CALEDONIA, MI, July 24, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Herman Keizer Jr., former chaplain with the United States Army, was recognized by Marquis Who's Who with a prominent feature in the June/July 2025 Grand Rapids/Lansing regional edition of Forbes.

Mr. Keizer was a chaplain for the United States Army, dedicating his career to serving his country under the sphere of theology until his passing on December 22, 2017. Initially introduced to military chaplaincy during his undergraduate studies at Calvin College, he paused his collegiate journey to serve on active duty as a chaplain assistant at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for two years. Subsequently, Mr. Keizer returned to higher education and completed his degree before entering the seminary to advance his divinity studies.

Following his completion of his theology degree in 1968, Mr. Keizer was ordained a minister in the Christian Reformed Church and commissioned as a chaplain in the United States Army, serving across the world and working alongside other countries' military chaplains through NATO. He advanced to the rank of colonel and remained with the United States Army in theological capacities until his retirement in 1998. Shortly thereafter, he was called back to continue his service as an advisor to the ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom for the U.S. Department of State, remaining there until 2002.

Over the course of his career, he was particularly proud of his involvement with the Moral Injury and Soul Repair Project in 2012, working in conjunction with Dr. Rita Brock at the Brite Divinity School. Helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder reconcile their religious beliefs following their diagnosis, he was also recognized as a counselor with Heartside Ministries, GRACE, Healing Children of Conflict and the Micah Center, among other organizations. Prior to his passing, he worked at a conference at Grand Valley State University on the topics of military chaplaincy and moral injury.

Among many achievements during his career, Mr. Keizer is noteworthy for counseling at The Pentagon and U.S. Department of State following September 11, 2001, and subsequently organized a roundtable meeting with the Muslim community and testified on the Hill with Senator Lindsey Graham on the constitutionality of military chaplains. Mr. Keizer was buried at Arlington National Cemetery and inducted into the Michigan State Veterans Hall of Honor in November of 2022.

EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Keizer earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and Greek from Calvin College in 1965. Thereafter, he received a Bachelor of Divinity in theology from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1968, a Master of Arts in education from the Teachers College at Columbia University in 1978, and a Master of Theology from New York Theological Seminary in 1979. He also graduated as an in-house student at the U.S. Army War College in 1992.

AWARD HIGHLIGHTS
Distinguished for his prowess in military operations and chaplaincy, Mr. Keizer earned a Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legions of Merit and six Bronze Stars, including one with a V for valor in combat. He also earned the Soldier's Medal and Purple Heart. Additionally, he was awarded the David E. White Award from the Military Chaplains Association in 2012 and was named a Distinguished Alumnus by Calvin College in 2001 and Calvin Theological Seminary in 2003.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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