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Participants and their parts: Back row. AL Rev. Ted Gusten as Chaplain John P. Washington, ALA Crystal Smith, Video Coordinator, AL Rev. Ron Griffin as Chaplain Clark V. Poling, AL Tim Dukes as Lt Langford Anderson, ALA Melanie Simmons as Chaplain George L. Fox, AL Paul Chatterton as Chaplain Alexander D. Goode, Front row. AL Bryan Richardson as Lt. Cdr. Karl-Jürg Wächter, AL Stephon Huckaby as Captain Danielsen, SAL Jason Patten, Color Guard, AL Steve Golias as Captain Krecker & Color Guard, AL Ben Maxedon, Program Director. Not shown, PCHS Emily Harmon, Vocalist. We appreciate Zebulon First Baptist Church for hosting the program this year. Submitted photo.
ZEBULON - On February 1, 2026, the Pike County American Legion Post 197 presented the story of the Immortal Four Chaplains. Every year on the first Sunday of February, Post 197 celebrates and honors the lives and sacrifices made by the Four Chaplains during the tragic sinking of the Dorchester troop carrier on February 3, 1943. The Dorchester was carrying 903 people, and only 223 survived.
Rabbi Alexander Goode was a Jewish Rabbi. Thirty-two years old, married with one child. Reverend Clark Poling was a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church of America. He was thirty-three years old, married, had one child, and was expecting another. Father John Washington was an Irish Roman Catholic priest. Thirty-five years old. The church was his whole life. Reverend George Fox was a Methodist Pastor. Forty-three years old, married with two children.
All four men volunteered to become Army Chaplains, believing in the Corps motto, "Pro Deo et Patria: "For God and Country!"
Setting aside all cultural, social, racial, and spiritual differences, these four men display a level of selflessness and sacrifice that has earned them a place not only in military history but in the hearts of everyone who hears their story. The actions of these four men have set the standard for the Chaplain Corps in all branches of the military. This tradition truly marked a turning point in recognizing the spiritual readiness our soldiers need. For their ultimate sacrifice, each posthumously received a Chaplain's Medal of Honor created and approved by the US Congress.
If you missed the Story of the Four Chaplains, mark your calendar for the first Sunday of February 2027, because Post 197 will again present this fantastic story of courage and love for God, Country, and their fellow man.