Two VERY different military careers

I’ve met some fascinating people during my five days aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. Among them are Cmdr. Dave Hart and Lt. Ray Rivers. They stand out because each have had what amounts to two military careers -- one focused on killing, the other on healing.

Hart is the ship's psychologist. He entered the Navy as a submarine officer in the 1970s, serving on ballistic missile subs capable of destroying entire nations. But he was drawn to psychology, so he went into the reserves while working on his PhD. He went back on active duty in 1991 as a Navy therapist. His job now is to help sailors through the emotional challenges of military service.

Before becoming a Navy chaplain, Rivers was a Marine Corps officer. He said he was one of those gung-ho types who loved being a Leatherneck and intended to make a career of the Corps. But God had other plans, he said, so he got out, went to seminary and pastored a Southern Baptist church for 10 years. Then he got another calling: To ministery to the men and women in the armed forces. So here he is as the JFK's Protestant chaplain. Rivers said his next assignment likely will be with the 2nd Marine Division.

Jeff