The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Elliott L. Foss

National Chaplain, American Legion
Kingsland, GA

Sponsor: Rep. Jack Kingston, (R-GA)
Date of Prayer: 04/02/2008

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

(Mr. KINGSTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, Members of the House, it's a great honor today to introduce my friend, the Reverend Elliott Foss , to the chamber and to the folks who are our visitors today. Elliott has been a friend of mine for a number of years, almost going on two decades, in fact. Elliott was appointed the National Chaplain of the American Legion on August 30, 2007, by the National Commander, Marty Conatser. The appointment was made following the closing session of the 89th National Convention in Reno, Nevada.

He is a retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief and Hospital Corpsman from the Submarine Division, and served during the Vietnam War and through the Gulf wars. Elliott attended Candler Seminary School of Ministry at Emory University. He also served as pastor to churches in Maine, Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, and Georgia. He is a Georgia resident and is an ordained Southern Baptist Minister and Chaplain, even though he has been the minister in four different Methodist churches in my district.

Elliott is a member of the American Legion Post 317 in coastal Georgia, where he serves as Post Commander. Reverend Foss also has served as the 8th District Vice Commander and as Post 9 Brunswick Commander. Chaplain Foss serves as the Department of Georgia Chaplain for now 7 years. He has held numerous leadership positions at the post, State and national levels during the past 11 years.

He and his wife, Arlene, reside in Kingsland, Georgia. I first got to know him when he was the chaplain of the Seaman's House and worked with people and sailors from all over the world and members of our own merchant marine. He is a great guy, a great man of the Lord, and we are very proud to have him as chaplain of the day today.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

God, Bless America. Continue to shine your face on us as we need your guidance and protection now, more than ever.

God, Bless America, our President, our National, State and community leaders as they all seek to serve our Citizens.

God, Bless America. Bless these folks here today. I ask you to give them grace and peace, that as they seek your face, impart to them your wisdom, your courage and your hope, that they will do your will, at all times.

Please God, bless America and our citizens who seek to live in peace and harmony as "One nation under God". Encourage us to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.

May your love surround our military and their families each and everyday and please God, Bless America and bring our troops safely home when all is done.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory