Spiritual Care: Connecting Beyond Boundaries
Chaplains are essential to VA and have long been recognized as part of complete and holistic health care for our Veterans.
The history of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Chaplain Services began in 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation establishing the first National Home for Disabled Veterans. Since 1865, Chaplain Services have increased. On foreign and domestic soil, chaplains are present in all VA hospitals and the U.S. military – providing compassionate care to Service Members, their families, and staff.
On September 27, 2020, VA Chaplains officially became clinical employees. Clinical Chaplains have the responsibility to provide pastoral and spiritual care for Veterans and their families – including mental health, ethical concerns, marital difficulties, seriously and terminally ill patients, bereavement counseling, counseling for patients and families, homeless Veterans, leading worship services, and spiritual/prayer groups. VA Chaplains work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and provide all aspects of pastoral and spiritual care.
The Chaplain as a Spiritual and Pastoral caregiver connects beyond boundaries through the selfless acts of listening and quiet presence that promote open and safe conversations to manifest into moments of hope and resilience. This is a different orientation to care from social work or other healthcare disciplines. Documentation shows that Veterans with mental and spiritual concerns often prefer to discuss the most pressing and complex problems with their Chaplain because of the broadest assurance of confidentiality.
Any veteran or family member, regardless of religious affiliation, is welcome to speak with a chaplain at any point in the medical treatment process. Many VA patients and their families find that working with a VA chaplain helps them develop appropriate strategies for coping with the stress, grief, and anxiety that often accompany making important medical decisions. Our Chaplains are responsive and relevant every day and in every situation.
About the Erie VAMC Chaplain Service Team
Momo S. Larmena, Jr., D.MIN, Th.M., MAPSC, M.DIV, MBA, ACHE, BCC [APC, NAVAC] | Chief Chaplain
Chaplain Momo S. Larmena, Jr., is a native of Liberia, West Africa. Before joining the Erie VA Medical Center, he served as a Clinical Staff Chaplain at the Bay Pines/Lee County VA Healthcare System in Cape Coral, Florida. His previous positions include Lead Chaplain at the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System; Palliative Care Chaplain Fellow, South Texas Veteran Healthcare System; and Chaplain Resident, University of California Davis Medical Center. In addition, he brings a wealth of experience as a Chaplain and Pastoral Leader.
After 15 years, Chaplain Larmena continues to serve in the United States Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel and IMA Chaplain supporting the Office of the Chief of Chaplains. Before his assignment to Erie VAMC, he served as the Detachment Chaplain and Officer in Charge of the 112TH Chaplain Detachment, North Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2018 - 2019, he was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Ever the dedicated servant, Chaplain Larmena has earned and been awarded seven military medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons. In addition to service, he deeply values education – earning a bachelor’s and five master’s degrees.
Further, he has completed six units of Clinical Pastoral Education, is a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) with both the National Association of Veteran Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC) and the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), and a member of the American College of Health Care Executives.
Chaplain Momo S. Larmena, Jr., is honored to be the father of four sons – Kwasi, Jusu, Markey, and Harris.
Nelson Chapman | Chaplain
Chaplain Nelson Chapman is no stranger to the military lifestyle. His father faithfully served a full U.S. Army career during the Cold War era. As such, he proudly considers himself an official “Army Brat.” Due to his father’s military career and his personal ministry experience, Chaplain Chapman has lived in various U.S. states and abroad.
Ministering for over 25 years, Chaplain Nelson has lived in eastern Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Hawaii, South Korea, and now Erie. His career spans multiple roles and titles – all rooted in service to others. Some of them include moderator of the Asia Baptist Network; Lead Teacher of the English Bible Commentary Radio Program for Far East Broadcasting Company-Korea, Osan-Pyeongtaek Clergy Association Facilitator, Chairman of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention’s Committee on Credentials, and serving as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Committee on Nominations.
Ever the dutiful servant and student, Chaplain Chapman earned a bachelor's, 2 master’s, and has completed work for a doctorate degree.
He is the proud father of two children – Graham and Abigail. Chaplain Chapman has a heart for serving Veterans, and enjoys reading, traveling, movies, NASCAR, Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Phillies, and spending time with family and friends.
VA recognizes Chaplain Service
We honor VA Chaplains who serve and offer spiritual care to our Veterans. VA recognizes the invaluable role that VA Chaplains provide in the healthcare and well-being of Veterans and their families.
VA Chaplains are integral members of the Interdisciplinary Teams offering holistic care to our Veterans. They champion self-resiliency, provide exemplary spiritual care, and leverage community engagement to maximize Veteran and family health outcomes.
VA Chaplains share a common mission and passion for serving Veterans through building relationships of trust and Connecting Beyond Boundaries with those they serve.
Chaplains can be reached 24/7. To connect with the Erie VAMC Chaplain Service, call 814-860-2537.