Chaplain Amor Del Rosario Loves Serving Those Who Serve

May 6, 2026 | By the Rev. Benjamin Perry

“We care for the soul of the soldiers.” In eight short words, Chaplain (Major) Amor Del Rosario, a United Methodist endorsed chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, captured the crucial ministry that chaplains perform throughout all branches of the military.

Rev. Del Rosario is among the 149 UMEA chaplains serving in the military, caring for service members at home and abroad. “We nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the dead,” she said. “We hold soldiers’ full humanity, helping them to see and discover their purpose, and heal through whatever they might be going through.”

Sometimes there is not a dedicated chapel building and we have to create a holy space with what we have. Here Sgt. Brian Marsh, religious specialist, and Chaplain (Major) Amor Del Rosario, converted the MWR tent into a chapel for an hour. (Photo courtesy of Amor Del Rosario)

A Maryland National Guard chaplain for more than 15 years, she is grateful for the call because it allows her to also serve as a local pastor to congregations as well.

“I love that I can bridge parish work and the military,” said Rev. Del Rosario, who was preparing for another tour of duty. “My ministry as a pastor and chaplain allows a way for local congregations to be involved in supporting our troops.”

Military chaplains’ day-to-day responsibilities are a blend of spiritual care found in any pastoral relationship and responsibilities unique to military service, including advising commanders on ethics, morale, and how religion might impact mission.

Chaplain (Major) Amor Del Rosario serves communion to a soldier. Sometimes there is not a dedicated chapel building and we have to create a holy space with what we have. (Photo courtesy of Amor Del Rosario)

“You’re a pastor to people from different backgrounds and a staff officer,” Rev. Del Rosario said. “Part of our constitutional responsibility is to ensure free exercise of religion. For example, if I have a Muslim soldier who is fasting for Ramadan, my job is also to advise the commander on how to accommodate their religious observance into their assignments — perhaps gate watch at high noon might not be the best idea.”

The existential weight of combat also creates powerful opportunities for care. “It really is true that there are no atheists in a foxhole. We need to have those deep conversations with soldiers who have lost somebody,” Rev. Del Rosario said. “And, as a follower of Jesus Christ, we know death isn’t the end — there’s always hope in the resurrection. I’m always looking to plant those seeds of hope.”

While that sometimes looks like pastoral counseling or presiding at religious services, it also manifests in lighthearted ways. “I don’t have to be standing on a rock, giving a glorious sermon. Sometimes it’s as simple as passing out beef jerky as a means of starting conversation and sharing the gospel,” she said.

“Or, I could host ‘Movies on the Mezzanine.’ While deployed, our movie theatre had to shut down for a time, so I took a little projector to show movies on an outdoor wall. Even when the theatre re-opened, people were asking what the next movie is. It was more than just the movies, they wanted the community that we built,” Rev. Del Rosario said.

The Rev. Benjamin Perry is the director of communications at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and is author of Cry, Baby: Why Our Tears Matter.

Prayers for Service Members

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and the United Methodist Endorsing Agency encourages praying for our armed forces and the chaplains who serve them and their families and for peace in our time.