Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS)

Pastoral Care Office

CAVHCS Chaplains Achieve Status of Board Certification The National Association of Veteran Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC) is the certifying body of the VA for Veterans Affairs Chaplains. Their mission statement is the pursuit of excellence in providing pastoral care for Veteran patients, their families, as well as the health care team. However, before a Chaplain can apply for Board Certification from the NAVAC (or The Association of Professional Chaplains) they must be a Certified Clinical Chaplain and must show an ability to provide pastoral care and counseling in a healthcare setting. In addition, they must also have a degree in Master of Divinity, four units of Clinical Pastoral Education and an endorsement by a recognized faith body.

Following completion of advanced degree work (all fulltime Chaplains at CAVHCS also have earned Doctorate Degrees) and a rigorous program of clinical training (i.e. Walter Reed Hospital, West Virginia University Hospital, etc.) that prepares them to serve as Chaplains in institutional settings, Chaplains are eligible to pursue Board Certification. The status of Board Certified Chaplain represents a high level of commitment and professional achievement, as well as recognition by one's peers and the board of directors of a nationally recognized professional association. Following years of education, training and experience by each of our Chaplains, The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System now has fulltime Chaplains who are recognized by either the NAVAC and/or the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) as being Board Certified Chaplains (BCC).

They are Chaplains Eddie Jasper, Daniel Shadix, and Chief Chaplain Sherman Burford. They have met the stringent requirements for Board Certification and have been awarded the status of Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) by the NAVAC and/or the APC. Board Certification as a Professional Chaplain is an added asset to the services and programs provided to Veterans at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System and reflects a continuing commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

To contact the Chaplain's Offices:

Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Hospital Road Tuskegee, AL 36083 - 334-727-0550

Chief, Chaplain Services - Chaplain Sherman L. Burford, Ext. 2586

Chaplain Eddie Jasper, Tuskegee, Ext. 3766

Chaplain Daniel Shadix, Montgomery, Ext. 4598

Chaplain Delbert “Jim” Stapleford, Clinical Pastoral Education , Ext. 3755