Chaplains provide comfort and understanding

Marine Corps Veteran Tonya Harris was looking for a safe space, and she found it courtesy of fellow Marine and North Texas VA chaplain Teresa F. Terry.

Terry is one of North Texas VA’s 16 chaplains, and she plays an often overlooked role in the well-being of Veterans using VA medical services.

“I’ve never felt comfortable talking to anyone about how I was feeling,” said Harris. “Chaplain Terry showed me genuine concern and wasn’t judgmental, which meant more than anything.”

Terry, who likes to say her middle initial stands for faith, typically works in the domiciliary, a residential rehabilitation and treatment service for Veterans with multiple and severe medical conditions, mental illness, addiction and other social challenges. She is clinically trained in mental diagnosis and substance abuse, and is part of the suicide prevention team.

Above all else, Terry and her fellow chaplains are ever-present. “We show up, we’re present and we listen with all our senses. The Veteran needs to know they are being heard, not just listened to,” she said.

More than just spiritual guidance                                                                             

Program Support Assistant Kathy McDaniel began working in Dallas VA Chaplains Services in April 2023. After experiencing horrible events in her life, including losing a family member, she wasn’t sure if she was strong enough to accept the position offered to her.

“I didn’t think I would have the strength to help anyone when I started this position. I was in the middle of a tragedy myself,” McDaniel said. Once onboard, she realized being among the chaplains was exactly what was needed.

“Many times, we have walked the same paths and faced similar challenges, so we’re able to bring a level of empathy and understanding that transcends the ordinary,” said Fort Worth VA clinic Chaplain Courtene’y Martin.     

VA chaplains are here for more than just spiritual guidance. They offer comfort, understanding and a unique perspective. In addition to bereavement care, chaplains provide individual spiritual support, including in-person visits, telephone calls and virtual meetings via VA Video Connect. Chaplains also provide spirituality support groups and access to community resources not limited to any one religious affiliation.

“We’re here to provide support to anyone regardless of what that support feels like, looks like or sounds like,” said Martin.