Welcome all Sky Pilots
Sky Pilots are the best of the best! .
What is a Sky Pilot?
MOC and MOC Auxiliary Sky Pilots (Chaplains at the Grand and Supreme level) are our nation's comrade veterans who minister to our nation's sons and daughters, and their families. Like any chaplain or minister, they must provide a dynamic and genuine ministry with a shepherd's heart. Whether leading worship, visiting a hospital, conducting a final farewell to our comrades, or even answering a phone call just to talk, Sky Pilots are always at the frontline of our veterans' lives.
Sky Pilots serve both God and country by bringing their unique gifts with which they are endowed by God, to the veterans of our nation in the broad, challenging, diverse, and ever changing
environment.
In memory of Past VFW National Chaplain Reverend Tom Darling
Below are some resources for your journey as Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot Statement of Ethics and Guiding Principles
1. Sky Pilots will demonstrate utmost personal and professional integrity: truthfulness, honesty, compassion and careful attention.
2. Sky Pilots will provide an objective, appropriate, holistic support and a comforting presence.
3. Sky Pilots will not proselytize. Those who are cared for will be provided freedom from unwanted gifts of religious literature or symbols, evangelistic and sermonizing speech, or forced acceptance of specific moral values and traditions.
4. Sky Pilots will demonstrate sensitivity to all faith traditions and provide appropriate and sensitive spiritual care to all persons in need, irrespective of their religious or nonreligious identity.
5. Sky Pilots will not discriminate, with regards to their care, based on sex, age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, socioeconomic status, or any other factors that would hamper a person’s ability to receive spiritual care.
6. Sky Pilots will, whenever possible, attempt to locate a spiritual leader within the faith tradition of an affected person, if needed.
7. Out of respect for those who are served, Sky Pilots will maintain confidentiality.
8. Sky Pilots recognize their personal and professional limits, know their boundaries and make referrals to professionals with appropriate expertise.
9. Sky Pilots will do no harm.
Certificate of Remembrance, Click HERE! Please print on thicker card stock paper.
Grand Sky Pilot Worksheet, ClickHERE!
Sky Pilot Report Online
CARD TEMPLATES (Use Avery 8315 Card Template):
Supreme Chaplain Just a Note
Supreme Chaplain Get Well
Supreme Chaplain Sympathy
Supreme Chaplain Thinking of You
Grand Chaplain Just a Note
Grand Chaplain Get Well
Grand Chaplain Sympathy
Grand Chaplain Thinking of You
Pup Tent Sky Pilot Just a Note
Pup Tent Sky Pilot Get Well
Pup Tent Sky Pilot Sympathy
Pup Tent Sky Pilot Thinking of You
Sky Pilot "Verbatim" report form (This is an advanced form to detail a Sky Pilot's visit to a hospital, nursing home, etc.) (The report is a tool to improve a Sky Pilot's performance when interacting with veterans and their families.) (It can be viewed on all devices.)
Never Despair Card (Use Avery 8859 Glossy Business
Card Template)
Looking for a prayer fast? Are you at a meeting and don't have your prayer card?
Click HERE to deploy the VFW Chaplain Prayer Bot.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) can be a helpful tool in creating prayers. Platforms like ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Gemini can provide inspiration and draft prayers on the go. Take what they offer and adapt it to fit the moment, making the words truly your own.
Below are some useful links to guide your service as a
Sky Pilot:
VETERAN RESOURCES
DefenseSuicide Prevention Office
The Defense Suicide Prevention Office does not provide crisis services.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the
Veteran/Military Crisis Linefor immediate assistance.
Veterans Crisis Conversation Handout
This handout gives helpful information on helping a veteran in crisis.
Warriors Journey
Warriors helping Warriors. (There is a Chaplain section).
Sky Pilot Comic Book Sky Pilots are the "Top Guns" of Chaplains. Learn how
OTHER RELIGION REFERENCE
NOTE: This is just a basic list of religions. There are many more than these.
Christian
Net Bible Online Bible with different versions.
E-Sword Bible
study suite that is downloadable.
New Minister's Manual
Jewish
Sefaria Living library of Jewish sacred texts online.
Islam
Holy Quran Online Islamic resources.
Buddhism
Buddhist Society Online resources for Buddhists
Hinduism
Hindu Online Resources for Hindus.
Shinto
Shinto Portal Resources for the Shinto religion.
Taoism
Taoism Online resources about Taoism.
Sky Pilot Duties:
1. In a non-sectarian manner, you should be prepared to listen to your fellow comrades/sisters and provide aid and spiritual comfort in times of stress, sickness, or bereavement.
2. Work with your Service Officer to aid members and their families in
time of need.
3. Your Pup Tent Seam Squirrel or other Shavetails may come to you in confidence. Remember the privileged communication you are having is for your ears only. Uphold the high ideals of the organization in any advice you offer. Remember it is a
privilege – respect it.
4. You should be prepared to offer the ritual prayers at each meeting of the Pup Tent. You will also be called upon to offer appropriate prayers at the initiation of new members; installation of officers; the dedication of a building, monument or colors; or at the memorial service of a Specie Pediculi.
Note: All such services are commemorated by use of the MOC or MOC Auxiliary ritual.
5. Use the persuasion of your office to promote harmony and unity in the Pup Tent/Grand.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities
1. A person of moral and intellectual qualities.
2. A member of the Executive Committee.
3. Your Pup Tent's official representative at Religious and Civic affairs in the greater community.
4. A pastoral caregiver.
5. Conduct and/or participate in Memorial, and Funeral Services when called upon.
6. Send cards to sick and bereaved.
7. Visit sick, bereaved and hospitalized.
8. Participation in Parades, 9/11 Memorial Services, Veterans Day Programs/Services, and POW/MIA Services.
9. Presenting Memorial Bibles to deceased members’ Family.
10 Generate respect for the office of Sky Pilot.
Below are some mission essential tools to help you fly steady and true as a Sky Pilot. Every mission matters, and no one flies solo—not on your watch. These resources are here to back you up in the field, strengthen your response in the moment, and keep you ready when a fellow Cootie or veteran needs that steady presence. Stay sharp, stay faithful, and remember…a good Wingman is always within reach.
Helping a Veteran in Crisis?
When the situation is serious and someone needs real support, this guide gives you practical steps to respond with care and confidence.
Veterans Crisis Conversation Handout
Need a Prayer Right Now?
Use this if you're at a meeting, caught off guard, or just need the right words in the moment.
Quick, simple, and ready when you are. Includes Auxiliary and MOC prayers.
VFW Chaplain Prayer Bot
Not Sure What to Say?
Step into real-life scenarios and see how a conversation can unfold.
VFW Chaplain Training Simulator
Someone on Your Mind?
Write it down, track the visit, and follow up—so the people you serve know they’re not forgotten.
Chaplain Care Tracker
Or, send a quick Buddy Check note with the Tag
app to let them know you're thinking about them.
Do you have a contact Network?
Chaplain Networking TrackerThis handy web-based app keeps track of your
important contacts to establish your own network.
More tools are on the way.
Because sooner or later…someone will need you.
Sky Pilot Charge
My Comrades pinned these wings on my chest,
I’ve earned their confidence and will not rest,
as a Cootie, “Busier than a Bee,”
I wear them proudly for all to see,
honoring my Brothers when they fall,
in joy or sorrow I’ll give my all,
always vigilant to spot a frown,
it’s my duty to turn it upside down.
Written by Chaplain
Dale Iannello
Click Here to download a copy of the Sky Pilot Charge.
Remember to always wear your Sky Pilot wings!
To access the VFW National Chaplain page,
click on the following link: VFW National Chaplain
