#722 James Pennington Army Veteran; 20 Aug 2026

James Pennington | U.S. Army Veteran What begins as the story of a young man from rural northwest Alabama becomes an incredible journey of service, medicine, faith, leadership, and caring for America’s warriors in some of their most difficult moments. In this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, AJ sits down with Army veteran James Pennington to preserve a military story spanning decades. James grew up with military service already woven into his family. His grandfather served during World War II in the Pacific, and his father served during Vietnam. In 1984, James followed that tradition, entering the Army shortly after high school. Originally hoping to become an 11B Infantryman with Airborne and Ranger options, the needs of the Army changed his direction. James became a medic, completed Airborne School, and served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He later transitioned into the National Guard, but another calling was beginning to take shape. James remembered something his father had taught him years earlier: when you need help, go see the chaplain. That lesson eventually helped lead James from caring for soldiers physically as a medic to caring for them spiritually and emotionally as an Army Chaplain. His story takes listeners through service in the post-9/11 era, deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, ministry in combat, work at Walter Reed, and the enormous responsibility of supporting service members carrying the physical and emotional consequences of war. James also shares one of the most solemn responsibilities of his career—serving in mortuary affairs in Afghanistan, praying over fallen Americans, reading scripture, and helping ensure they were treated with dignity before their final journey home. This conversation goes far beyond military assignments. It explores what it means to be present when someone is hurting, the burden carried by those who care for others, the realities of combat, and the importance of preserving these experiences. James closes with a message that fits the mission of this project perfectly: Veterans—tell your stories. And for those who haven't served—listen, and make the effort to understand. 🎙️ Guest: James Pennington — U.S. Army Veteran 🎙️ Host: AJ Cox — The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Every Veteran carries a piece of history. By preserving these firsthand accounts, we ensure those experiences remain available for families, educators, historians, researchers, and future generations. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.