Tripler Army Medical Center  –   This week, Tripler Army Medical Center celebrated the 248th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. Throughout the week, we are profiling the hospital's chaplains. 

Meet Capt. Eric Reynolds, who currently serves as a Clinician Chaplain at TAMC. Learn more about him in the Q&A below.
 
Q: Tell us about yourself?
I have been married to my wife Shalonda for 27 years, and we have four children and three grandchildren. I was born and raised in Georgia. My hobbies are martial arts (two black belts) and scuba diving.
 
Q: Why do you serve?
I serve because the Army gave me direction and drive at a critical point in my life in 1992. Since then, I have forged relationships with people who I would have never met if it weren’t for the Army. I simply love those who choose to serve our great nation.
 
Q: What is the source of your strength?
First it is my relationship with God and then it is my relationship with my family. To both I give my absolute best each day and they keep me focused on the mission to take care of Soldiers.
 
Q: What are some of the reasons to become a U.S. Army Chaplain?
I was a NCO for over 10 years, and at every cross road of my career there was a Chaplain. I wanted to be that Chaplain who journeys with each Soldier through the good and bad moments. I am people Chaplain.
 
Q: What advice would you give a student interested in becoming a U.S. Army Chaplain?
It is a calling first. We live out our belief system through action, then later we get a chance to speak words. Be present, be attentive and be loving.
 
Q: In what ways do you make a difference in today’s society?
My focus is the youth who are going through rough times. If that brokenness and pain can heal, then they can become who they were destined to be. I like to volunteer with Youth Challenge, here and at my other duty stations.