The XVIII Airborne Corps began a new chapter in religious services as Chaplain (Col.) Pat Hash relinquished his responsibilities as the corp's chaplain to Chaplain (Col.) Chet Egert during a passing of the stole ceremony at the Main Post Chapel May 19.

The stole is a symbol of the chaplain's religious authority.

As the chaplain wears the stole around his shoulders, he also carries the responsibility of ensuring the spiritual welfare of the Soldiers and Family members of the XVIII Abn. Corps.
Hash has held this position since April 2006 and has recently returned from a 14-month deployment to Iraq, where he provided spiritual guidance to Soldiers across the theater of operation.

"Chaplain Pat Hash has been the epitome of the spiritual warrior," said Maj. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, deputy commanding general, XVIII Abn. Corps. "His spiritual guidance had an immeasurable effect on the entire corps; here at Fort Bragg as well as the 160,000 - strong Multi - National Corps - Iraq."

Hash said there are three things that he focuses on in his life: God, Family and his calling.
These three things were the foundation of his success as the corp's chaplain.

Hash also thanked the corp's staff and said he was privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a great team.

"I know that Chaplain Egert will continue to accomplish the mission," Hash said. "The corps is blessed to have him on the team."

"We are getting one of the most experienced chaplains in the Army, with a reputation of servant leadership to Soldiers and Families across our Army," Allyn said.

Egert, who is coming from Fort Hood, Texas, thanked everyone for the warm welcome.
"It is by the grace of God that I'm standing here today," he said.

Egert holds a Bachelor of Arts at Oral Roberts University, and a Master of Divinity at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He is ordained by the Assemblies of God and has served operational tours in Somalia, Haiti and Iraq.

Egert is married to the former Rhoda C. Lade of Tacoma, Wash. They have two daughters, Kristina and Elena.