Four Chaplains Medal recognizes 30th Medical Brigade chaplain's service, impact on readiness

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany - Chaplain (Maj.) Antoinette Stewart, chaplain for the 30th Medical Brigade, received the Four Chaplains Medal Aug. 6 during the brigade's organization day at Donnelly Park on Ramstein Air Base.

Chaplain (Col.) Eric Dean, command chaplain for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, presented the medal on behalf of the Chief of Chaplains. The award recognizes chaplains whose ministry reflects the courage, personal sacrifice, teamwork, religious calling and Army Values associated with the legacy of the Four Chaplains.

Dean said the award is not competitive, and Stewart's selection should not be viewed as her standing out among a field of nominees. Instead, he said, her service and ability to recognize needs and respond to them set her apart.

"She did stand out through her service, however, and through the many ways that she proactively and energetically identified areas of need in the community and provided effective religious support solutions to them," Dean said.

For Stewart, receiving an award she once associated with extraordinary figures in the Chaplain Corps came as a surprise.

"I never thought it would be me," Stewart said. "Never in a million years, never thought it would have been me."

The recognition also carries significance within the larger command. The 30th Medical Brigade falls under the 21st TSC, U.S. Army Europe and Africa's lead organization for sustainment. The 21st TSC also serves as the responsible headquarters for USAREUR-AF's medical, military police, and sustainment brigades.

The 30th Medical Brigade provides mission command of medical operations to deliver health service support and force health protection within the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command theaters.

Within that mission, Stewart focused much of her ministry on building connections among Soldiers, families and others she described as vulnerable or sometimes unseen members of the community.

Her efforts included the Wellness Space, solo-parent initiatives and grief groups, as well as meditation coaching, yoga, physical training and spiritual fitness hikes. Dean said the programs contributed to the spiritual, emotional and physical readiness of the brigade.

Stewart said the programs grew from a belief that people need connection and a community that will remain present when circumstances become difficult.

"What was on my mind and what was my thought process in creating that is that people would have a space where they know that they belong," Stewart said. "And they have a community."

She said she has seen greater cohesion, authenticity and openness develop through those opportunities, along with Soldiers realizing they are not alone when experiencing challenges.

Col. Nate Forrester, commander of the 30th Medical Brigade, described Stewart's effect on the organization and its people during the award presentation.

"Thank you for all that you've done, making this organization better, making me a better human being and a better leader, and being there when I need you," Forrester said.

For Stewart, religious support also contributes to readiness by helping Soldiers understand their purpose and recognize that their service is connected to something larger than themselves.

"Part of spirituality is purpose," Stewart said. "Why are we here? Why do we get up and do what we do every day? Why do we put on our uniform? A good religious support program answers those questions."

She said that sense of purpose can be reflected in how Soldiers work with one another and function as a team.

"When Soldiers can come to work and work in cohesion and work in unity, you know, take care of their battle buddies, function as a team," Stewart said. "Teams are getting along, teams are moving forward, functioning well. Leaders are functioning well. I think that's how it contributes to readiness."

That emphasis on unity also shapes Stewart's connection to the history behind the Four Chaplains Medal.

On Feb. 3, 1943, four Army chaplains aboard the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester gave their life jackets to others as the ship sank after being torpedoed during World War II. Their actions became a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice, teamwork, and service to others.

"Chaplain Stewart's ministry reflects the legacy of the Four Chaplains through her selfless service, commitment to the well-being of Soldiers, and her focus on providing holistic care," Dean said.

Stewart said one aspect of their actions resonates with her in particular: None of the four acted alone.

"They didn't do it alone," Stewart said. "They locked arms with three other people and did it together. And it just brings me back to that community, that stronger together."

For Stewart, that example also represents what she hopes to see throughout the Chaplain Corps: chaplains supporting one another so they can better care for the Soldiers and families who depend on them.

Dean said recognizing that type of ministry has implications beyond an individual award.

"The Four Chaplains Medal is significant for the Chaplain Corps and Army readiness because it recognizes and promotes the very actions that are fundamental to building a resilient and ready force," Dean said.

For the 30th Medical Brigade and the larger 21st TSC formation, Stewart's recognition provides an example of how religious support at the Soldier and family level can contribute to cohesive teams and organizational readiness within a command responsible for supporting Army operations across the theater.

For Stewart, however, the moment remained personal.

"I'm overwhelmed, and I'm extremely grateful," Stewart said. "I'm extremely grateful for the work I get to do. I get to do this."