Navy Chaplain Alisa L. Harl has been at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point since August 2019. Despite her short amount of time as chaplain, she has already begun building a safe space where all are welcomed. “My favorite thing about ministry is counseling and pastoral care,” said Harl. “I enjoy hearing people’s stories. I like to help people transform their pain in a healthy way — how to grow and learn from it — and not transmit it onto their fellow service members or families.” Harl said she strives to create a place for all people, religious or not. The diversity of the staff

Navy Chaplain Alisa L. Harl has been at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point since August 2019. Despite her short amount of time as chaplain, she has already begun building a safe space where all are welcomed. “My favorite thing about ministry is counseling and pastoral care,” said Harl. “I enjoy hearing people’s stories. I like to help people transform their pain in a healthy way — how to grow and learn from it — and not transmit it onto their fellow service members or families.” Harl said she strives to create a place for all people, religious or not. The diversity of the staff at the chapel aides her in this journey. “Having a diverse staff reminds people that we are in a pluralistic setting,” she said. “Every faith group, tradition, denomination, or lack thereof, is welcome and can find someone to relate to.” Harl said she takes pride in the confidentiality aspect of her job. Being someone trustworthy when people are in their darkest time is an honor to her. “Being a safe space is such a sacred thing,” said Harl. “We become the chamber of secrets for people. That can be very heavy and trying for any human, but it is such a unique thing. I take that very seriously.” Harl said she believes it is important to remind people that they aren’t alone. Chaplains are just as human just as anyone else. “People always joke and say ‘oh chaps is in the room, you can’t swear, you can’t talk about drinking,’ but we suffer the same, lose people the same, and experience the same things,” said Harl. “Understanding this helps create a space where people can let their hair down and let their demons out.” For more information about the chapel and its services, visit:

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