By Jamie Lasorsa, Reporter
Although he joined the Navy later than most, Navy Chaplain Matthew Brackett says it was one of the best decisions he has made in his life. The 10th of 13 children of Charles and Gloria Brackett, Matthew began his clergy career as a Catholic Priest, but after serving 20 years, he felt at the age of 44 that he had a calling to join the military. Although people of this age are not typically looked upon to join, due to his experience, along with an overall need for clergy in the military, they welcomed his knowledge and service.
Much schooling and training was involved, including Officer Development School, Chaplin School Training as well as field training.
He was held to the same standards as Navy combat soldiers, as these physical needs could be required of him at any time. Much of his training also had special focus on serving Marines and learning how to be of service to them during war time.
Serving from 2018 to July of 2021, Matthew spent his service time as Chaplin with the Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools located at Camp Johnson, a satellite camp of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville, NC.
Matthew found himself in a unique position at this point in his life. He viewed this as an opportunity to serve his country by helping others deal with the elements of stress and their sacrifices by supporting them through these tough times. He was able to touch thousands of lives over his service time and still carries on some of those relationships, as soldiers will reach out to him for advice, to talk through a tough situation, or to just check in.
One of the aspects that Chaplin Brackett appreciated the most during his service time was that being the Command Chaplin gave him free movement to do his job. The military leadership surrounding him was very supportive of his ministry. He felt it an honor and privilege to often be invited into the joys and suffering of people’s lives, as people looked to him for guidance and solace.
There is no “typical day” in the life of a Navy Chaplain. You need to be readily available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to those you serve, and to be prepared for the many challenges inherent with the job. Performing religious services, being an advisor to leadership regarding human ethical, moral, and religious needs, hospital visits, serving at funerals and perhaps most importantly, creating and maintaining a general presence of visibility and availability to the men and women of his command were just a small portion of his duties.
He described his service as a “transient” ministry, as much of his ministry was given to those who would step in and out of his command in short periods of time. Many were 18-25-year-olds who were faced with being away from home for the first time, and wanted to speak to a sympathetic ear; others just wanting to explore the opportunity to leave personal issues of home behind them and start a fresh new life for themselves. Seeing these soldiers walk away with a smile on their face, a sense of peace or clarity gave Chaplain Brackett a sense of purpose. He described this as “walking with them [the soldiers] in an important step in their journey.”
Matthew, now in post-service time, will be using his experience and knowledge to continue focusing his efforts on helping his fellow man. He is in the process of embarking on his own adventure, with Brackett Alliance, a Life & Leadership Coaching and Consulting Firm.
Chaplin Brackett feels his decision, although late in life, was one of the best decisions he has made, not only because of his connections with thousands of men and women and his service to them, but also for what it did for him. He was able to walk away from his service knowing he made a difference in the lives of many, as they also touched his.
Article Republished from the November 2021 Issue of the Sterling Meetinghouse News.