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By Michael Motes
Chaplain (Colonel) Anthony M. Fracasso, post chaplain at Fort
McPherson, has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service
as deputy post chaplain in his former assignment at Headquarters U.S. Army
Field Artillery Center at Fort Still, Oklahoma.
The new post chaplain, who arrived in Atlanta September 1, is a
native of Hamden, Conn., but no stranger to the South. His previous assignments
have included chaplain duties at Fort Gordon, Ga., and Fort Bragg, N.C.
Chaplain Fracasso finds the Fort McPherson parish to be “one
of the better parishes spiritually” in which he has served.
“As spiritual pastor to all the Catholic military at Fort
McPherson, both active and retired, I find this a very rewarding job,” he
said.
He explained that a great many retired army people in the area
like to maintain their army ties and prefer to attend Mass in the Fort
McPherson chapel rather than local churches. His attendance at the most recent
Sunday Mass was 648.
“We average about 6,700 people at Sunday Mass and currently
have 160 in our CCD program,” Colonel Fracasso said.
Since entering the Army in 1958 he has had overseas duties with
the 10th Special Forces, U.S. Army in Europe and in Korea and South
Vietnam.
Chaplain Fracasso is a graduate of St. Mary’s Seminary in
Baltimore and holds an M.A. degree from the University of Southern California.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit, two awards of
Meritorious Service and several service and campaign medals. He is a member of
the Knights of Columbus and lists handball and reading among his favorite
hobbies. |
