Chaplain Colonel Wallroth Retires

By: Joseph J. Kerzich

In a chapel otherwise ordinary to the visitor, furnished with the expected liturgical symbols, a wonderful ceremony marking the end of a journey for one Carmelite occurred. Nevertheless, to the discerning eye, this was no standard parish chapel, nor an ordinary Carmelite. Flanking the altar were the flags of the United States of America, the U.S. Air Force, the Christian Chaplaincy flag and the two star flag of a Major General, this was the chapel of the Andrews Air force Base, Maryland, home of the 89th Airlift Wing and the retirement ceremony of Father Joe Wallroth.

Special tribute was paid to Joseph R. Wallroth, O.Carm., a member of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, through the time honored tradition of the Air Force retirement ceremony. Both civilians and military personnel came to express their respect on this bitter-sweet occasion, where “Team Andrews” was “losing a true leader and society, gaining a superb citizen.”

When Chaplain Bruce Jones, emcee for the ceremony, introduced Father Malley as former Prior General of the Order of Carmelites, there was an obvious ring in the ears of the military. Wallroth, aware that many might wonder what this title denoted, garnered a roaring laugh from the pews as he clarified in military terminology, “he was CINC Carmelite, of the World,” The military acronym denoting “Commander in Chief” of a specific area or group.

Chaplain, Major General Charles Baldwin, Chief of Air Force Chaplains, who has worked with “Father Joe,” as his military parishioners affectionately address him, had the pleasure of presiding over the ceremony.

As the official party, composed of Chaplains Baldwin and Wallroth, entered renditions of Ruffles and Flourishes and the General’s March sounded. All present then stood as the National Anthem was beautifully sung.

The Most Reverend John Malley, O.Carm., invoked the name of a loving God as he affirmed Father Joe, “your warmth, your smile, your loyalty, your commitment, your caring, your love have touched the lives of each one of us. We are so grateful for the past twenty-two years that you have been able to share the gifts of friendship with the Air Force men and women and their families, it has truly been a gift to all of them.”

Later, when Father Joe addressed the assembly, he thanked many individuals including Father Malley. After serving as a parish priest for over twelve years, and being denied two previous requests to enter the Air Force based on the need of the Province, Father Joe approached Father John as the recently elected Prior Provincial. Again he addressed his desire to serve in the armed forces as chaplain. At the ceremony, Wallroth instructed the crowd that they should shake Father John’s hand, for it was his “yes” that allowed him to be there that day.

Laughter continued throughout this wonderful ceremony, such as when General Baldwin anecdotally shared Father Joe’s service history in the Air Force. Noting that the program incorrectly stated that Shemya Air Force Base was located in Arkansas, which in fact was “a little further north west,” at the end of the Aleutian chain, where the Japanese occupied the area during the Second World War, that is until Father Joe arrived.

The positive impact of Wallroth’s ministry to the Air Force community was evident in many ways. One indicator being the distinguished guests present including, the Honorable Michael Montelongo and his wife, Debbie, a former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, the Wing Commander of the 89th Wing, the Most Reverend Edwin O’Brien, Archbishop for the Military Service, USA, and one of his auxiliaries, Bishop Richard Higgins. Furthermore, Chaplain, Brigadier General Cecil Richardson, Deputy Chief of Air Force Chaplains, Brigadier General William Germann, Surgeon General of Malcolm Grow Medical Center as well as Rear Admiral Louis Iasiello, Chief of Navy Chaplains. Father Iasiello, a Franciscan friar, is a Washington Theological Union classmate of Father Joe and upon his retirement from active military service later this year will assume the presidency of their Alma Mater.

These and the many other individuals who were present, are the “strands in the quilt of my life,” shared Father Joe. He took great care to emphasize that he regarded each of them as God’s gifts to him and they continue to inspire his life and ministry.

Throughout the ceremony Wallroth sat attentively, his face clearly express humility and appreciation for the lessons learned and gifts received from two decades of military service.

Chaplain Baldwin, holding a copy of the Province’s journal of Carmelite issues The Sword, quoted from a recent article authored by Wallroth entitled, “Reflections of a Carmelite, Priest and Military Chaplain.” He shared Father Joe’s account of sharing a Thanksgiving Day with both his Carmelite family at Whitefriars Hall in Washington, DC as well as with his Air Force family by serving airmen who were injured in the Iraq War. His reflection, “It was a great Thanksgiving and I am always amazed what a Carmelite Chaplain can do for people,” gives one a glimpse of how seriously he regards the partners and recipients of his ministry.

Highlighting the close of the ceremony was the announcement of a special order as Chaplain Colonel Joseph R. Wallroth, United States Air Force, was present with the Legion of Merit, “awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.” This recognition was issued in light of Father Joe’s service as Wing Chaplain at Andrews Air Force Base, home of Air Force One, from 2001 to 2005. In turn, an order from Secretary of the Air Force announced Father Joe’s retirement, Certificate of Appreciation from President George W. Bush, the Commander and Chief, and letter from the Wing Commander were read and presented to Father Joe.

Although the United Stated Air Force’s loss is certainly society’s gain, as Reverend Joseph R. Wallroth, O.Carm., retired from his ministry to military personnel and families, the Province’s good fortune is that their Father Joe, was and will always remain a Carmelite.