Jason Hohnberger: Honoring the Fallen
Chaplain Jason Hohnberger recognized God's plan for him laced through his family's history. Now he serves fallen servicemen at Arlington National Cemetery. Read the following article to see how his career and ministry allow him to share the peace and comfort that comes from Christ alone...
As Jesus was preparing His disciples for the events that would soon lead Him to the cross, He took great care to offer them hope, joy and love.
He would be sacrificing His life for them and for us. In John 15:13 He says, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” For the men and women who valiantly serve our country’s Armed Services, they are the embodiment of the love that He described. Many of those who have given their lives to protect the freedom of our great nation are laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C.
Every business day, there is an average of twenty-seven to thirty funerals at Arlington. For a full military honors procession, as many as seventy servicemen and women are involved. Each memorial service receives the same level of dignity and respect, and the next of kin is presented with a folded American flag. Although it is a time of anguish for family and friends, the chaplains that perform the service are some of the best in the world. One such serviceman is Chaplain Jason Hohnberger of the United States Army. For Chaplain Hohnberger, each service is an opportunity to share the hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Born to Serve
Jason Hohnberger comes from a line of military servicemen. His grandfather was an enlisted man in the Army and served in Normandy during World War II. His father also served in the Army during the Vietnam era and later became a businessman and pastor. Jason was blessed to grow up in church and to accept the Lord at an early age. Coming from a military and ministry heritage, he says, “It is part of my history and God’s purpose for me to become an Army chaplain.”
Chaplain Hohnberger started his career as a student at Bethel University but ran out of money to finish his degree. He was at a crossroad in his life. During that time of regrouping, one of Jason’s friends invited him to his house for dinner with his family. His father was a colonel in the Army National Guard. As Jason talked about his desire to join the ministry and how he loved camping, hiking and being outdoors, the colonel said, “You should become a chaplain’s assistant in the Army. You could pursue a career path that matches your interests as well as earn money to finish college.” It was at that moment that a light bulb went off in Jason’s head. He realized that this was God’s hand in leading Jason towards the purpose that God had for his life.
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