#77: Gary Fisher - Moral Injury and Looking Back

Chaplain (COL) Gary Fisher just completed his tour as the USARPAC Chaplain. In this conversation, he shares his experiences as a chaplain in combat, and discusses the concept of moral injury. He talks about his upcoming book on trauma and the importance of addressing the whole person when dealing with trauma. He also shares personal stories, including an incident during a combat logistics patrol and a dignified transfer ceremony. Chaplain Fisher emphasizes the role of faith in processing and finding meaning in traumatic experiences.  He also talks about his role as General Flynn's chaplain and the importance of being prepared and integrated into the operations process. He believes that the Chaplain Corps can be a resource for unity which provides a different perspective in a divided nation. His advice to junior chaplains is to recognize that wherever they are, it is holy ground and to focus on serving others.

Takeaways

• Chaplain Fisher's upcoming book on trauma aims to provide a practical and accessible resource for service members and their families to understand the impact of trauma on the whole person.
• Moral injury is described as a broken moral expectation, where an individual's values or beliefs are compromised, leading to emotional and spiritual distress.
• Chaplain Fisher shares two significant experiences as a combat chaplain: a combat logistics patrol incident and a dignified transfer ceremony. These experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of his role and the power of presence in traumatic situations.
• Faith plays a significant role in finding meaning and processing traumatic experiences. 
• Chaplain Fisher emphasizes the ultimate solution of the atonement in addressing moral injury and finding healing.
• Chaplain Fisher highlights the need for chaplains to remain calm, provide clarity, and ensure the safety and well-being of those in their care during combat situations. Chaplains in the military face challenges such as moral injury and post-traumatic growth, and it is important for them to seek help and support when needed.
• Being integrated into the operations process and being prepared for engagements with commanders is crucial for chaplains to provide value and support.
• Faith, walk, and practice are essential in the Army and can be a source of unity and guidance in a divided society.
• The Chaplain Corps can be a resource for unity and provide a different perspective in a divided nation.

Sound Bites

"We felt like there needed to be a book that wasn't incredibly clinical, but also wasn't overwhelmingly theological to help."
"To me, it's broken moral expectation."
"I was there because God chose for me to be there at that time to be what he needed me to be and represent things that transcend this earth."
"I want to be value added, a multiplier, not be a distraction."
"I didn't know how bad I was until I got better."
"This spirit lives in a carnal flesh and it is susceptible to everything that anybody else is susceptible to."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting
03:20 Understanding and Addressing Trauma
08:08 The Concept of Moral Injury
25:01 The Power of Presence in Traumatic Situations
29:53 Chaplains in Combat: Roles and Responsibilities
31:17 Challenges and Priorities
36:05 Moral Injury and Post-Traumatic Growth
38:01 Integration and Preparation
42:59 The Role of Faith
53:29 The Chaplain Corps and Unity