Arlington National Cemetery

Harry and I were stationed in Vicenza, Italy together from 1993 to 1996.  Harry and I arrived around the same time and in-processed together.  Later, we met each other's family through the chapel.  Natalie, his wife, and their daughter, Bonnie, were good close friends of my wife and son.  Bonnie and my son were very close in ages.  My wife respected and enjoyed spending time with Natalie, both at chapel activities as well as in one another's homes.  

I was able to serve as Harry's Chaplain Assistant for a few months, beginning with a rotation at Fort Polk, LA for JRTC.  Harry was very soft spoken, kind-hearted, compassionate, and empathic.  Harry was nonjudgmental of me having not been formally trained as a Chaplain Asst.  Instead, he mentored me and provided guidance that would serve me well later in my career after reclassifying to become a Chaplain Asst.  

I enjoyed his sermons at the post chapel.  They were memorable, simple enough, that a first-time attendee would/could get appliable information from.  I cannot remember a time when Harry raised his voice or showed emotion like anger.  My first experience with Harry in Italy was a week after we arrived in Italy, he scheduled a Single Soldier Retreat to Venice Beach.  Anyone who knows about Venice Beach, Italy, it is topless.  So, here is an Army Chaplain planning and conducting a Single Soldier Retreat to a topless beach.  Seeing Harry's face when he realized it was a topless beach was priceless.  Needless to say, he gained several soldier's respect after that, and never planned another trip to Venice Beach.  LOL!  Harry and I planned and executed several monthly prayer breakfasts for the soldiers while I worked with him.  Not only did he help plan the details about the breakfast, but he would be there beside me in the kitchen cooking when needed.  

Harry was a great example of what a husband, father, Christian, and Chaplain should look like.  Harry was loved and respected by those he came in contact with.  He is greatly missed!

Thanks for the memories and the mentorship, Harry.  Wish I could have been able to tell you this face-to-face.  

HARRY ALEXANDER RAUCH III

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