(February 8, 2026) – During a recent inclement weather event in the National Capital Region, Winter Storm Fern, Chaplain (Maj.) Scott Norman, Co-Deputy Chaplain of the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center (ATAMMC) Department of Pastoral Care, took on the significant role of Duty Chaplain from January 24 through January 28.

Winter Storm Fern was a severe, high-impact winter event that battered over 34 U.S. states and Canada with a combination of record-breaking snowfall, catastrophic icing, and intense cold, causing widespread power outages and travel shutdowns.

During this time, many ATAMMC staff members sheltered in place, as a means to ensure the continuity of care for the patients who consider the organization their medical home.

His experience during this challenging time provided him with profound insights into the spirit of resilience displayed by the medical staff and the importance of pastoral care in a hospital setting.

In a candid interview, Chaplain Norman shared his reflections on this transformative experience, coming just months after his arrival at ATAMMC in August 2025.

Q: What was your experience during Winter Storm Fern? A: Initially, I anticipated an exhilarating experience during the snow and ice storm. However, what unfolded was transformative in so many ways. My expectations changed as I observed the incredible efforts of my colleagues who were dedicated to both patient care and supporting one another through a challenging situation.

Q: How was this experience different from your previous assignments? A: I didn’t realize until this particular event just how crucial a Chaplain’s role is in a hospital environment. Normally, my deployments involved crisis care, but this time, I grew to understand the true power of presence. It was a unique environment, deeply rooted in shared hardship and resilience.

Q: Can you elaborate on the support you received from the staff? A: In just a few months, I felt their warmth and support in ways that made me feel treasured, as if I were their favorite Chaplain! Words of affirmation and gestures, such as sharing meals, fostered a sense of belonging. One ER doctor expressed his gratitude by acknowledging the family atmosphere cultivated in their department, even during patients' darkest moments. This reminder and seemingly innocent acknowledgement continues to resonate with me.

Q: What important takeaways did you have from this experience? A: I learned that engaging in hardships together as one collective team is vital. There is a power in showing up for one another, not just in crises, but consistently. My experiences reminded me of the importance of nurturing the living, caring for the wounded, and sharing moments of joy, such as the blessing of being able to bless a newborn in the hospital during the storm.

Q: What message do you want to convey about the role of Pastoral Care? A: Pastoral Care plays a critical role in cultivating a supportive environment. We must be present beyond crises situations to embody relevance and connection. Together, as a team, we can bring a sense of family and hope throughout ATAMMC.

As Chaplain Norman succinctly puts it, “We can be relevant if we allow ourselves to be relevant.”

Chaplain Norman's experience during Winter Storm Fern underscores the vital role that pastoral care plays in healthcare settings, reminding both staff and patients that they are never alone in their journeys. As they move forward, the Department of Pastoral Care at ATAMMC is committed to building connections and providing support that spans beyond immediate needs, enhancing the overall patient care experience.

Chaplain Norman concluded with a heartfelt sentiment: “My reflections from this event will serve as motivation, and urge me to continue nurturing relationships within the DPC, as we consider ways we can foster a family atmosphere throughout the entire medical center.”

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