Compass and counselor

Television's 4077 MASH Unit loved Father Mulcahy. And much the same, the 1140th Engineer Battalion, headquartered in Cape Girardeau, loves chaplain Russell Dineen of Festus, Mo.

Following a recent church service at the 1140's October drill, Dineen shared the most important parts of military spiritual ministry.

"I am a moral compass for the commander," he said. "I am a counsel to the soldier. The need is not superficial when they come to the chaplain; they often have no other place to go.

"Many guardsmen have no home churches. When thoughts of suicide come or marital problems occur, I am proud to be available," Dineen said.

Similarities do exist between "MASH," the television show, and the 1140th Engineer Battalion. Dinnen said Father Mulcahy is depicted on TV as a "crisis interviewer." Someone would call out in a hurried voice, "Get Father Mulcahy; the soldier is dying!" But the 1140th's chaplain believes his job is less about interviewing and more about developing relationships.

Dineen is a first lieutenant in the National Guard. The 1140th Engineer Battalion includes between 350 and 400 soldiers from an area that runs from Farmington, Mo., to the north and Caruthersville, Mo., to the south. Dineen serves units all across that territory.

"When a chaplain is needed, the soldier should feel uninhibited and want to discuss the problem with me," Dineen said. "A chaplain can't be superficial, and he can't judge. He must evaluate."

The majority of counseling Dineen does is on marital issues. Problems seem to be stored up for drill weekends. The military chaplain gives out his home phone number and e-mail address and encourages the soldier to contact a clergyman close to home.

He often gives encouragement with everyday decisions. His spiritual messages from the pulpit deal with cheer, compassion and hope because military congregations represent many faiths.

Dineen also is a liaison between commanders and their soldiers. Not only does he send messages of support to commanders, but he informs commanders of the needs of the soldier. During summer camp at Fort Chaffee, Ark., Dineen was the spokesman for the troops when they needed additional portable toilets. Supporting units hadn't met the need.

The military chaplain educates commanders about unit dynamics: religious affiliations, food restrictions and necessary behavior and conduct toward different faith groups.

Dineen works with relationships during peacetime to prepare soldiers for spiritual fitness during wartime.

"I have not always planned everything that has happened in my life," he said. "But I know the Lord is never taken by surprise."