PART TWO
Captain Larry D. Cripps of Gallatin, now retired, found meaning and purpure with God’s direction while on a meaningful journey as a Navy and Marine Corps Chaplain for over 32 years. Drawing from a deep wellspring of his Christian faith, Larry believes that being an author, inspirational speaker and an encourager to others is now his calling.
This article is the second of a two-part series about him providing spiritual guidance during some of the most challenging times for brave men and women in their need for hope. He remembers, “I learned what Jesus meant when He said: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
The following is a continuation of my interview with questions/comments and his responses.
Please give some highlights of your service as a Navy and Marine Corps Chaplain.
“The tragic bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut on October 23, 1983, was a pivotal moment in my journey as a Navy Chaplain. That afternoon, a large truck packed with explosives was detonated just outside the barracks, resulting in the devastating loss of 241 U.S. military personnel, including Marines, sailors and soldiers, also injuring more than 100 others.
“In the days that followed, I was among the chaplains assigned to the difficult task of informing family members of their loved ones’ tragic fate. Each notification was a hefty burden, as I shared heartbreaking news with spouses, parents and children, many of whom were left in shock and despair. My role went beyond just delivering news. I provided pastoral care by offering comfort and support, helping families through their overwhelming grief, and connecting them to their community and faith.”
Desert Shield and Desert Storm:
“The Persian Gulf War was a conflict in the early 1900s between Iraq, under President Saddam Hussein and a coalition of 42 countries led by the United States. This coalition formed in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, due to concerns of regional security and oil supply stability. I deployed to the arid landscapes of the desert with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Twenty-Four, which officially arrived in Saudi Arabia in early December 1990. Once on the ground, I served as the Command Chaplain for the 3rdNaval Construction Regiment. This role meant that, beyond my responsibilities to my battalion, I was also tasked with coordinating spiritual support and guidance for the chaplains of three other battalions operating in the region. One pivotal chapter of my journey unfolded as the Division Chaplain for the 4th Marine Division amidst some of Iraq’s most intense and harrowing combat.”
NATO Joint Tour in the Balkans after the 1995 Dayton Accords:
“The collapse of communism in Eastern Europe led to the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, resulting in the Yugoslav Wars and ethnic cleansing. This situation escalated in 1992 when Bosnia declared independence, igniting the Yugoslav War. In November 1995, the Dayton Peace Accords was signed among the various combatants in Bosnia.
“Peacekeeping was to be done by NATO involving approximately 20,000 U.S. troops. I had the privilege of leading three Navy Religious Ministry Teams, collaborating with the Army to deliver spiritual guidance and morale support to personnel stationed in Bosnia-Herzegovina. With the support of NATO forces comprising 19 nations, we organized humanitarian efforts with food and medical supplies
9/11 Terrorist Attack on the Pentagon:
“I vividly remember the haunting images of smoke rising, alongside the overwhelming determination we all felt to respond decisively in the face of such tragedy. My colleagues and I navigated through the flood of information grappling with shock while working to restore order amidst the chaos. This experience deepened my understanding of crisis management on a large scale and highlighted the importance of unity during adversity.
“From personal experience, I now understand that war transcends a mere clash of armies; it is a harrowing, soul-crushing experience that alters lives and leaves profound scars on both sides of the battlefield… with haunting memories to those who endure its ravages.”
My interview with Chaplain Larry D. Cripps was historically and spiritually rewarding for me…providing more information than I could write even in this “Two-Part Series”. He and wife Charlene have seven wonderful children between them, 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I personally congratulated him for being a talented author of his book THE HOPE OF WAR, a chaplain’s journey to abiding faith, enduring hope and love under fire. There will be many more books, in my opinion, that should evolve from his creative mind while providing inspirational messages with the pen… and from the speaker’s platform. I even expect there will be a few novels.
Ralph E. Vaughn
