Marine Forces Reserve, New Orleans -- Navy Cmdr. Phillip “Endel” Lee Jr., deputy force chaplain of Marine Forces Reserve, was named national chaplain of 2009 by the Reserve Officers Association in Washington D.C. Feb. 8.
He earned the Chaplain Vincent Robert Capodanno National Chaplain of the Year Award for “innovative and self-motivating, groundbreaking, tip of the spear ministry,” according to the Navy Chaplain Corps.
“There was no one more fitting to receive the award because of the long, intense, dedication I’ve seen him give to his role as a chaplain,” said Navy Capt. Timothy Lantz, force chaplain of MarForRes.
Lee provided spiritual support for funerals and military personnel in New York City after 9/11. He and other chaplains escorted family members of victims to ground zero to pray.
“It was the most challenging ministry, but also the most meaningful ministry I had the privilege to provide,” he said.
In 2005, Lee provided ministry to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Forces to Camp Fallujah, Iraq. When a Marine was injured from a roadside bomb during a convoy, Lee volunteered on the next convoy via a dangerous route to go pray for him.
“He has been there with people who have died, and provided spiritual comfort to the Marines and to the Sailors, and to family members of falling Marines and Sailors,” said Lantz.
He returned home to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Lee mobilized to cater to the spiritual needs of the Coast Guard rescuers.
His current office at MarForRes is responsible for supplying all chaplains for MarForRes and Navy Reserve chaplains who report to active components.
Lee is very organized and focused on what he wants, said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaun DeJesus, a religious program specialist at his office. He is in D.C. receiving an award, but still sends text messages asking about tasks he wants complete.
“He does not give up on anything and expects the same from you,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Ashley N. Mays, also a religious program specialist at his office.
“I am humbled to be counted among those in the U.S. Armed Forces serving our country and the cause of freedom around the world,” said Chaplain Lee in a ROA press release. “I pray this affirmation of the spiritual support chaplains provide will inspire others to serve as hero-helpers in like manner.