As a senior Navy Chaplain, Bob Evan's calling has always been to serve and care for others, whether it was his troops, fellow service members, or the wounded warriors he encountered. When his fiancée, Gretchen, was severely injured by a mortar round in Afghanistan, Bob's role shifted from chaplain to devoted caregiver.
Despite his extensive training and experience as a pastoral counselor, Bob candidly admits that he struggled at times to provide the proper support and care for Gretchen as she navigated life-changing injuries, including deafness. However, Bob's unwavering love and commitment to Gretchen never wavered. He made it clear that he would accompany her on this new journey, no matter the challenges. Bob's journey as a caregiver is one of resilience, compassion, and a deep understanding that true Caregiving requires listening, learning, and loving the person you are caring for.
As Bob shares his insights and lessons learned, it's clear that his role as a caregiver has profoundly impacted his own spiritual and personal Growth. He has become an advocate for greater support and resources for military caregivers, recognizing the vital importance of self-care and finding respite to be an effective, loving caregiver.
About Bob:
Bob Evans, a graduate of Bowdoin College (A.B. – 1976), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div. – 1979), Candler School of Theology (Th.M. – 1992), and the Naval War College (M.A. – 2003), served over 25 years in the United States Navy. He retired as a Captain in 2008 after entering the Navy by direct commission in December 1982.
During his tenure, he served as a Senior Leader for the U.S. Fleet Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Joint Forces Command, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, and Naval Forces Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan.
Bob began his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in May 2011 as Chief of Chaplain Services at Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, MI. He joined the Atlanta VA in January 2013 as Chief of Chaplain Services and later also served as Acting Assistant Director. In February 2014, he was appointed Assistant Director of the Atlanta VA Health Care System. He then served as Interim Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer of the Dorn VA Health Care System in Columbia, SC, for six months before being selected as Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer for the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System in Asheville, NC. He held this role from January 2017 until his Retirement from Federal Service in December 2019.
Now retired, he is a devoted caregiver to his wife, who lost her hearing in combat, and a strong advocate for veterans, their families, and all who serve the common good. He actively listens to others, helps them discover their passions, and supports them in turning their dreams into purposeful lives.
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