Supporting the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard.

The Continental Congress established Chaplains as an integral part of the Army of the United States on 29 July 1775. The Chaplaincy remains a relevant and integral part of the heritage and future of the Army. Chaplains have served in significant numbers from the earliest battles of the American War of Independence to the present. American Chaplains represent the unique commitment of the American social and religious culture that values freedom of conscience and spiritual choice as proclaimed in the founding documents.

The importance and influence of the Chaplain to the religious, moral, and spiritual health
of the unit have been valued throughout the history of the Army. Army Chaplains
represent faith groups within the pluralistic religious culture in America and demonstrate
the values of religious freedom of conscience and spiritual choice. The impact of the Chaplaincy is its core commitment to the soul and spirit of the Army to: Nurture the Living, Care for Wounded, and Honor the Dead across the full spectrum of military operations.

The Army Chaplain Corps is organized to provide the most responsive religious support
and ministerial presence. Religious support includes providing those aspects of religious education, clergy counsel and reassuring presence, authentic worship, and faith group expression.

PARTNERS IN CARE
"Partners In Care" is an initiative of the Tennessee National Guard Chaplain's Office. The purpose of this initiative is to coordinate support for Tennessee National Guard members and families through partner-ships with local faith communities. All faith communities are welcome to participate as"Partners In Care" congregations. Participating congregations agree to provide the TNG with a current list of supportive services offered, as well as a congregational point of contact for coordination and communication of information, referrals, and support.

Strong Bonds
Strong Bonds is a unit-based, chaplain-led program, which assists commanders in building individual resiliency by strengthening the Army Family. The core mission of the Strong Bonds program is to increase individual Soldier and Family member readiness through relationship education and skills training.

Strong Bonds is conducted in an offsite retreat format in order to maximize the training effect. The retreat or “get away” provides a fun, safe, and secure environment in which to address the impact of relocations, deployments, and military lifestyle stressors.

2012 Strong Bonds Schedule*

Couples: March 23-25, Chattanooga
Singles: April 20-22, Gatlinburg
Families: May 18-20, Kingsport**
Couples: June 15-17, Gatlinburg
Couples: August 24-26, Nashville

* NOTE: These dates are tentative.
** NOTE: The Strong Bonds for Families in May will be a first of its kind in Tennessee.