Autauga’s Morgan retires from role as military chaplain after 31 years

William “Bill” Morgan, director of missions (DOM) for Autauga Baptist Association, has not only had the privilege of serving God through his ministerial profession but through Uncle Sam as well.
   
Morgan, who achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel, served in the United States Army for 31 years and was a chaplain for 25 of those years.
He retired May 5 from the Alabama Army National Guard and was honored with a ceremony recognizing his career and accomplishments at Fort Taylor Hardin Armory in Montgomery.
   
During Morgan’s retirement ceremony, Maj. Gen. Edwin H. Wright, commander of the 62nd Troop Command, presented Morgan with the Distinguished Service Medal of Alabama, the state’s highest peacetime award, for inexhaustible meritorious service. “It’s quite an honor to have received it,” Morgan said.
   
Morgan also received certificates of appreciation from Maj. Gen. Gaylord T. Gunhus, chief of
chaplains for the Army, and Col. David McGowin, state chaplain.
   
Col. James L. Patterson, chief of staff, 62nd Troop Command, lauded Morgan for truly caring for the soldiers of the Alabama Army National Guard; for serving the state and nation in various positions; and for providing much-needed spiritual and pastoral care.
   
Patterson also commented that “Morgan’s dedication and commitment reached far beyond the call of duty, as he was always available both on and off duty and never hesitated to answer the call of a soldier in need.”
   
“That’s part of my responsibilities as chaplain,” Morgan said. “For most chaplains, that’s who we are …  a servant of God.”
   
Morgan referred to himself as “a missionary to the military,” adding that throughout his years in the military he has integrated his Baptist ministry roots and his affiliation with  the North American Mission Board (NAMB) into his work as a chaplain.
   
He was commissioned as a chaplain by NAMB after he earned a master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
   
Prior to his seminary training, Morgan graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., and received his second lieutenant commission from the university’s Reserve Officer Training Corps.
   
Morgan not only has served as a chaplain but also has served as pastor of three Alabama Baptist churches  — Goshen Baptist Church (Salem-Troy Association), Goodwater Baptist Church (Central Association) and Glencoe First Baptist Church (Etowah Association).
   
Morgan said he drew on his experiences as a chaplain and pastor to help him in both jobs. “I got a lot of training as a chaplain that helped as a pastor.
    
“At Glencoe, I went to Walter Reed [Army Medical Center] to a pastoral care course. The Army paid for it. That’s how I learned to minister to people with AIDS,” he said.
   
And when Morgan participated in Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War, the Glencoe church members supported him with prayer.
   
“Their prayer support was tremendous,” said Morgan, who was serving as pastor of Glencoe at the time. “Their prayers not only helped the [war] situation, but they also helped the church.”
   
As DOM, Morgan has drawn from all his past experiences. In fact, Morgan said his military experience helped him select a mission statement and organize church project planning.
   
Another added benefit the 53-year-old pastor has acquired through his years as a military chaplain is insight.
   
“Being a chaplain gives me a broader understanding of ministry in helping young pastors,” he said.
“I think the leadership skills the Army gave me helped. You learn to be a team player. You learn to recognize there’s not just a spiritual aspect to things, but other things to consider in a decision.” (Army National Guard contributed)