Rep. Tim Huelskamp honored military chaplains and the late Father Emil J. Kapaun, native of Pilsen, in remarks July 29 to the U.S. House of Representatives.

That date marked the 240th anniversary of the United States Army Chaplain Corps founding. More than 25,000 chaplains have served since.

“In 2013, I had the honor of witnessing this saintly chaplain be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism posthumously,” Huelskamp said. “As Chaplain Kapaun’s compelling leadership and powerful story attests, our chaplains are vital to the well-being and morale of our troops — especially in the face of possible injury and death.