I have always believed an American Legion chaplain should be active in the post honor guard. Following my own advice, I serve on the American Legion Post 164/VFW 9182 Combined Honor Guard. Several weeks ago, that service led to me being asked to give the closing prayer at the graveside service of a veteran at our local national cemetery in Houston. I was of course honored to do so.

Today (Oct. 24, 2025), I was given an even bigger honor! I was asked to officiate the chapel and graveside portions of a different local veteran's funeral. Some of our other honor guard members were present to render the usual military honors as well, I have participated in dozens of funerals as a member of our honor guard, usually as a member of our rifle line. This time I was the lead officiant of the whole thing! By so doing I expanded the scope of service that our honor guard and I as chaplain were able to provide to the grieving family.

The takeaway is that chaplains should be active in their post honor guard. First, it pushes them out into the community and makes them visible to the community. Second, it opens opportunities for the chaplain to more broadly and frequently serve the veterans in his greater community.