (Past VFW National Chaplain)
vfwdfrei@gmail.com

Deborah Halter (Past VFW National Chaplain) 
dihalter@gmail.com

Jim Jenkins (Past VFW National Chaplain)
kschaplain@att.net

 Frank Correa (Western Conference Chaplain)
fcorreavfw@gmail.com

 Dale Iannello “Chappy”
(“I.T.” Chaplain)
 chaplaindale@gmail.com


OTHER RELIGION REFERENCEChristian
Net Bible Online Bible with different versions.

E-Sword Bible
study suite that is downloadable. 

New Minister's Manual

JewishSefaria Living library of Jewish sacred texts online.

IslamHoly Quran  Online Islamic resources.

BuddhismBuddhist Society  Online resources for Buddhists

HinduismHindu Online Resources for Hindus.

ShintoShinto Portal Resources for the Shinto religion.


TaoismTaoism Online resources about Taoism.


 


 



1.  In a non-sectarian manner, you should be prepared to listen to your fellow comrades and provide aid and spiritual comfort in times of stress, sickness, or bereavement.

 2. Work with your Service Officer to aid members and their families in time of need.

 3. Your Post Commander or other Post officers may come to you in confidence.  Remember the privileged communication you are having is for your ears only.  Uphold the high ideals of the organization in any advice you offer.  Remember it is a
privilege – respect it.

4. You should be prepared to offer the ritual prayers at each meeting of the Post/District/State.  You will also be called upon to offer appropriate prayers at the initiation of new members; installation of officers; the dedication of a building, monument or colors; or at the memorial service of a comrade.
Note:  All such services are commemorated by use of the VFW or Auxiliary ritual.

5. Use the persuasion of your office to promote harmony and unity in the Post/District/State. 

Additional Duties & Responsibilities
  1. A person of moral and intellectual qualities.
 
  2. A member of the Executive Committee.
 
  3. You are the Post/District/State's official representative at Religious and Civic affairs in the greater community.
 
  4. A pastoral caregiver.
 
  5. Conduct and/or participate in Memorial, and Funeral Services when called upon.
 
  6. Send cards to sick and bereaved.
 
  7. Visit sick, bereaved and hospitalized.
 
  8. Participation in Parades, 9/11 Memorial Services, Veterans Day Programs/Services, and POW/MIA Services.

  9. Presenting Memorial Bibles to deceased members’ Family.
 
 10 Generate respect for the office of chaplain.


May SOP
June SOP
July SOP

Note:  I compile these SOPs monthly to stay organized, proactive, and attentive to the many responsibilities entrusted to me. This helps ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and that I remain prepared for what lies ahead.

You are welcome—and encouraged—to adapt this resource to your own situation and level of service. I’ve created a version for each month with the intent of providing a practical tool to help chaplains stay on track as we serve our comrades, our communities, and our shared mission.

Please feel free to share this with others who might benefit from a bit of structure and planning support.

by Rev. Peter R. Hook



Zoom Training

IMPORTANT NOTE: All Zoom training links will be
shared via email.  When participants log into a Zoom
training session, the screen name must be formatted as: 

First and last name with the state.  For example:
Dale Iannello (WA).  This will help us know who is on,
enabling us to count attendance by state. 

**Check your Time Zone**
(Just click the link and the web page
gives you the time where you are).

Don’t forget to add it to your calendar and join us at the right time!
Upcoming Training Sessions
New Chaplain Orientation📅 Date:  Thursday, August 28, 2025
🕠 Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (CST) 
VFW Chaplain's Monthly
Workshop Series

Dates: Third Thursday of each month
From: September 18, 2025 – June 18, 2026
🕠 Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (CST) 

Past Training Sessions
MAY 2025
Subject: Lessons Learned as a Chaplain
Main Presenter: Past National Chaplain Jim Jenkins
Click HERE to view the training session (YouTube).
(Class Documents) Lessons Learned, Click HERE

APRIL 2025
Subject:  Creating an Important Documents Folder
Main Presenter: National Chaplain Peter R. Hook

Click HERE to view the training session (YouTube).

(Class Documents) Creating an Important Documents
Folder, Click HERE

Important Documents Folder Presentation, Click HERE

Fillable Planning and Preferences
Template, Click HERE

MARCH 2025
Subject: Hospital or Care Facility Ministry Guidelines
Main Presenters: National Chaplain Peter R. Hook and Western Conference
Chaplain Frank Correa

Click HERE to view the training session (Zoom).

(Class Documents) Hospital or Care Facility Ministry
Guidelines and Hospital Ministry, Click HERE

Hospital Ministry, Click HERE
Chaplain Hook’s Recent Article Hospice Care Companies and Veterans, Click HERE 


JANUARY 2025Knowing when to refer Presented by Past National Chaplain Jim Jenkins Click HERE to view the PowerPoint slideshow.

Supplementary PDF Knowing when and how to refer someone in need or in trouble.
Click HERE

Supplementary PDF Crisis Resources, Bonner Springs.
Click HERE


NOVEMBER 2024 Personality traits and stress levels
presented by Chaplain Peter Hook.  World Religions presented by Chaplain Deborah Halter and Chaplain Frank Correa.

 Click HERE to
view the YouTube video.


OCTOBER 2024 Dashboard Reporting for Chaplains
review (Presented by Chaplain Frank Correa).  Click HERE to view the PDF version.


JULY 2024 National Chaplain Workshop in Louisville,
KY.  Click HERE to view the slideshow.  (Presented by
Chaplain Frank Correa).


Click HERE to download the Chaplain resource page handout.


Click HERE to download the Chaplain Zoom sign up
handout.

Click HERE to download the "In a Crisis Remember
A-B-C.  (Presented by Past National Chaplain Deborah Halter).

MAY 2024 Dashbord Reporting (Presented by Chaplain
Frank Correa) Click HERE to
view the training session. (YouTube). 

Click HERE to download the PowerPoint presentation.


APR 2024 Memorial Services (Presented by Chaplain
Peter Hook) click HERE to download the PowerPoint presentation.


MAR 2024 Ethics (Presented by Chaplain Frank Correa)
and VFW Ritual (Presented by Chaplain Peter Hook).


Click HERE to view the training session. (YouTube).

FEB 2024 Suicide Prevention Training II, click HERE! (PDF) or HERE! (PowerPoint) host Chaplain Ron Ringo Jr.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) information,
click HERE! host Chaplain Ron Ringo Jr.


JAN 2024 Suicide Prevention Training, click HERE! (YouTube) host Chaplain Ron Ringo Jr.

NOV 2023 VFW National Home introduction training
session, click HERE! (YouTube).


OCT 2023 Chaplain Workshop with host Past National
Chaplain Jim Jenkins, click HERE! (YouTube).

Other Training Material
Funerals/Memorials
Presented by Chaplain Peter Hook 
Funeral Planning for the Veteran (15 MAR 23)
Memorial Service Template (15 MAR 23)

Hospital Visitation

Presented by Chaplain Frank Correa

Hospital, Nursing Home, Private Home, Hospice
& Spiritual Care Workshop   (19 APR 23)
Hospital, Nursing Home, Private Home, Hospice
& Spiritual Care Workshop Slideshow  (19 APR 23)


Based on the training material above test your
knowledge by taking the following test.  There is a test and an answer
sheet. 

Hospital Visitation Test
Hospital Visitation Answer Sheet


Ethics

After reading the information under the "Ethics" tab, test your knowledge by taking the following test. 
There is the test and an answer sheet. 

Ethics Test
Ethics Answer Sheet

S.A.V.E.
A brief overview of the SAVE suicide prevention training program.


 


 



The VFW Chaplain Service Dispatch magazine.

Click Here to see the MAY 2025 Issue.

Past issues:  2024 SEP, 2024 OCT, 2025
JAN




VFW Chaplain Workshop in Columbus, Ohio