FORT JACKSON, S.C. - In a solemn ceremony held at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School fitness center, Chaplain (Major General) Thomas L. Solhjem announced its commission of the Army’s first CrossFit chaplain.

“As the entity responsible for counseling, the Chaplain Corps must constantly evolve to meet the needs of our soldiers,” said Solhjem. “With CrossFit being the largest growing religion followed by soldiers, it only made sense to commission a chaplain who could meet their specific needs.”

The Chaplain Corps dates back to 1775 and provides religious and spiritual support to soldiers and families during peacetime and in war. Chaplains are considered non-combatants.

Chaplain (Captain) Gregory “Chino” Chen is the first CrossFit chaplain commissioned in the history of the U.S. Army. Chen has a Master's Degree in Divinity from South Florida Bible College and is a Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer. Prior to accepting his commission and becoming an active-duty officer, Chen was the owner-operator of Beach Beast CrossFit in Deerfield Beach, Florida.