Richard R. Hurst
January 2012
Richard completed his tour in Afghanistan and returned to Fort Drum, New York, on October 13, 2011. He has applied for clinical training for chaplains but we have not yet been told whether or not he has been accepted. His time in Afghanistan was incredible ministry and his commander gave him a strong evaluation. Star, his wife, was actively involved in ministry to families at Fort Drum during his absence. Your prayers for Richard and Star are deeply appreciated.
December 2010
Greetings,
I pray that everything is well with your families. Richard and I are great! Richard is planning to come home for his R & R at the end of May. God has been so good to us and continues to open doors for us both to minister His word to the lost.
Richard told me this morning how touched he was to receive all the cards and care packages from the Grace Brethren Churches & Children Ministry. He said he appreciates them all, but those little ones and the sweet things they say just touch his heart so much and the other soldiers as well. He shares everything he receives with them and he said they are so grateful.
My new best friend these days is the snow thrower! However, I’m not very fond of the snow shovel. 
I’ve taken the winter driving class and even received certification to operate a snow thrower.. The classes have been very helpful, as we have been getting a ton of snow. It’s Beautiful!
Below is a photo that I wanted to share of Richard at Thanksgiving with some of his soldiers in Afghanistan.
We love each one of you and thank you so much for your prayers, love and support.
Praying that God will bless you this Christmas with the special happiness only He can give,
Star
Richard (left) with his soldiers on Thanksgiving
November 2010
Army Chaplain Richard Hurst is attached to an Air Cavalry unit that deployed in the fall to Afghanistan. His wife, Star, sent a recent email update, just prior to this deployment: “Richard recently completed Combat Medical Ministry training at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. Richard said that this was very intense training as they dealt with very severely wounded soldiers and the majority of them were in the burn unit. He spent many hours in the trauma unit. The lead Chaplain instructor sent word back that he felt Richard had a gift for hospital ministry. This past weekend, Richard held a retreat for his unit’s single soldiers and taught the strong bonds module, ‘How to Not Fall in Love with a Jerk!’ The retreat went really well and the soldiers really seemed to have a good time. This week he is giving combat stress and pre-deployment briefings to all the soldiers in his unit. Richard really enjoys being attached to an Air Cav unit with Black Hawks, Chinooks, Apaches, and Scout Medi-Vacs. The wife of Richard’s company commander and I are starting a Monday morning prayer hour for all the soldiers and spouses. Please pray for Richard and his unit’s safety and that the soldiers who need salvation will come to know our Lord and Savior. Thank you all for your love and support and most of all your prayers. We feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful ministry!”
Richard and Star deeply appreciate your prayers as Richard serves alongside his fellow soldiers in eastern Afghanistan.
“All of my life I have felt the desire to serve hurting and less fortunate people. I believe God has called me to this task so that I may be His hands in war, His expression of kindness, and His desire to seek out those who are lost and cannot find their way.” This is how Dr. Richard Hurst expresses his passion to serve the men and women in the U.S. Army. “Jesus measured greatness in terms of service, not status,” Richard adds. “Being a full-time missionary in uniform, ready to serve all walks of life as a U.S. Army Chaplain, nothing matters more and nothing will last as long for His kingdom.”
Richard received news of his call to active duty November 18, 2009 and will report to Chaplain School at Fort Jackson, SC on January 10, 2010. Richard and his wife, Star, are members of the Sebring GBC, where they were introduced to the FGBC by Pastor Randy Smith. John Schumacher, FGBC Chaplains Endorsing Agent, assisted with Richard’s application for active duty. “God certainly linked us together,” Richard comments about his relationship with Col. Schumacher. “He is more like a father to me than an Endorsing Agent.”
Chaplain Hurst previously served in the U.S. Army as an enlisted soldier and earned the following commendations: Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Marksman Qualification Badge.
Chaplain Hurst envisions his future service for God and Country this way: “I want to always be the one who encourages, bringing a smile to a sad face, igniting the spirit inside. I want to be the kind of Chaplain that no matter what the soldier is facing in life they will know that Chaplain Hurst has an “always on call” policy, earning their respect as a side-by-side soldier and as a friend.”
