EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Coming Soon - An exclusive interview with SPLA Veteran Soldier Gabriel Malaak. Gabriel speaks to Mary's Project video team from a South Sudan village about his experience and plight during the civil war, their fight for freedom, his courageous survival and need of medical assistance. 

MILITARY HEROES ARCHIVE

Every year as Independence Day approaches, we anticipate gathering with family and friends for parades, fireworks, and picnics. We are commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Reminiscing, firework displays and patriotic hymns have us standing united one Nation under God as we give thanks to our founding fathers, the gift and blessing of the freedom we enjoy, and for the courageous self sacrifice of many who fought for our great Nation. It is also an opportunity to turn our hearts and prayers to our brave Army Chaplains who truly serve God and Country. An awe inspiring example for us is the Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno.

The Servant of God Father Vincent Capodanno
An Independence Day Tribute to our Army Chaplains

Vincent Robert Capodanno was born February 13, 1929, in Staten Island, New York. On June 7, 1957, he was ordained by the late Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York and Military Vicar of the United States Military Ordinariate. As a young man Vincent was familiar with the missionary work of the Maryknolls and Catholic Foreign Mission Society. Growing up in this spirit, Father Capodanno sought permission in 1965 to join the Navy Chaplain Corps to help the increasing number of Marine troops in Vietnam both spiritually and medically.  He served 1965-1967 in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division while quickly gaining the nickname the Grunt Padre and becoming a constant companion and much needed friend of the troops. During Operation Swift in the Quang Tin Province of Vietnam, Chaplain Capodanno gave the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 4, 1967.  Despite the North Vietnamese ambush and hours of heavy gun fire, the heroic Grunt Padre rushed to the side of his wounded and dying brethren, administering last rites and attending to emergency medical needs. Father himself severely wounded with his own hand almost severed, noticed a wounded soldier pinned down by an enemy gunner. He rushed to the aid of his fellow comrade to give spiritual and medical attention. Although unarmed, Father Capodanno took 27 bullets by close enemy fire while selflessly and courageously giving his own life as a heroic servant and Soldier of Christ.

In 2002 Father Capodannos Cause for Canonization was officially opened and a Public Decree of Servant of God was issued by the Archdiocese for the Military on May 21, 2006. For more information See CatholicMil.org.

On Independence Day and everyday, let us give thanks and praise to God for the many gifts we have received.

Pictured left to right - Cpt. Strichker, Lt. Dunnigan, and Fr. Capodanno. (courtesy of JD Murray)

EWTN - The World Over with Raymond Arroyo  

From a Memorial Day Tribute for our Soldiers and Military Chaplains - Raymond interviews Iraqi War Veteran Army Chaplains Father Paul Halladay and Father John Brocata: 

Youtube - EWTN The World Over