Welcome to the VFW Chaplain Portal

Listen Comrade Chaplains,
There comes a moment when someone looks to you—and nothing in the room feels steady.  A veteran loses a loved one,
a family member is hurting or a call comes when you least expect it.  In those moments, you are counted on to stand in the gap—to listen, being a steady source of caring comfort.  This space was built for that moment.  No theory.  No fluff.

Just real tools for real situations—so when the ground starts to shake, you don’t have to. 

Take a second and look around.  Search for what you need… or head to the Toolbox tab and find something you can use right away.

You don’t have to have all the answers.  Just be ready to show up.

🔎 Search Chaplain Resources
Find prayers, forms, guidance, and more.




Deborah Halter
National Chaplain
Veterans of Foreign Wars
2026-2027

Chaplain's Corner coming Soon!

Prayer Requests Click HERE! 
All prayer requests go directly to the VFW National Chaplain.

Ethics definition:  Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the subject of what’s morally right or wrong. 

For us as chaplains, ethics means in simplest terms that we “do no harm”.  That’s borrowed
from the Hippocratic oath.  Another way of looking at it is that we should follow the golden rule.  Do unto others as you would have done unto you.  Treat others the way you want to be treated.

The purpose of chaplaincy ethics
Accountability: Codes of ethics guide our conduct and holds us chaplains accountable for our actions.

Public trust: Upholding these ethical standards helps build and maintain public trust in the chaplaincy.

Safety and well-being: The ethics are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both those receiving care and the chaplains themselves. 

Key Ethical Duties

Confidentiality: Uphold strict confidentiality for all information shared, with clear communication about legal limits, such as mandatory reporting of threats.

Non-proselytizing: Do not engage in evangelizing activities with those who are not share your faith beliefs, but you do retain the right to evangelize those who do.

Competence: Continuously strive to enhance skills and knowledge to provide the best spiritual and emotional support possible:

Be a lifelong learner.

Attend monthly training

Find a chaplain mentor

Read books on chaplaincy topics

Ask other chaplains questions and discuss situations and concerns.

Respect for autonomy: Respect individuals' right to make their own decisions.

Avoid exploitation: Never use your position of authority or the trust placed in you for personal gain or to violate a person's right to self-determination.  

VFW Chaplain Statement of Ethics and Guiding Principles 
1. Chaplains will demonstrate utmost personal and professional integrity: truthfulness,
honesty, and compassion to those who they minister to. 
The way you talk to people, the way you dress and the courtesies extended to people. Integrity means behave in such a manner that you give no ammunition to fault find in your words and deeds. 

2. Chaplains will provide an objective, appropriate, holistic support and a comforting
presence.
Patient, calm, warm, caring, willing to get them the help they need. We don’t have all the answers. Holistic in this context means we consider all aspects of humankind: mind, body, spirit.

3. Chaplains will not proselytize.
Those who are cared for will be provided freedom from unwanted gifts of religious literature or symbols, evangelistic and sermonizing speech, or forced acceptance of specific moral values and traditions.  This is one of the most controversial or misunderstood aspects of chaplaincy. 
What does proselytize mean?  It’s very similar to the word evangelize.  There are many that see the chaplaincy as being an evangelist.  This is wrong.  Can you share your faith? yes.  In fact, it’s good to broach the subject of God or spirituality. It can start the conversation. But keep in mind your first
task is to find out what they believe and then meet them there.  Your task is not to recruit or convince them that your belief is the only one, even though you may feel that way.  If they ask you what you personally believe by all means do so. But again, that is not your primary task and in fact would
be a violation of the non-sectarian chaplain code of ethics. You can certainly answer theological questions from your perspective if they want to know. Remember you contact must be client centered. You are there to meet their needs, not yours.  Don’t proselytize, but
dot deny your faith.

4. Chaplains will demonstrate sensitivity to all faith traditions and provide appropriate
and sensitive spiritual care to all persons in need, irrespective of their religious or nonreligious identity.   
We are nonsectarian meaning we are not there to represent a specific faith, rather we minister to all.

5. Chaplains will not discriminate, with regards to their care, based on sex, age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, socioeconomic status, or any other factors that would hamper a person’s ability to receive spiritual care.

6. Chaplains will, whenever possible, attempt to locate a spiritual leader within the faith
tradition of an affected person, if needed. 
Who best understands and is best equipped to help them from a specialized spiritual perspective? Someone of their faith group.  Offer to connect them if that is what they need or prefer.

7. Out of respect for those who are served, Chaplains will maintain confidentiality.

8. Chaplains recognize their personal and professional limits, know their boundaries and
make referrals to professionals with appropriate expertise. 
You are probably not the expert in their faith or denomination. You are probably not a psychiatrist or psychologist.   Refer people and encourage them to get the help they may need.  That may be a pastor priest, mental health worker, social worker etc.

9. Chaplains will do no harm. In this context it can include things like guilt tripping, manipulation, breaking confidentiality.

10. Chaplains are volunteers and will take no monetary gifts from those who are
served. 
If someone tries to give you money tell them you can’t accept money, but they can donate to the post or the VFW in general if they are so inclined. We are not here to make money or exploit others.

11. Chaplains shall adhere to all applicable Codes of Ethical Standards as
prescribed by the VFW. 
Don’t misrepresent yourself or the VFW.
Don’t exploit or manipulate others.
Don’t use your position for personal gain. Most departments have a VFW dept. code of ethics you can access on their websites. 
These are worth reviewing.  Not that you don’t already abide but they are a great review and reminder of what is expected of us. 



The-Public-Reading-of-Ritual-Prayers by Past National Chaplain Peter R. Hook

VFW Ritual Prayers in modern language by Western Conference Chaplain Frank Correa

HOSPITAL VISITATION PRAYERS 

See the VFW Chaplain's Handbook.  There are prayers for the Catholic, Orthodox and Jewish faith traditions.  Also other prayers for the sick.

PRAYERS ON THE GO 
Looking for a prayer fast?  Are you at a meeting and don't have your prayer card? 
Click HERE to deploy the VFW Chaplain Prayer Bot.  

AI (Artificial Intelligence) can be a helpful tool in creating prayers.  Platforms like ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Gemini can provide inspiration and draft prayers on the go.   Take what they offer and adapt it to fit the moment, making the words truly your own.


VFW Chaplain resources at VFW National
Steps to access VFW Chaplain resources on the VFW National website:
1.  Log in at:  https://vfw.org
2.  Click on My VFW
3.  Click on VFW Training & Support
4.  Click on Bylaws: Training, Forms & Templates
5.  Click on Training
6.  Scroll down to Chaplains
There you'll see the chaplain resources links

VETERAN RESOURCES

American Gold Star Families website  

Defense Suicide Prevention Office The Defense Suicide Prevention Office
does not provide crisis services. If you or someone you know is in crisis,
contact the Veteran/Military Crisis Line for immediate assistance.

Veterans Crisis Conversation Handout
This handout gives helpful information on helping a veteran in crisis.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

6 Ways to Begin a Conversation about Veteran Suicide

Warriors Journey
Warriors helping Warriors.  (There is a Chaplain section).

VFW Chaplain Department Websites
VFW California Chaplain's Page (Chaplain Frank Correa, State Chaplain)

VFW Colorado Chaplain's Page (Chaplain Kevin Reinhold, State Chaplain)

VFW Missouri Chaplain's Page  (Chaplain Deborah Halter, Past VFW National Chaplain)

VFW Pennsylvania Chaplain's Page   (Chaplain Peter Hook, Past VFW National Chaplain)

VFW Washington Chaplain's Page (Chappy, State Chaplain)

Chaplaincy Training Resources
Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), Introduction to
Chaplaincy training https://christianleaders.org/course/view.php?id=607

CLI Informational PDF CLI Informational slideshow

VFW Chaplain POC’s (Points of Contact)

Darren Atkins (VFW National Chaplain)
docapothecary@gmail.com

Peter Hook (Past VFW National Chaplain)
PeterHook@verizon.net

David Frei (Past VFW National Chaplain)
vfwdfrei@gmail.com

Deborah Halter (Past VFW National Chaplain) 
dihalter@gmail.com

Jim Jenkins (Past VFW National Chaplain)
kschaplain@att.net

 Frank Correa (Western Conference Chaplain)
fcorreavfw@gmail.com

Andrew Sockett (Southern Conference Chaplain)
ajsockett1031@gmail.com

“Chappy”  Dale Iannello (“I.T.” Chaplain)
chaplaindale@gmail.com


OTHER RELIGION REFERENCE

Christian
Net Bible Online Bible with different versions.

E-Sword Bible
study suite that is downloadable. 

New Minister's Manual

Jewish
Sefaria Living library of Jewish sacred texts online.

Islam
Holy Quran  Online Islamic resources.

Buddhism
Buddhist Society  Online resources for Buddhists

Hinduism
Hindu Online Resources for Hindus.

Shinto
Shinto Portal Resources for the Shinto religion.


Taoism
Taoism Online resources about Taoism.



1.  In a non-sectarian manner, you should be prepared to listen to your fellow comrades and provide aid and spiritual comfort in times of stress, sickness, or bereavement.

 2. Work with your Service Officer to aid members and their families in time of need.

 3. Your Post Commander or other Post officers may come to you in confidence.  Remember the privileged communication you are having is for your ears only.  Uphold the high ideals of the organization in any advice you offer.  Remember it is a
privilege – respect it.

4. You should be prepared to offer the ritual prayers at each meeting of the Post/District/State.  You will also be called upon to offer appropriate prayers at the initiation of new members; installation of officers; the dedication of a building, monument or colors; or at the memorial service of a comrade.
Note:  All such services are commemorated by use of the VFW or Auxiliary ritual.

5. Use the persuasion of your office to promote harmony and unity in the Post/District/State. 

Additional Duties & Responsibilities
  1. A person of moral and intellectual qualities.

  2. A member of the Executive Committee.

  3. You are the Post/District/State's official representative at Religious and Civic affairs in the greater community.

  4. A pastoral caregiver.

  5. Conduct and/or participate in Memorial, and Funeral Services when called upon.

  6. Send cards to sick and bereaved.

  7. Visit sick, bereaved and hospitalized.

  8. Participation in Parades, 9/11 Memorial Services, Veterans Day Programs/Services, and POW/MIA Services.

  9. Presenting Memorial Bibles to deceased members’ Family.

 10 Generate respect for the office of chaplain.


Department Chaplain Pass Book (Word)
District Chaplain Pass Book (Word)
Post Chaplain Pass Book (Word)

Note:  
There are three levels of Pass Book:  Post, District and Department.  Use these Pass Books monthly to stay organized, proactive, and attentive to the many responsibilities entrusted to Chaplains.  This helps ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and that Chaplains remain prepared for what lies ahead.

You are welcome—and encouraged—to adapt this resource to your own situation and level of service.  The intent is to provide a practical tool to help chaplains stay on track as we serve our comrades, our communities, and our shared mission.

Please feel free to share this with others who might benefit from a bit of structure and planning support.

Created by Rev. Peter R. Hook



Helping a Veteran in Crisis?
When the situation is serious and someone needs real support, this guide gives you practical steps to respond with care and confidence.
Veterans Crisis Conversation Handout

Need a Prayer Right Now?
Use this if you're at a meeting, caught off guard, or just need the right words in the moment.
Quick, simple, and ready when you are.  Includes Auxiliary and MOC prayers.
VFW Chaplain Prayer Bot

Not Sure What to Say?
Step into real-life scenarios and see how a conversation can unfold.
VFW Chaplain Training Simulator

Someone on Your Mind?
Write it down, track the visit, and follow up—so the people you serve know they’re not forgotten.
Chaplain Care Tracker 
Or, send a quick Buddy Check note with the Tag app to let them know you're thinking about them.


More tools are on the way.
Because sooner or later…someone will need you.



VFW National Chaplain Workshops
JUL 2026, Reno, NV(Class Presented by Western Conference Chaplain Frank Correa)
Class Documentation
Ethics for Chaplains Slideshow (pptx)
Ethics for Chaplains Slideshow (PDF)
Ethics for Chaplains Lecture Notes (PDF)
Ethics for Chaplains Lecture Notes (Word) 

AUG 2025, Columbus, OH
Workshop Slideshow PDF (Class Presented by Past National Chaplain Peter R. Hook, Past National Chaplain Deborah Halter and Western Conference Chaplain Frank Correa)

VFW Ritual Prayers PDF (Presented by Past National Chaplain Jim Jenkins)

ZOOM TRAINING

IMPORTANT NOTE: 
All Zoom training links will be
shared via email.  When participants log into a Zoom
training session, the screen name must be formatted as:  First and last name with the state.  For example:
Darren Atkins (KY).  This will help us know who is on,
enabling us to count attendance by state. 

**Check your Time Zone**
(Just click the link and the web page
gives you the time where you are).
Training will occur from: September 18, 2025 – June 18, 2026 
Dates: Third Thursday of each month

🕠 Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (CST) 

Don’t forget to add it to your calendar and join us at the right time!

Upcoming Training Sessions
To be determined...keep checking back!

Past Training Sessions
21 MAY 2026
Subject:  Community Service Roundtable
Presenter:  Darren Atkins, VFW National Chaplain
Click HERE to view the training session (YouTube).

“Answer the Call — Join the National Chaplain’s Community Service Challenge Today!”
Click HERE to find out how!

16 APR 2026
Subject: Networking
Presenter:  Darren Atkins, VFW National Chaplain

(Class Documents)
Networking Slideshow, Click HERE (pptx)
Networking Slideshow, Click HERE (PDF)

19 MAR 2026
Subject: Grief
Presenter: Frank Correa DMin, MA, BSN, RN, EMT-P, Western Conference Chaplain, California State Chaplain

(Class Documents)
Grief Slideshow, Click HERE (pptx)
Grief Slideshow, Click HERE (PDF)

Coping With Grief and Loss by Elizabeth Leonard, Lmhc, Casac, Click HERE 

GriefShare Grief & Loss Support Groups, Click HERE

Some thoughts on dealing with grief - Frank Correa DMin, MA, BSN, RN, EMT-P, Click HERE

19 FEB 2026
Subject:  PTSD/ASD & Suicide Intervention
VFW Chaplains welcome as presenter:  Amy Alvarez, M.S., LMFT, GySgt/USMC (Ret.)
Click HERE to view the training session (YouTube).

(Class documents)
Click HERE to view Suicide Intervention slideshow.
Click HERE to view Breaking the Stigma of PTSD/ASD

(Class videos)
1. PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (Length: 4.22)Learn about how posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use problems are related.  This short animated video describes both PTSD and substance use disorder and describes treatments that work for both. Created by VA’s National Center for PTSD. Click HERE

2. Improving Your Daily Life with PTSD Treatment (Length: 3.27)When you complete an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) it’s likely that you will be better able to manage daily life. PTSD symptoms can get in the way of work, school, parenting, relationships, and more. In PTSD treatment, you can talk with your provider about how to improve your daily life as well as get relief from symptoms. Created by VA’s National Center for PTSD.  Click HERE


22 JAN 2026 
Subject: Web Portal Orientation and AI
Presenters:  Past National Chaplain Jim Jenkins 
Chaplain Dale Iannello (Chappy)
Web portal link:  
https://lotcs.org/vfw_chaplain.html

20 NOV 2025
Subject:  Ethics
Main Presenter:  Western Conference
Chaplain Frank Correa 
(Class Documents)
Click HERE for the Ethics Slideshow (.pptx)
Click HERE for the Ethics Slideshow (PDF)

16 OCT 2025Subject:  Community Service
Main Presenter:  National Chaplain Darren Atkins
(Class Documents)
Click HERE for the Community Service Best Practices
Click HERE for Community Best Practices Slideshow
Click HERE for Community Service Challenge

SEP 2025
Subject:  The Chaplain Sergeant Partnership
Main Presenter:  Past National Chaplain Peter R. Hook
Click HERE to view the training session (YouTube).
(Class Documents) Click HERE

AUG 2025
Subject:  NEW Chaplain Orientation
Main Presenter:  Past National Chaplain Deborah Halter
Click HERE to view the training session (YouTube).
(Class Documents) NEW Chaplain Orientation Slideshow (pptx), Click HERE
NEW Chaplain Orientation Slideshow (PDF), Click HERE

MAY 2025
Subject:  Lessons Learned as a Chaplain
Main Presenter:  Past National Chaplain Jim Jenkins
Click HERE to view the training session (YouTube).
(Class Documents) Lessons Learned, Click HERE

APRIL 2025
Subject:  Creating an Important Documents Folder
Main Presenter: National Chaplain Peter R. Hook

Click HERE to view the training session (YouTube).

(Class Documents) Creating an Important Documents
Folder, Click HERE

Important Documents Folder Presentation, Click HERE

Fillable Planning and Preferences
Template, Click HERE

MARCH 2025
Subject: Hospital or Care Facility Ministry Guidelines
Main Presenters: National Chaplain Peter R. Hook and Western Conference
Chaplain Frank Correa

Click HERE to view the training session (Zoom).

(Class Documents) Hospital or Care Facility Ministry
Guidelines and Hospital Ministry, Click HERE

Hospital Ministry, Click HERE
Chaplain Hook’s Recent Article Hospice Care Companies and Veterans, Click HERE


JANUARY 2025Knowing when to refer Presented by Past National Chaplain Jim Jenkins Click HERE to view the PowerPoint slideshow.

Supplementary PDF Knowing when and how to refer someone in need or in trouble.
Click HERE

Supplementary PDF Crisis Resources, Bonner Springs.
Click HERE


NOVEMBER 2024 Personality traits and stress levels
presented by Chaplain Peter Hook.  World Religions presented by Chaplain Deborah Halter and Chaplain Frank Correa.

 Click HERE to
view the YouTube video.


OCTOBER 2024 Dashboard Reporting for Chaplains
review (Presented by Chaplain Frank Correa).  Click HERE to view the PDF version.


JULY 2024 National Chaplain Workshop in Louisville,
KY.  Click HERE to view the slideshow.  (Presented by
Chaplain Frank Correa).


Click HERE to download the Chaplain resource page handout.


Click HERE to download the Chaplain Zoom sign up
handout.

Click HERE to download the "In a Crisis Remember
A-B-C.  (Presented by Past National Chaplain Deborah Halter).

MAY 2024 Dashbord Reporting (Presented by Chaplain
Frank Correa) Click HERE to
view the training session. (YouTube). 

Click HERE to download the PowerPoint presentation.


APR 2024 Memorial Services (Presented by Chaplain
Peter Hook) click HERE to download the PowerPoint presentation.


MAR 2024 Ethics (Presented by Chaplain Frank Correa)
and VFW Ritual (Presented by Chaplain Peter Hook).


Click HERE to view the training session. (YouTube).

FEB 2024 Suicide Prevention Training II, click HERE (PDF) or HERE
(PowerPoint) host Chaplain Ron Ringo Jr.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) information,
click HERE host Chaplain Ron Ringo Jr.


JAN 2024 Suicide Prevention Training, click HERE (YouTube) host Chaplain Ron Ringo Jr.

NOV 2023 VFW National Home introduction training
session, click HERE (YouTube).


OCT 2023 Chaplain Workshop with host Past National
Chaplain Jim Jenkins, click HERE (YouTube).

Other Training Material
Funerals/Memorials
Presented by Chaplain Peter Hook 
Funeral Planning for the Veteran (15 MAR 23)
Memorial Service Template 
(15 MAR 23)

Hospital Visitation

Presented by Chaplain Frank Correa

Hospital, Nursing Home, Private Home, Hospice
& Spiritual Care Workshop  
 (19 APR 23)
Hospital, Nursing Home, Private Home, Hospice
& Spiritual Care Workshop Slideshow  (19 APR 23)


Based on the training material above test your
knowledge by taking the following test.  There is a test and an answer
sheet. 

Hospital Visitation Test
Hospital Visitation Answer Sheet


Ethics

After reading the information under the "Ethics" tab, test your knowledge by taking the following test. 
There is the test and an answer sheet. 

Ethics Test
Ethics Answer Sheet

S.A.V.E.
A brief overview of the SAVE suicide prevention training program.









No events right now.  Keep on checking back.










Subscribe