#USA #Chesapeake #Steven D. Brown #Navy Chaplain #Aaron & Hur Society

Retired Navy Chaplain Steven D. Brown Receives Prestigious 2026 Chaplain of the Year Award

The Aaron & Hur Society, a prominent organization sponsored by the Daniel & Martha Davey Foundation, has officially named retired Navy Captain Steven D. Brown as the 2026 Chaplain of the Year. This honor recognizes his dedication and contributions over three decades in the realm of military ministry, which included combat deployments, humanitarian missions, and crucial crisis responses following the September 11 attacks.

This distinguished national award is presented annually in observance of Four Chaplains Day, celebrating the efforts of evangelical chaplains committed to serving U.S. military members and their families. Chaplain Brown is slated to receive this accolade at the upcoming U.S. Armed Forces Faith-in-Service Breakfast, scheduled for March 7, 2026.

Brown's journey in uniform commenced in 1980 when he served as a helicopter mechanic in the Marine Corps Reserve. He transitioned into the Navy Chaplain Corps in 1986, ultimately dedicating 33 years to his military service. Throughout his storied career, he has played pivotal roles during significant military operations, including both Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Additionally, Brown has taken on multiple command chaplain assignments on ships and has provided support at Ground Zero amid the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. His deployment experience extends to Afghanistan and the Helmand Province, where he mentored military chaplains and assisted indigenous forces.

The Nominating Committee of the Aaron & Hur Society noted, “This award is more than recognition for a lifetime of distinguished service, it stands as an investment in the next generation of military chaplains who, like Captain Brown, will serve with faith, courage, and presence during life-and-death moments.”

Throughout his military tenure, Captain Brown has been the recipient of numerous honors, including the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, as well as multiple Meritorious Service Medals. Since retiring in 2013, he has taken on the role of president and endorser of The Associated Gospel Churches, located in Greenville, South Carolina. In this capacity, he has provided mentorship to over 100 active-duty and reserve chaplains, shaping the next class of spiritual leaders in the military community.

Upcoming Faith-In-Service Breakfast and Keynote Address

The 2026 U.S. Armed Forces Faith-In-Service Breakfast is significant not only for the recognition of Chaplain Brown but also for its commitment to fostering future military chaplaincy. The event supports the Aaron & Hur Society’s mission to fund 50 full-time Faith-In-Service Scholarships by 2030, aimed at training and preparing future evangelical military chaplains.

Retired Army Ranger Chaplain Major Jeff Struecker, renowned for his combat experience during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, will deliver the keynote address at this prestigious gathering.

Individuals and organizations interested in collaborating with the Society and contributing to their mission of