by Kevin Pies

As the nation watched events unfold in the Middle East spring 2026, several days into the conflict we still didn’t know the names of the American service members killed in the opening hours of the conflict. Their identities remained unreported. Not out of secrecy or any withholding of classified information, but out of a deep respect for their families.

In those sacred hours between a battlefield casualty and a public announcement, the quiet, strong ministry of our chaplains teamed up with a Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) at work behind the scenes. Together, they comprise a Casualty Notification Team (CNT).

By regulation, when a service member is killed in action, the military deploys this CNT to seek out and make contact with the family and next of kin (NOK). While the officer—or in some cases, the non-commissioned officer—delivers the official notification, the chaplain immediately steps in to provide spiritual and emotional support, pastoral care, and comforting prayer when welcomed. From experience, I can say that moment becomes dynamic. And can become a stabilizing and sacred presence in the first moments of shock and grief.

This NOK contact work happens at any hour—in the early mornings, late nights, across cities, counties, and rural communities. Families may be traveling, visiting relatives, away from home, or simply out running errands. Still, the CNT’s responsibility is to find them, knock on the door, and deliver the hardest news a family will ever face.

Our Alliance chaplains are well trained for this sacred responsibility, ready and willing to serve on these CNTs. Sadly, many of them already have far too much experience in this duty. And yet, time and again, their Christ-centered presence is powerful in times of profound need.

It often means walking into living rooms or standing on front porches during the darkest hours of a family’s life. Sometimes these teams are met with anger, confusion, or even slammed doors. And yet, the chaplain remains a calm voice in the storm.

Until every NOK has been located, informed, and cared for, the military withholds names publicly. This gives families space to grieve before the world learns who these heroes were.

So, let’s also honor the unseen ministry happening in real time. Chaplains stepping into heartbreak with the hope and presence of Christ.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
—Psalm 46:1, ESV