Chaplain (Col.) John Ijeoma has achieved a historic milestone in the U.S. Army. At 61 years old, he is now the first Black Catholic priest in the Department of Defense to hold the rank of colonel. This significant promotion highlights his decades of service and commitment to his faith, the military, and his community.
Honored in a Special Ceremony
The promotion ceremony took place at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, on December 8. During a Catholic Mass attended by military personnel, clergy, and community members, Bishop William Muhm and Bishop Thomas Obiatuegwu honored Ijeoma’s remarkable achievements.
USAG Stuttgart Command Chaplain (Col.) David Curlin praised Ijeoma, saying, “Father John Ijeoma is a man of exceptional character whose humility, joy, and selfless service are unmatched. He connects with people of every background – young and old, Black and white, high and low.”
This event celebrated not just his promotion but also his dedication to serving soldiers and their families throughout his career.
A Lifelong Calling
Ijeoma’s journey into priesthood began at just seven years old in Aba, Nigeria. By the age of 12, he entered minor seminary and followed a traditional path to become a priest. In 1988, he was ordained into the Catholic priesthood.
However, his route to the U.S. Army was far from conventional. After nearly a decade serving in Nigerian parishes, Ijeoma moved to Louisiana in 1997. There, he was inspired to serve those in uniform after conversations with service members.
In 2004, Ijeoma officially joined the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. His passion for helping others and his faith guided his transition from parish priest to Army chaplain.
Distinguished Military Service
Over his 20-year Army career, Ijeoma served in various locations, including South Carolina, Kansas, Belgium, and South Korea. His deployments earned him prestigious recognitions, such as two Bronze Stars and three Meritorious Service Medals.
Recently, Ijeoma helped lead delegations of African-born chaplains to Nigeria, fostering collaboration between Nigerian and U.S. military chaplaincies. His cultural background and commitment made him an invaluable asset to these missions.
“I know the culture and the people, which allows me to bridge gaps effectively,” he said about his work with U.S. Africa Command.
Continuing to Serve
Although Ijeoma initially planned to retire in January, a shortage of military priests has led him to reconsider. He remains committed to his calling.
“If I’m strong enough and the military lets me, I’ll continue serving as an Army chaplain,” Ijeoma shared. His dedication shows no signs of slowing down, as he looks forward to helping both his military and spiritual communities.
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