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Moving? Every bit of information you could possibly need about your installation right at your fingertips. From the phone directory to local businesses and more, it’s all in this single, handy document.
Beard Accommodation Requests
One of the defining traits of a Norse male and their place in the Old Norse society is the growth and maintenance of a healthy beard. This is attested to in several places in our lore and beliefs. A man’s beard was so significant to the Norse that laws were even codified regarding the fines if another man should harm it.
Beards are seen as sacred and as a defining feature of the Æsir in ancient texts such as Konungsbók Eddukvæða. In addition, beards are likewise traditionally associated with men and masculinity throughout Norse history, as highlighted in Íslendingasögur (Icelandic Sagas), including the very significant Njáls saga, but also Eyrbyggja saga as well as Færeyinga saga and Völsunga saga. Beards are further even historically protected by law under Jónsbók, Grágás and Guta Lag.
Overall, beards have become an essential and fundamental defining feature for many Norðmaðr, Víkingr, and ultimately, those who wish to show their warrior’s identity. The beard is the one characteristic of those who otherwise follow Forn Siðr (Old Ways). To some Heathens, beards are in fact the true expression of their spirituality, masculinity, and what it means to be Heathen. While there is no implicit religious basis for a man being required to have a beard, many do feel the need to wear one as an outward expression of their faith.
Below are several articles regarding beard requests in the Army.
“Christian Army sergeant can keep long hair and a beard due to religious exemption.”
DOD INSTRUCTION 1300.17 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN THE MILITARY SERVICES
OpJAGAF 2019-9, 21 March 2019, Religious Accommodation Request – Norse Heathen Beard
Religious Accommodations In The Army
A ‘defining feature of masculine men’ — soldier’s Norse pagan faith earns beard waiver
ATZT-CS MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION SUBJECT: REVISED Memorandum of Instruction (MOI), for Religious Accommodation
Pagan Nevada Guard Soldier Gets Waiver to Grow Beard; More May Follow
Your Guide to Army Grooming Standards (Including Latest Changes)
If you are in the Army and wish to apply for a Religious Accommodation to wear a beard, fill out the form below.
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Life in the military has taught you to be strong in the face of some of life’s most difficult obstacles. It’s also taught you to expect the unexpected.
As a veteran, you know hardships can happen in every corner of life. If you or someone you know needs support, your military family is committed to helping. Assistance is at hand.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.
We trace our roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations that would eventually band together and become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
National Service Officers are stationed at Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Offices and Medical Centers. Information, counseling and claims service are offered to all veterans and their dependents. AMVETS’ National Service Officers (NSO) are known for their expert assistance helping veterans file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for VA benefits.
VA Health Care Benefits, Information and assistance for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Assist with VA Pension Benefits, Assist with VA Educational and Training Benefits, Provide information on the VA Home Loan Guaranty, Assist with the VA Life Insurance Program, Assist with Burial and Memorial Benefits, Provide Assistance to Active, Reserve and National Guard Members dealing with the VA, Transition Assistance, Dependents and Survivors Health Care, Dependents and Survivors Benefits, Appeals of VA Claims Decisions, Assist with obtaining Military Medals and official DD-214 Records, Assist with Homeless Outreach, Assist with Suicide Prevention and education on suicide prevention, Housing Modification Benefit, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), VA Program Awareness, and other benefits… all at no cost to the claimant or their family.
VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans. VVA strives to achieve the following:
- Aggressively advocate on issues important to veterans
- Seek full access to quality health care for veterans
- Identify the full range of disabling injuries and illnesses incurred during military service
- Hold government agencies accountable for following laws mandating veterans health care
- Create a positive public perception of Vietnam veterans
- Seek the fullest possible accounting of America’s POWs and MIAs
- Support the next generation of America’s war veterans
- Serve our communities
DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. Last year, the organization provided more than 163,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assisted in filing over 151,000 claims for benefits. In 2021, DAV-represented veterans received more than $25 billion in earned benefits. DAV’s services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.
DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.
With over 1,200 chapters and more than 1 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them.
Represent Heathenry in Uniform!
As a Religious Affairs Specialist, you’ll have the rewarding responsibility of supporting the unit ministry team, programs, and worship services, while also providing support to the Chaplains during missions and everyday activities. You’ll assist in planning and synchronizing religious support operations and coordinating the circulation of the unit ministry team to ensure the Soldiers’ spiritual readiness. You’ll also maintain reports, files, and administrative data for religious operations, and conduct specialized peer counseling for Soldiers in need of emotional support.
Since 1775, Army Chaplains have acted as spiritual counselors who support, motivate, and provide emotional guidance to Soldiers and their families.
- Tend to the spiritual needs of every Soldier both at home and while on deployment
- Recognize the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges Soldiers must face every day
- Leverage innovative approaches to counseling, spiritual care, religious programs, and services
- Become an Army Chaplain
Serving as a Guard chaplain is an intense yet profoundly rewarding experience. You will care for the spiritual well-being of Soldiers regardless of their religious backgrounds, ministering to their needs and helping them meet challenges in areas like religion, morals, and morale.
Chaplains are non-combatants and do not carry a weapon. As a Guard chaplain, you’ll lead a Unit Ministry Team (UMT), which consists of you and a trained Religious Affairs Specialist (an enlisted Soldier trained to support chaplains during their missions and everyday activities).
If you’re already an ordained minister, you can earn your commission within weeks and begin your ministry to Guard Soldiers as soon as you complete the Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (CH-BOLC). If you join prior to your ordination, you’ll enter as a chaplain candidate.
Have questions or need assistance from your Chancellor of Military Services? Email them now!
How can I help support Awaken the North?
Awaken the North is a family and we are dedicated to helping each other grow. The only way we are able to accomplish this is through the generous financial support of our members. Every single one of our Council, Chairs, and support staff are purely VOLUNTEERS. Not a single person benefits financially from any funds within Awaken the North. Even Beast, the Leader, doesn’t get a dime. All funds are directed back into Awaken the North to pay for the website, buy supplies, help support our members, etc.
We are so very, VERY grateful to our members who help support us! If you are looking for ways to help Awaken the North, please see the options below.