LEXINGTON, Va., April 12, 2024 — Each May during graduation week at Virginia Military Institute, graduating cadets, family, and friends gather for a non-denominational Baccalaureate service. This annual event, hosted by the Chaplain’s Office, celebrates the collective faith, fellowship, and service among 1st Class cadets at VMI. 

Several special recognitions and awards are given to graduating cadets who have demonstrated exceptional service and character within their respective faith communities on post. The service also includes congregational songs, special music, and a guest speaker. For the past several years, the guest speakers have been Chief of Chaplains for the various military branches. 

For this year’s event, May 14 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall, VMI is honored to welcome Chaplain (Major General) William Green, Jr.,  U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains and director of the Institute for Religious Leadership.

Green is a native of Savannah, Georgia, and grew up on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Army as a cannon crewman (13B) and field radio repairman (31E). In 1986, he left active duty to pursue his calling and to become an ordained minister and Army chaplain. Green is a 1989 Distinguished Military Graduate of Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. In 1992, he graduated from Emory University, Decatur, Georgia, with a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology. He is endorsed by the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and became an Army chaplain in 1994. 

Green’s past assignments are as follows: Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Office of the Chief of Chaplains, Army Pentagon, Washington, DC; United States Army Pacific Command Chaplain, Fort Shafter, Hawaii; I Corps Command Chaplain, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington; Strong Bonds Program Manager, DACH Soldier and Family Ministry, Office of the Chief of Chaplains, Army Pentagon, Washington, DC; Training and Leader Development Officer DACH 3/5/7, Office of the Chief of Chaplains, Army Pentagon, Washington, DC; Division Chaplain, 1st Armored Division, Wiesbaden, Germany and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Branch Chief, Force Design and Architecture, United States Army Chaplain Center and School, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Deputy Division Chaplain, 1st Armored Division, Wiesbaden, Germany; 4th Brigade Chaplain, 1st Armored Division, Hanau, Germany and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Hospital Chaplain, 28th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and deployed in support of Operation Joint Forge; Clinical Pastoral Education Resident, Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Washington; Battalion Chaplain, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery, Fort Lewis, Washington; Battalion Chaplain, 702nd Main Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey, Korea; Battalion Chaplain, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 

Green’s military education includes the Chaplain Officer Basic and Advance Courses, Clinical Pastoral Education Residency, Combined Arms Service and Staff School, Command and General Staff College, Force Management Advance Course, and the National War College. 

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with a silver and bronze oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Army Staff Badge. 

- VMI -