The Illinois Corps of Chaplains (ILCOC)is a volunteer, non-sectarian Christian, charitable, public service organization, active in community ministry to everyone, but with special emphasis on aid to active duty military members, veterans, and their family members. The ILCOC is also active in disaster response activities, providing a needed ministerial presence for victims and responders. The ILCOC is made up of all Illinois residents who profess Jesus Christ as their personal lord and savior. Membership is open to Christian Clergy (Ministers) and Laity (non-ordained Christians), and all patriotic citizen who are willing and able to serve all people, including veterans. One must be 21 years old to join. One must not be homosexual nor have any criminal record. Clergy will be commissioned officers while laity will be enlisted. ILCOC Chaplains perform religious support in the communities, by preaching, teaching, and conducting religious services, in accordance with the tenets and rules of their Christian tradition, the principles of their faith, and the dictates of conscience. Chaplain Assistants and Ministry Teams assist the Chaplains in providing religious support to the community. This religious support includes providing and/or performing worship services, rites, sacraments, ordinances, pastoral and spiritual care and religious education to: NURTURE THE LIVING, CARE FOR THE DYING, HONOR THE DEAD. We are chartered by the Universal Christian Church of God. Our Mission is to: "GLORIFY GOD, PROMOTE PATRIOTISM, HONOR OUR VETERANS, MINISTER TO ALL." Members of the ILCOC wear distinctive uniforms when in service for easy identification. The ILCOC also uses ranks and unit designations similar to those of the U.S. Army but the Illinois Corps of Chaplains is not an entity of, nor endorsed by, any branch of the military services or the United States government, or any state,federal, or local authority. As stated above, one does not need to be a veteran or a minister to serve in the ILCOC. While ILCOC Chaplains are ordained ministers, there is a place in the Corps for any Christian who has the desire to serve and utilize their existing talents and abilities. In a ILCOC unit, in addition to Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants, members are needed to assist with administrative, communication, transportation, medical, training, and other functional support positions. Members are also needed for Ministry Teams, Ceremonial Teams, Honor Guards, and other services. Positions and assignments within the Corps are given to most effectively utilize the talents and abilities of each member. All our members are Volunteers and work without compensation. Volunteers are needed to assist in local units. If you are interested in helping others in their time of need, regardless of any prior military service or ministerial training, you may, or may not, have, the ILCOC has a place for you to serve in various capacities. Just complete the Volunteer Application and soon you will be contacted with additional information. From the beginning of our national history, Chaplains, as soldiers of God, have helped to shape the heritage of America. The first United States Chaplaincy associated with the military was officially created by an act of the Continental Congress in July of 1775 upon the urgent request of General George Washington. Since that time Chaplains have provided religious support to the citizens of our nation especially during times of crisis or disaster, and to soldiers and their families in war and peace. From the beginning of our national history, Chaplains, as soldiers of God, have helped to shape the heritage of America. The first United States Chaplaincy associated with the military was officially created by an act of the Continental Congress in July of 1775 upon the urgent request of General George Washington. Since that time Chaplains have provided religious support to the citizens of our nation especially during times of crisis or disaster, and to soldiers and their families in war and peace. To apply for membership, send us a resume to ilcochq@gmail.com Be sure to include your contact info.,education & training, work history, ministry experience, and 4 personal references. Please be sure to also indicate what county you live in. ILCOC is an independant ministry of the Universal Christian Church of God.