Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Father Emil Kapaun's story inspired former combat chaplain Justin D. Roberts to make the film "Fighting Spirit."
- Roberts emphasizes the importance of dialogue and unity despite differing beliefs in America.
- Military chaplains face emotional challenges, serving without weapons, highlighting love and sacrifice.
SALT LAKE CITY — Father Emil Kapaun was a Catholic priest and U.S. Army chaplain who died in a prisoner of war camp in 1951 during the Korean War. His remains were not identified until several decades later in 2021.
A recipient of the Medal of Honor and a potential future Catholic saint, Father Kapaun has inspired many people, including former combat chaplain Justin D. Roberts. The film "Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey" details Roberts' journey beginning when Father Kapaun's remains were identified and how Roberts found healing through speaking with other chaplains.
"Fighting Spirit" is directed by Roberts and Richard Hull. Chris Pratt is an executive producer. The Deseret News spoke with Roberts on a video call after the film's release about why he decided to make the film and what it's like being a military chaplain.
Roberts thinks America needs to have a conversation about its differences.
"How do we, even though we have differing opinions and beliefs, how are we still able to work together to serve something greater than ourselves?" asked Roberts. As a military chaplain, he said, "You end up ministering to people who aren't of your faith." It's wanting to have this conversation that helped motivate him to make the film.
Roberts said it was deeply moving for him to see how people responded to Father Kapuan's homecoming. His service had a generational impact, said Roberts. "Seeing how his ministry impacted people far beyond the people he originally had contact with was amazing."
Being a military chaplain is a difficult job, he said. It historically has had a high casualty rate. Chaplains are in harm's way, but they don't carry a weapon. Then there's also the emotional and psychological costs.
"You are providing care for people, you're living with them, you're eating with them, you're traveling with them, you're going with them on the missions," said Roberts, adding that chaplains also provide pastoral counseling. He explained military chaplains see suffering and death and have to help people process significant losses while also processing it themselves.
"It's a ministry, a quiet ministry," said Roberts. Most of it happens in private and can touch on life's traumas as well as war traumas, he added. "Nobody should know what they're going through. That's a private moment, and you're there for them in those moments."
Roberts knew he both wanted to serve and also wanted to be in ministry from an early age. His grandfather served in three wars and was a big influence on him, and from a young age, he would bike to a small Texas church where he was introduced to the love of God.
He said he loves being a military chaplain because of how real the position is.
Whether you like it or not, soldiers will be direct with you, said Roberts. Even though soldiers sometimes use strong language, "they do understand the heart of God more than people realize, because they understand the heart of sacrifice."
Love is a key part of the ministry.
"This is a brutal world," said Roberts, "And the only thing that makes it beautiful and wonderful is how we love each other and care for each other." He said no matter your belief system or religion, there's a way to make love the north star.
Roberts believes military chaplains are one of America's best kept secrets.
"There are these individuals, Americans, who believe everything they believe extremely to the highest end," said Roberts. "They're willing to give their lives for what they believe, but they're also able to work together with people who believe the opposite."
He said he thinks that's the highest ideal of our nation — to be able to have conversations about things that might be divisive, but to do it in a loving and respectful way.
