One Chaplain’s Story

The Scowcroft Series of short documentary films is designed to address timely, complex, or controversial topics in open-ended ways that encourage Cadet discussion in the classroom. In this segment, “One Chaplain’s Story,” Father Philip Salois reflects on his service as a young Soldier in Vietnam in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in Xuan Loc, Republic of Vietnam. He describes the combat actions on March 1, 1970, for which he was awarded the Silver Star. He made a promise that day to God, and four years later he was called to the priesthood. He discusses his efforts to deal with PTSD (including a cathartic trip back to Vietnam), reaching out to the family of one of his friends who was killed during the war, and continuing his outreach work with Veterans.