CTMC Chaplain Provides Counseling And Support For Veterans

“My brother had joined the year before me and I wanted to do my part to protect our country.” He gave four years on active duty, two years as an active reserve and four years as inactive.

Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) Chaplain Nahum Melendez has been commissioned as a military chaplain and is able to minister to military personnel, veterans and their families. In this role, he will offer spiritual and moral support to our military community.

Chaplain Nahum Melendez was recognized in a special ceremony on Friday, January 19 in the CTMC chapel.

“These men and women have a unique set of challenges, fears and needs,” Melendez explains. “My role is to foster peace, resilience and healing. Even if the families simply need someone to pray for them or to guide them to appropriate resources, I am available to them.”

As a former Marine, Chaplain Melendez understands the perspective of the soldier. He grew up in Honduras and moved to Maryland when he was 15. He joined the Marines after the 9/11 tragedies. “My brother had joined the year before me and I wanted to do my part to protect our country.” He gave four years on active duty, two years as an active reserve and four years as inactive.

Melendez went on to complete four years of Theology training and three years of Seminary school. He has the additional skill of one year of clinical pastoral education. Since moving to San Marcos in 2017, he has connected with the San Marcos Police Department to provide services as a police department chaplain. He is also a Hays Commissioners Court chaplain.

“People may not know that CTMC first started in 1923 as Hays County Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Memorial Hospital on Belvin Street. So, I’m proud to keep that legacy going today with spiritual support for our region’s many veteran families.”

“My heart is with the veterans and their families. I’m here to minister to all faiths and those with no faith as all veterans are brother and sisters.”

CTMC President and CEO Anthony Stahl noted at the ceremony, “I’m so proud of Nahum for answering this call to service. We know that our veterans deserve all the support and encouragement we can give and Nahum’s genuine compassion for them makes him a true blessing.”

Veterans or veteran family members who want to contact Nahum can email him at Nahum.melendez@ahss.org or call him at 512.753.3653.