Milwaukee VA Chapel named "Unity Chapel" for Veterans, families, caregivers, employees … everyone.

This naming marks a significant recognition of providing a sacred space where all individuals can find solace, community and healing. 

Known previously as just "the Chapel", the decision to name it was made by happenstance.

"One of our congregants asked me if the chapel had a name because they wanted to invite someone to a service," said Chaplain Robert Allen, chief of Milwaukee VA's Chaplain Services. "I paused, and said, 'let me get back to you.'"

Allen asked the congregation if they were aware of a name; nobody knew of one. 

"They decided that if there wasn't a name, there should be one," said Allen.

That Protestant worship service set the naming initiative in motion.

"I asked the chaplain team to submit name suggestions," said Allen. "At the direction of our Executive Director, it just couldn't be named after a person."

As a result, the list reflected a collaborative effort to offer options for a new name for this welcoming space that transcends denominational lines and embraces individuals of all walks of life and faith traditions.

A ballot box was placed in the rear of the chapel and individuals who attend the faith services offered in the chapel were all able to cast their vote. 

When the votes were tallied "Unity Chapel" emerged as the top choice.

"I am humbled and grateful for our leadership who stood behind this request," said Allen. 

"We continue to open doors and integrate with various disciplines to provide the very best spiritual care and support to our Veterans, their families, and our staff," said Allen.

"The decision to name the Chapel as a place for unity comes at a time when we, as a community, are navigating our post COVID-19 pandemic world," said Allen. 

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented stress and challenges upon medical staff. Unity Chapel is a tool for their use as the focus shifts toward post-traumatic growth. 

The new name serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the collective action that is needed to maintain strong, resilient communities.

U.S. Army Veteran Jim Wolter has been connected to Chaplain Services at Milwaukee VA for more than 20 years.

When Wolter first sought treatment at Milwaukee VA, he said he didn't realize there was a chapel in the hospital. He noted that there was one in the historic district. 

The Soldiers Home Historic District Chapel, built in 1889 was closed in 1996 and is currently scheduled for renovation as part of an Enhanced Use Lease with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and The Alexander Company.

Unity Chapel is located inside the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center at 5000 W National Ave, in building 111, room 1705. 

"They've done a lot there," said Wolter. "I had wanted to get baptized years ago but I could never really find a church that I felt comfortable in and then Chaplain Allen said, 'Anybody want to be baptized?', so I went in."

Wolter also noted a positive change in the transition from only traditional church music to incorporating contemporary performances by local musical talent.

"The Chaplains do stuff with the people," said Wolter. "Like the other night, 25 of us went out to eat which was really nice."

Veterans often experience unique needs as they grapple with the physical, emotional and psychological toll of their military service. 

"When I came home from Vietnam, I had a scar on my life for lack of a better word," said U.S. Marine Veteran Charlie Walton. "A lot of trauma, drama and PTSD that a lot of civilians had not experienced … it caused a divide in the process."

"This name, 'Unity' represents not only all the military organizations but also the community and how it all fits together," Walton said. 

"I think that 'Unity' is a fitting name for it because it helps to bring the civilians and the military personnel together to one accord," he said.

The naming of the Chapel also represents a recommitment of VA's Chaplain Services into the Zablocki VA Health Care System. 

VA Chaplains have made ongoing efforts to find new and innovative ways to support its Veteran, caregiver and employee population in recent years. 

"There has been a lot of firsts for the Chaplain Services here at the Zablocki VA," said Allen. "Innovation that has never been done previously." 

"We are a part of VA's history as we develop a mission statement, vision and motto for our service line," said Allen. "We continue to open doors and integrate with various disciplines to provide the very best spiritual support." 

Unity Chapel is open for worship and available to anyone seeking peace, purpose, connection and belonging. 

There is also a small, blessed sacrament room in Unity Chapel for quiet individual prayer, meditation and reflection. 

"They've made a few changes around there as far as the way they deal with mental health and other medical issues," said Walton. "I thought that Unity Chapel is very fitting for what we all were dealing with. Together, with the chaplain we make that spiritual connection that helps people be together in the spirit of unity." 

Chaplain Services offers a range of services tailored to meet the Veterans and staff where they are. They are an integral part of the interdisciplinary health care team. 

Unity Chapel also provides a space for support groups, religious ceremonies and community events. 

When asked to sum up the naming, Walton responded, "I believe that this has really put the icing on the cake to help people become more unified and together with their various differences, beliefs systems and life experiences … I love it."