President's pastor
Former Citadel football player chaplain at Camp David
By Jeff Hartsell
When President Barack Obama settles into his pew at Camp David's Evergreen Chapel on Sunday mornings, the man behind the pulpit is a former Citadel offensive lineman, Iraq war veteran, published author, great-nephew of Johnny Cash and brother of a former Miss America.
Lt. Carey Cash is the great nephew of music legend Johnny Cash.
Lt. Carey Cash, who was an All-America tackle during his career at The Citadel from 1989-92, fills all those roles and more. Cash, 39, is a Navy chaplain who in January began his three-year tour of duty at Camp David, the Maryland retreat for presidents and their families.
The arc of Cash's career, which includes a 2003 tour with the Marines' 1st Battalion while it was engaged in some of the fiercest fighting of the Iraq war, doesn't surprise those who knew him as a 270-pound lineman on some of the best Citadel football teams in school history.
"He was a born-again Christian," said Jack Douglas, quarterback on the 1992 team that went 11-2 and won a Southern Conference title in Cash's senior season. "And one of the meanest players I've ever seen."
Cash has been in the news recently after Time magazine reported that the Obamas had chosen Evergreen Chapel at Camp David as their primary place of worship. That would appear to make Cash, a Southern Baptist who earned his theology degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, the successor to the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright as Obama's chief pastor. But after the Time story appeared, the White House put out a statement saying Obama "and his family continue to look for a church home. They have enjoyed worshipping at Camp David and several other congregations over the months, and will choose a church at the time that is best for their family."
As the attention paid to Obama's choice of church indicates, there are implications, political and otherwise, to everything a president does. That's why Cash is not allowed to discuss his role as Camp David's chaplain, according to his family.
AP
Lt. Carey Cash delivers a sermon to Marines in 97-degree heat at a tactical assembly area near Camp Coyote in northern Kuwait.
"He's not allowed to talk about it, and we're trying to be cool about it," said Billie Cash, Carey's mother. "He was going to be chaplain at Camp David whoever the president was."
Carey Cash is a native of Memphis, Tenn., whose father, Roy, served 30 years as a Navy fighter pilot. Roy Cash is a nephew of Johnny Cash, making Carey the great-nephew of the legendary singer. His mother is a Christian author and speaker. And Carey's sister, Kellye Cash, was Miss America in 1987. Carey and his wife, Charity, have six children.
Cash was talented enough as a high school football player in Virginia to be recruited by several schools. But a visit to The Citadel in 1988, when Charlie Taaffe was preparing for his second season as Bulldogs coach, sold the Cashes on the military school.
"Carey's dad was overseas at that time," Billie Cash said. "But we went down there for an interview, and Carey loved the structure of it. We went to Charleston for football games for five years (Carey redshirted as a freshman.), and we fell in love with the community.
"The Citadel experience is a family experience, and everyone who has a child there is a member of the family," she said. "Those years were special years for us. We had withdrawal pains after Carey left The Citadel."
Shortly after Carey Cash graduated from The Citadel, his father retired from the Navy. It was at Roy Cash's retirement ceremony that Carey told his family he wanted to be a chaplain.
"It was a surprise," Billie Cash said. "But he said, 'I want to be like Dad, but I want to wear a gold cross instead of gold wings.' "
Cash served as a youth minister at East Cooper Baptist Church for a short time and was pastor at Smyrna Baptist Church in Burlison, Tenn.
When he joined the Navy, Cash was sent to Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, which was part of the invasion force that ousted Saddam Hussein. The battle the 1st Battalion faced on April 10, 2003, in Baghdad was "the worst day of fighting for U.S. Marines," Lt. Col. Oliver North has said. But only one Marine lost his life in eight hours of fighting that day.
Cash wrote about his war experiences in the 2005 book "A Table in the Presence," in which he describes baptizing almost 60 Marines and sailors and other experiences from his two tours in Iraq.
"He had a wonderful, loyal, intense camaraderie with that unit," Billie Cash said.
Near the end of the book, Cash describes a scene in which he and a friend reflect on all they've seen.
"We wept for the horrible sights war had brought into all our lives," he wrote. "We wept for our families so far away ... We wept for the loss of life that we had both seen — good men who had fallen at the hands of the enemy. They were heroic men; men with wives and children, mothers and fathers; men with hopes and dreams and goals in life. We both believed that this was a just war and a noble cause, and as always, in such an effort, sacrifices are demanded and lives are lost. But on this quiet afternoon, the two of us grieved for all those whose lives, and their families' lives, had been changed forever by the deaths of our fellow Marines."
Those are the experiences Cash brings to his chaplaincy at Camp David, where Evergreen Chapel holds non-denominational Christian services every weekend, whether the president is there or not. Almost 400 military personnel and staff work at Camp David, and the services are open to them and their families. President George W. Bush and his family made Evergreen Chapel their primary place of worship during his presidency.
According to Time magazine, President Bill Clinton occasionally sang with the choir at Evergreen. Children in the congregation put on a Christmas pageant every December, and the chapel holds a candlelight service on Christmas Eve.
If history is a guide, however, Cash won't serve the same role as spiritual mentor to Obama that Wright did.
"We used to tell people our job was to run it like a five-star resort," Patrick McLaughlin, who was chaplain at Camp David from 2002-05, told Religion News Service. "One of the things you value when you go on vacation is peace and quiet."
Whatever his relationship with the president, Cash already has done enough to make his family, and former Citadel teammates, proud.
"Faith is very important to our family," Billie Cash said. "Some people come to it in a foxhole, and some know that in good times or bad, it's a wonderful center that can carry us through life. And we embrace it."
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jammer (anonymous) says...
gee is he a religious nutjob?? lol
July 6, 2009 at 1:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jacman (anonymous) says...
' Nutjob " ? 'Lol " ? Because the guy is a veteran and a minister ? Where did this idiot come from ?
July 6, 2009 at 4:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
studley (anonymous) says...
jammer: get back on your meds.
July 6, 2009 at 4:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spengler (anonymous) says...
Takes a brave man to go into battle armed only with the Good Book and a Cross.
July 6, 2009 at 6:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I just love watching a plan come together.
July 6, 2009 at 7:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
moonpie~
when the site staff gets posters like you in their sights, like Harold, every post is examined for any excuse to delete your posts. How about filing a foia to see what race and gender this staff is comprised of? I have noticed being critical of nobama is grounds for deletion. They forget the massive dissrespect shown to Geo. Bush on these boards for his presidency. Look, after Jeremiah Wright as his pastor, he's not fooling anyone w/ a born again minister. He is a phony, sham 1 term president.
July 6, 2009 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GeneralSumter (anonymous) says...
I didn't vote for him and I think his decision to worship under the guidance of Jeremiah Wright shows his true character (I refuse to call that man "Reverend" because he is anything but).
However, I hope that Rev. Cash, a true man of God, will not bow to "politically correct" guidelines and just preach the bible when the Obama's are present. I believe in second chances because that's what God is... a God of second chances.
July 6, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Aristotle_384 (anonymous) says...
This story is about Lt. Carey Cash, it is a based upon the fact that he wil be the chaplain to Mr. Obama. I dont see the relevance of bashing Obama, because of this story. But I do see the sarcasm of jammer's posts because of the constant Christian bashing that occurs on these boards.
Lt. Carey Cash, is now Obama's chaplain for now. What is interesting is this piece from the above article;
"That would appear to make Cash, a Southern Baptist who earned his theology degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, the successor to the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright as Obama's chief pastor. But after the Time story appeared, the White House put out a statement saying Obama "and his family continue to look for a church home. They have enjoyed worshipping at Camp David and several other congregations over the months, and will choose a church at the time that is best for their family."
So did the White House put out a statement so not to upset Wright?
Politics poison everything and pretty much everyone.
'Piety requires us to honor truth above our friends.' Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics
July 6, 2009 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
ahemmm you guys didn't catch on to my sarcasm, this is part of a reply to the on going slam of republicans supposedly all being religious nutjobs because many are of faith
that's like the first thing soooo many libs say about a repub that gets in trouble, as if being of faith is somehow a derogatory way of life
I'm just shoveling it back fellows, catch up to speed... it's all in jest
July 6, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NakedYoga (anonymous) says...
Hey I found this dead horse lying down here on Broad. Anyone want to help me beat it?
July 6, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NakedYoga (anonymous) says...
thereemer: "Wanna see and hear chaos? Bloomberg.com is reporting today California is issuing IOUs [because] they have followed nobama's financial strategy, and on a national level it will be 70 x's worse."
Right, because Arnold is in lock-step with Obama. Haha.
"Now Loki, Bloomberg is non-partisan they don[']t have an axe to grin[d] or a point to prove."
You do realize that the Bloomberg news agency is the namesake of Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York?
July 6, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
High_Gravity (anonymous) says...
"...conservatives are patriotic, God fearing, family first passionate people..."
Yep, Like our Governer.
July 6, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fred_durst1 (anonymous) says...
what happened to the Loki posts. His were the only interesting ones. Did he get completely booted?
July 6, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
the conservative principle is patriotic and family first passionate people that among other things believe our Constitution should be followed, many of whom are and are not of faith...
and yes we've had a ton of repub's do some really stupid stuff the last few yrs, as we have on both sides of the isle
that's why people like myself are looking outside of the repub party for something that more closely resembles conservatism
I'd become a democrat today if I thought they were more conservative, but their core principles are far from that
the people that really try to be conservative have no party today... so we just carry on like we've done for many yrs now voting to the lesser os two evils waiting for the day our party comes of age
who knows what it'll be called, but I believe the majority would be in it if they knew how and had access to create it
July 6, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dwatts (anonymous) says...
and Michael Jackson is still dead, however a third autopsy may be needed to confirm.
July 6, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
LoL! Reemer still hasn't figured out people are tired of his ignorant racist "christian conservative" comments. Like I have been telling you reemer, your days are numbered and should you ever spew your filth in public you will surely be put in your place very quickly.
Go back under the rock you climbed out from under and stop inserting yourself amongst decent folk. Our patience is growing thin with your type and I doubt you are going to like the consequences of your ignorant comments when you are exposed.
July 6, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
*sigh*
same cast of ridiculous characters, different day.
July 6, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
*sigh*
I know what you mean eyfigueroa.
You do include yourself in the ridiculous class right?
It might not have crossed your mind that all posters don't hold you in such high esteem as you apparently hold yourself.
July 6, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
real_un_american - the deleted; blue_eyes, jimislander, johnQ 1 & 2, spanurbuns...a real nice guy...lmao
Posted on March 21 at 6:36 p.m.
Posted by blue_eyes on March 21, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
'It doesn't matter what you say or think to me. I intend to slap you fake christian racist maggots every time you spew your vile immoral views.'
July 6, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GG (anonymous) says...
Blackreign- Thanks for reminding me of all the user names for this Un-American guy. I knew the themes of his comments reminded me of past posters. I think at one time I described John Q as a pimply-faced former high school reject/loner who still lives with his mother and has a pathological hatred of everything and everyone. He probably wore one of those long black raincoats too. Can't wait to hear the response. HA!
July 6, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlackReign (anonymous) says...
No problem GG, I am sure he will soon release a tirade of hate-filled crap directed at me. Thats his style.
- His real name is Malcolm Malcontent!
On topic, this is a great honor for Lt. Carey Cash, Chaplain and Christian.
July 6, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
Thanks to Lt. Cash for his service...
July 6, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
realamerican...
BITE ME!!!
I could care less if EVERYONE on this site hated me and what I had to say. I reserve the right to say what I want.
Just as you do.
However, I do include you in the ridiculous posters category.
I have to wipe MY monitor of the spittle that comes flying out of your rabid mouth every time you choose to post many of your incredibly ridiculous rants.
There's no compromise with you.
No room for error.
According to you anyone with a divergent opinion than yours is WRONG, RACISTS, SEXISTS or some other type of 'ist'.
What's so sad that you don't even realize that you are the other side of the coin.
You know the one.
The one thereemer, moonie & blue eyes and some of the more colorful posters are emblazoned on.
You people are hilarious at best and incredibly sad at worst.
All of you, on occasion, have very salient points to relate to the Post & Courier online world.
Unfortunately most of you wrap it up in such ridiculous slanted, bigoted and even racists crap that no one worth their salt would want to wade through the stink to get to your point.
So please save your insults for your fellow foolish brethren on this site.
Just like the stink I see on a sidewalk, I step over you and your ilk.
¡Adiós!
July 6, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
blackreign: I thank you for congratulating LT Cash.
What many of you Obama bashers out there failed to realize is this young man was going to be the Chaplain at Camp David regardless of who lived in the White House.
Instead of simply offering felicitations to this young man, some of us (myself included) chose to focus on negative issues that in no way honors this Sailor.
For any of you posters to use this particular forum to espouse hate filled rhetoric as opposed to showing pride and appreciation to this young man for a job well done was ignorant at best and specious at worst.
You should be ashamed of yourselves.
I know I am for even giving that fool realamerican any thought much less a response.
CONGRATULATIONS LT CASH!!!
July 6, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Where's the ACLU when they are needed?
They never pass up a chance to attack students saying a prayer at a sporting event!
The "chapel" supported by taxpayer money needs to have a permanent Rabbi, Imam, Catholic Priest, Shinto Priest, Buddhist Monk, Wiccan Whatever, and some one from PETA to represent animal worshipers so as to be all encompassing, or just do away with it altogether.
Separation of church and state and all that sort of rot that the secular folks are always screaming about.
Great bio Lt.Cash. Hope you get the respect you deserve from the Impostor in Chief and his henchmen.
July 6, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
signseeker17 (anonymous) says...
Good morning, "gentlemen", I see the usual polite, civil discourse is being conducted.
This is what's called a human interest story, relating to both SC and the President. I'm sorry to see that responses to a simple, benign article have once again turned into an evil mess.
Thank you eyfigueroa, for at least a semblance of good taste and perspective.
July 6, 2009 at 4:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Luna (anonymous) says...
OOOOHHHHHH!
I think someone got their feathers ruffled and went crying to the P&C........I read Loki's funny as heck postings all day then poof they were gone.
Must have been yird?????? He is always cryin g about something some pinko socialist commie marxist has done to him..........
Or was it Black? He cannot stand to have someone question his faith and boy Loki was pushing some hot buttons!
Or the professor in the library with a candlestick........
same, same I guess, but to delete a poster because they pushed someone's buttons is wrong P&C......freedom of speech and all that.
July 6, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Guess again Luna. I have yet to request you commie pinkos or any others to be removed.
I prefer to let y'all keep posting and displaying your inability to perceive reality.
July 6, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
Good luck to ya and congratulations to Cash and the Citadel
July 6, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
BTW Luna Sweetie,while your at it give me one (1) example of,
Posted by Luna on July 6, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Must have been yird??????{{{ He is always cryin g about something some pinko socialist commie marxist has done to him...}}}
July 6, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Wingnut losers are mad and can dish it out but can't take it.
LoL!
Look on the bright side. You only have 7 1/2 years left!
July 6, 2009 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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