For most people, spiritual leadership is not the first thing that comes to mind when referring to the military, but Hiram “Doc” Jones, ’59, believed that serving his country meant fulfilling that particular role. He dedicated more than 30 years to helping shape and manage an organization of more than 2,300 active-duty, guard and reserve chaplains, enlisted support personnel, and civilians charged with meeting the diverse spiritual needs of servicemen and women as well as their families.
He was ordained as a minister of the United Methodist Church in 1963 and pastored several churches in Texas. Even though clergy were exempt from the military draft and the United States was deeply divided regarding the Vietnam War, Doc felt compelled to serve his country. He enlisted in 1969 with every intention of serving a single tour of duty but found his true calling serving God and country as a United States Air Force chaplain.
Doc went all over the world, focusing on marriage and family counseling and grief recovery for military personnel, in addition to his regular duties as chaplain. His leadership abilities combined with remarkable empathy for those suffering from great loss or extreme emotional challenges, propelled his military career.
At his retirement in 1999, he had attained the rank of brigadier general and was the deputy chief of the Air Force Chaplain Service. He was a member of the Armed Forces Chaplains Board advising the secretary of defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff on religion, ethical and quality-of-life concerns. Doc was also awarded the Distinguished Service Medal to add to his other major awards and decorations.