Richard R. Hurst
“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.”
