PUC alum Chaplain Captain Robert Henry graduated in 2015 with a theology degree. Following his graduation from PUC, he pursued advanced studies at La Sierra University and earned his master’s in theological studies in 2017, followed by a Master of Divinity degree in 2019. 

During his time at La Sierra, Robert not only found his life partner but also discovered chaplaincy in various facets, including police, military, hospice, corporate, and sports team chaplaincy. The realm of military chaplaincy particularly captured his interest, leading him to commission as a second lieutenant chaplain candidate in 2017 after a rigorous vetting process. Robert served in the reserve post-graduation while concurrently fulfilling the role of a pastor in Lake County, California. Additionally, throughout his seminary journey, he dedicated his time as a youth pastor in Long Beach.

What inspired you to become a military chaplain? 

From a young age, my fascination with the military and active sports like soccer and football shaped my interests. Having played football on my community college’s team in Southern California before my time at PUC, I developed a keen interest in fitness, naturally associating it with the military lifestyle. 

The discipline I observed in the military always struck a chord with me, as it symbolized excellence—a quality I’ve consistently aspired to achieve. When I delved into the realm of chaplaincy and discovered the military as a viable option, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore this path further.

Can you share with us your experience as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force? 

My journey as a chaplain in the United States Air Force has been incredibly rewarding. Over seven years, encompassing both reserve and active-duty service, I commenced my chaplaincy during grad school as a second lieutenant chaplain candidate pursuing my MDiv. This initial opportunity allowed me to explore the Air Force without a long-term commitment. Throughout the school year, I balanced academic pursuits, and during summers, I engaged in military orders, undergoing officer training school (boot camp), chaplain candidate trainings, and tours across various U.S. bases—earning compensation from the Air Force for these experiences.

Upon completing my MDiv, I chose to recommission as a full-fledged chaplain and was stationed at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California. This position granted me the chance to serve as a full-time pastor and intermittently dedicate weeks each year to support the mission at the base. During this period, my wife and I, now parents of two, prayerfully considered transitioning to active duty. After three years in the reserve, while still pastoring, we decided to pursue active duty and were fortunate to be selected. Currently, I am assigned to Hanscom AFB near Boston, MA.

You use your musical talents to encourage people. How long have you been doing this? 

My journey in rap began in childhood as a casual hobby, evolving from middle school mixtapes to high school and college songwriting and recording. However, a pivotal moment led me to pause this passion as I rededicated my life to God. It wasn’t until the COVID era that I reignited this creative flame, investing time and energy into my musical pursuit.

Presently, I leverage music to connect with those I serve, particularly through invocations in the military. As the chaplain tasked with providing prayers at various ceremonies and events, I use this platform to offer poetic or rhyming prayers. This approach has proven successful, sparking conversations on spirituality and providing comfort to those who hear them. 

Additionally, my recording efforts shared on my YouTube page titled “The Rappin’ Chaplain” serve as another avenue to inspire excellence and spiritual resilience, reaching my base and audiences worldwide.

How did you come up with “The Rappin’ Chaplain”? 

During a summer spent serving at ROTC field training as part of the chapel support team, I decided to encapsulate our experiences in a rap. After writing and recording the track, the cadet training assistants were so enamored that they volunteered to shoot a music video for it. Until the final training day, none of the support staff knew about my rapping inclination. At the celebratory party, my music video played, eliciting a standing ovation from the 200-strong staff. 

The production quality received various recognitions, and from that moment, the moniker “Rappin’ Chaplain” was born. While the name had crossed my mind before, it gained newfound resonance after this event, sticking like glue as others found it a fitting and catchy representation of my persona. That’s how the journey of the Rappin’ Chaplain began!

How long does it usually take you to write one song? 

My lyrical process unfolds through deliberate searches for captivating beats across various websites. Whether actively exploring or during daily tasks, I identify beats I like and maintain a running list of song topics. Pairing each topic with a chosen beat, I craft my lyrics in incremental bursts, utilizing scattered moments like 30 minutes here or an hour there, given my usual schedule constraints. While occasional uninterrupted days do occur, on average, it takes me around a full day—approximately eight hours—to compose a song.

Were there any professors or advisors who played a part in you becoming a chaplain?

Dr. Ángel Hernández hosted a ministry colloquium event where the concept of chaplaincy was introduced- challenging the notion of always securing a pastoral role due to limited church openings. This event marked my first exposure to the idea of diversifying career paths within ministry. While I didn’t delve into chaplaincy until my time in grad school, that colloquium laid the foundation for considering alternative avenues within the field.

How did your time at PUC impact your spiritual life and prepare you for your career? 

During my tenure at PUC, I collaborated with Frank, the head of maintenance at the PUC Church, assisting in the maintenance of the church facility. Simultaneously, I took on the roles of an RA and dorm chaplain at Nichol Dorm, experiences that significantly contributed to my leadership and spiritual growth.

The mission events were among the impactful experiences that profoundly shaped my spiritual journey. Participating in weekend outreach to the Bay Area, where we supported the homeless community, left a lasting impression. 

Additionally, joining the Project Pueblo mission trip to the Navajo Nation, led by Fabio Maia, provided meaningful insights and growth. Another pivotal chapter was my year abroad as a student missionary in Indonesia through Adventist Volunteer Missions, where I dedicated a year to teaching English at the Universitas Advent Indonesia. These diverse experiences collectively enriched my spiritual life during my time at PUC.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

In addition to my passion for rapping, I engage in a diverse range of activities. I’m a sports enthusiast, staying up to date with both college and professional basketball and football news. Track and field also captivates me. Quality family time holds immense value for me, and I actively seek out opportunities to explore new places together. As a member of the Krav Maga martial arts group, I embrace the discipline and skills it offers. Beyond that, I find joy in music and movies.