Episcopal priest retires from military service

Larry Harrelson. Photo provided

Most people know Larry Harrelson as the guy in the white collar who serves as Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. But until recently he was also a Colonel in the Army.

For the past 36 years he served in the military, the last 22 years as a Chaplain. In his latest position he was the State Chaplain for the Idaho National Guard. He was responsible for 3,000 soldiers and acted as an advisor to the Commanding General; a big job for a man recuperating from heart bypass surgery.

He has now retired.

Chaplains are required by law to arrange for religious support for all religious groups including Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

"It was my responsibility to make sure there was an appropriate Chaplain for each group," Harrelson said.

He made sure special dietary restrictions were honored and that religious holy days were kept sacred. He also worked closely with the Commander as an advisor and confidante.

Harrelson's assignments and training took him around the United States and Germany. Trained as a mental health practitioner and a clergyman, he acted as an advisor in areas of spirituality, morals and morale.

"The clergy training is key to my career in the military ministry, the mental health training just happened to be something I brought to the chaplaincy," he said.

Troops and their families relied on Harrelson for support.

"The heart often opens when facing one's own death or that of someone close to you," said Harrelson. "It's a chaplain's role to be concerned with the entire military family including spouses, children and parents. The Chaplain is a safe person for the discussion of tough or delicate issues and can provide some guidance."

There were occasions when reservists who served in the Vietnam war wanted to get traumatic experiences off their chest.

Over his career Harrelson worked as a Social Work Specialist in the Army, an Intelligence Officer in the Naval Reserve, a Chaplain in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

He also spent time as Brigade Chaplain for a heavy, separate cavalry brigade and as a Battalion Chaplain for combat engineer and infantry battalions.

At his February 1, 2003, retirement ceremony in Idaho, Harrelson received the Legion of Merit Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation from President Bush.