National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Chaplain Delana Small is an outstanding example of what it means to be a Chaplain. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated bravery, courage, and selfless care for others. In 2012, she became the first female U.S. Army Chaplain assigned to a combat arms unit and served with the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles." Through her servant leadership and dedication to soldiers` spiritual and emotional well-being, she has left a lasting impact on those she served.

Delana Small’s historic assignment was only the beginning of her military service. In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan with an artillery unit. Instead of remaining on the main bases, where she would have been safe, she traveled by helicopter to remote outposts and continued to serve her comrades by providing counseling, performing baptisms, and conducting services on the frontlines. When she was asked about her assignment, Small explained that “It doesn’t matter if I am a male or a female, I will be out on the gunline counseling and providing soldiers with religious support.” Delana Small demonstrates her dedication to her duties as a chaplain, and her willingness to go above and beyond for those under her care.

Her position as a Chaplain was groundbreaking, and she paved the way for many female military chaplains. However, Chaplain Small has expressed that she did not originally pursue military service with the intention of making history. She explained that “I was called by God to be a chaplain since I was 15.”. She claims that she felt called to “serve those who serve,” and she uses her position as a platform to encourage and counsel her comrades. Despite her impressive achievements, Small has remained humble about her accomplishments. Explaining that ministry should be done for God’s glory rather than “to make a name for ourselves.” Her career reflects that belief. Delana Small has made history by breaking a barrier for women in the Army; however, her first focus has been serving the soldiers and people around her rather than herself. 

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Please help us welcome our new student worker, Ethan Jenkins!

Ethan Jenkins is a Junior studying History who is fascinated with the Jacksonian period of American history. He is passionate about teaching and hopes to work one day as a professor.

Like Lauren Ethan’s favorite exhibit in the Chaplain’s Museum is the story of the four chaplains who gave their lives to rescue others while their ship the USAT Dorchester was sunk by a German U-boat. Their sacrifice is a reminder of how we can live our lives not for ourselves but in service to God.

Stop by the Chaplains Museum to learn more about these brave men and the many others who have served both their country and king.
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We are excited to welcome another one of our new student workers, Lauren Ledbetter! Lauren is a senior at Liberty University, currently majoring in English and Writing with a minor in Cinematic Arts. As an English major, she loves reading and writing about topics that interest her. Lauren`s favorite historical era would have to be World War II, for its broad variety of personal experiences and historical accounts.

Her favorite part of the Chaplain’s Museum is “The Four Chaplains” section. This section stuck with her because of the bravery and selflessness that these four men exhibited. It is a reminder of the honorable service every chaplain performs, and their lives that many of them willingly gave for the sake of their fellow comrades.

Come and visit the Chaplains Museum to learn more about this incredible story, and other stories like it!
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