Col. Karen Meeker: Answering God’s call in the skies and on the battlefield

“I sensed God calling me to minister to paratroopers,” said The Rev. Col. Karen Meeker, a master parachutist and command chaplain for the U.S. Army Africa Command in Germany. “As St. Augustine talked about how God inclines our hearts to His calling, I was drawn to be an airborne chaplain.”

Meeker’s passion for ministry began early, with a call that led to her becoming the second woman chaplain in the 82nd Airborne Division. She became the first female jumpmaster in the division and earned master-rated jumpmaster qualifications. Meeker is one of 154 United Methodist-endorsed chaplains serve in the military with 60 in the Army, 49 in the Air Force, and 45 in the Navy, including the Marines and Coast Guard.

Now, senior Army chaplain and ordained elder for the Susquehanna Conference in Pennsylvania, Meeker provides spiritual support, particularly in times of crisis. “A tragedy such as what happened recently at [Ronald] Reagan [Washington National Airport] touched many, many people across the Department of Defense community,” she said.

“As a chaplain, I am aware of how certain individuals may be particularly affected and reach out to them,” Meeker said. “Also, as a senior chaplain, I reach out to support colleagues who are in direct support of the affected unit and who conducted memorials and gravesides.”

A graduate of Bucknell University, Meeker earned her master of divinity from Harvard Divinity School. She further honed her pastoral skills with Clinical Pastoral Education at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, as well as two seasons at the Leon Levy Archaeological Expedition in Ashkelon, Israel. She is pursuing a doctorate at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Meeker encourages others to trust in God’s plan and step out in faith. “Discern God’s plan and purpose for your life and step out in faith believing that with God all things are possible,” she advised.

Throughout her career, Meeker has held significant leadership positions, including command chaplain for U.S. Army Medical Command and Eighth Army in South Korea. She served as Chaplain for the 45th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and the 1st Armored Division. Meeker’s experience extends to combat zones, having been deployed in support of U.S. Central Command Forward in Jordan and Afghanistan, as well as at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

“It is an honor to wear the sacred cloth of the U.S. Army and the cross of my Savior,” Meeker said.