Director of Chaplaincy Retires

by Calvin Hulstein

Rev. Herman Keizer Jr. was honored by Synod 2008 for his service as director of Chaplaincy Ministries for the Christian Reformed Church. Keizer was appointed to this position in 2002 after a 30-year military career.

Keizer graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1968. He was called as an Army chaplain by Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Mich., and served in the military until his retirement from the Army in 1998.

Keizer served in Vietnam, where he was wounded twice. After his retirement he was recalled to serve the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and in 2000 he became an Advisor to the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom at the Department of State, where he served until 2002.

Keizer sees a positive response to chaplaincy work and to Clinical Pastoral Education within the CRC and appreciates the faithful support from Calvin Theological Seminary, the CRC-related Christian colleges, and countless individuals. He was disappointed with changes in the payment of chaplain pensions, which occurred several years ago.

Keizer received numerous awards, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus by Calvin College in 2000 and by Calvin Theological Seminary in 2003.

During his retirement Keizer hopes to write on issues of war and peace, to advocate for selective conscientious objector legislation, and to advocate for changes in the U.S. criminal justice system. He also plans to golf and travel.

Author

Calvin Hulstein
Calvin Hulstein is a Banner correspondent and a member of Avery Street CRC.