State Support Chaplain
 

About

Mission

Provide for the religious support needs of the Michigan National Guard. Advise the command on morals, morale, ethical issues, and the impact of religion on all aspects of military operations.

Chaplain Support:

Unit Ministry Teams (UMT) and Religious Support Teams (RST) are organized to provide religious support at the unit level. UMTs/RSTs consist of Chaplains and Religious Affairs Specialists who provide comprehensive religious support for Service Members, Families, and authorized Civilians.

To request religious support, first contact your Unit or Wing UMT/RST.  If you do not know your Chaplain or Religious Affairs Specialist,
don't hesitate to contact the Support Chaplain's Office.


24-Hour Crisis Support

Crisis Support & Community Resources: 
  • Emergencies: Dial 911 ​ 
  • Military & Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), Press 1 
  • MI NG Family Programs: 1-888-MICH-FAM (888-642-4326) 
  • MI Veterans Affairs Agency:  1-800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) 
  • Michigan 2-1-1 & United Way: Dial 211 


Military Funeral Honors (MFH): 

In the case of a loved one passing away who has served in the military, you, as the relative or next of kin, may request to have funeral honors at the committal service. 
  • Typically, requests for Military Funeral Honors are made by a funeral director. Please speak with them before moving on to the next steps. If the funeral director will be taking care of the MFH and you so desire, you will ask them also to request a Chaplain.  
  • You will want to contact the appropriate office. Please use the directory in the following link: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/leaders-service-providers/sp-l-casualty-assistance/military-funeral-honors/ 
  • MFH consists of the following: The playing of "Taps”, a rifle detail, a color guard, and uniformed service members who present the burial flag 
  • If desired, when you request MFH, be sure to request a Chaplain to be a part of the Military Funeral Honors team for your loved one's graveside or committal service. You must request a Chaplain at this time to give you the best opportunity to have a Chaplain present.  
  • The Chaplain's MFH role does not typically extend beyond the time allotted for Military Funeral Honors, consisting of a maximum of five minutes for the Chaplain's portion. You may ask the Chaplain to provide the entire funeral service, but note this extends beyond the MFH duty and usually takes place at that funeral home or a church before the committal service (graveside). The Chaplain may or may not be able to offer a full service depending on several variables.  
  • Please be aware that a chaplain is not guaranteed. The full-time office is limited in resources and availability. 

BSRT: Building Strong and Resilient Teams
Building Strong and Ready Teams (Formally Strong Bonds) is team-centric – with a dual focus on strengthening Army teams, Soldiers, and Families through a team approach. BSRT is not simply a rebranding of Strong Bonds. Instead, it builds on the success of the Army's premier relationship training program for more than 20 years. Training objectives focus on spiritual readiness and holistic health, in addition to relationship enhancement. The training helps Single Service Members, Couples and Families to thrive in the turbulence of the military environment. Attendees participate in a BSRT “get-away” format designed to maximize relationship training impact and to provide an emotionally safe and secure training environment in which to address the effect of military lifestyle stressors.

To find our event calendar please visit https://bsrt.army.mil/ or contact us by email ng.mi.miarng.list.chaplain@mail.mil

 ***See more photos from one of our many 2019 Strong Bonds events: Flickr Album

Contact Us

The JFHQ Chaplain Section is located is located at Joint Force Headquarters, Building 30, Suite 311.

Office Email: ng.mi.miarng.list.chaplain@army.mil

Office Phone Number: 517-481-7883

Support Chaplain: 517-481-7935

Mailing Address:
JFHQ – MI
ATTN: Chaplain Section
3423 N. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48906