A November Message of Faith, Hope and Patriotism from Lt. Zack Parker, Chaplain, USN

A Special Message from Washington D.C. to the Space Coast

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Although it may sound cliché to start a November column by asking, “What are you thankful for?”…I’m going to ask it anyway. What are you thankful for?

November always invites reflection. It’s hard to believe it’s been three months since our family packed up in Jacksonville and moved to the DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia).

Every day, I ride the D.C. Metro, joining the morning rush of commuters headed into the capital. I quickly found out that reading a book or scrolling on my phone was not the best use of my time (mainly because it makes me a little queasy!). But thankfully, those rides have become a time for quiet prayer, reflection, and gratitude. I’ve recently been meditating on a familiar verse:

Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

 At daybreak, as the train emerges from the tunnel crossing the Potomac River, I catch a glimpse of the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and off in the distance, the U.S. Capitol.

These mornings of reflection have me thinking about a lot these days, especially legacy.

Our nation is preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026. We’re also honoring another important milestone near and dear to me and many others: the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy Chaplain Corps, founded on November 28, 1775.

For two and a half centuries, Navy Chaplains have served side-by-side with Sailors and eventually Marines, and Coast Guardsmen across the globe. They have been alongside warfighters on warships, in combat zones, and installations all over, praying with the fallen, comforting the weary, and reminding every service member that they are never alone.

The Navy Chaplain Corps isn’t just part of military history; it’s a living legacy of Spiritual Readiness, moral courage, and compassionate leadership. Representing more than 100 faith traditions, Navy Chaplains are united by one mission, and that is to strengthen the spirit of those who serve and to encourage them to find inner strength through faith and higher purpose.

From the beaches of Normandy and the jungles of Vietnam to modern deployments across the seven seas, Navy Chaplains have brought faith to the frontlines. Their presence, courage, and conviction have helped shape not only the military but the moral fabric of our nation.

As we look toward the next 250 years, the Navy Chaplain Corps continues its vital work: building Spiritual Readiness, offering hope, and supporting the spiritual growth of our Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and their families.

When I rest in Psalm 46:10, “being still” has empowered me to honor the past (the peaks and valleys) and look toward the future.

Leaning into legacy reminds me of those who have ministered before in the Navy Chaplain Corps.

If you were to ask me what I’m thankful for, my answer would be simple: I’m thankful for salvation in Jesus Christ, my sweet family, and the opportunity to serve God and country in uniform, right in the heart of the United States of America as a Navy Chaplain.

My encouragement to everyone is to meditate on this verse together, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

 May it bring forth a time for quiet prayer, reflection, and gratitude.

It is cliché to start a November column by asking, “What are you thankful for?”

I’m going to ask it anyway…

What are you thankful for?

Marching with patience,

Zachary C. Parker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In August 2020, Chaplain Parker reported for active duty as a staff chaplain at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL. While aboard NAS Jacksonville, he spearheaded an initiative selected as a 2022 Navy-wide best practice and was published by Pennsylvania State University’s Clearinghouse for Military Readiness.

In January 2024, Parker reported as command chaplain to the USS RAMAGE (DDG 61), supporting the crew in a permanent homeport change from Norfolk, VA, to Mayport, FL. Parker earned the Surface Chaplain Officer qualification pin onboard and was awarded 2nd Place at the Surface Navy Association’s National Symposium for his team’s video production.

In August 2025, Parker reported as installation chaplain to the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. His scope includes supporting 33,000 Sailors, civilians, and contract personnel across seven National Capital Region fence lines.

He serves as an adjunct professor for Liberty University, instructing courses in ethical leadership, spiritual growth, and professional chaplaincy studies.

Parker began his formal education at Florida State University, where he graduated with a B.A. in Editing, Writing, and Media (2012). He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty Theological Seminary (2016) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2020). Chaplain Parker has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1 gold star), and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

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