The Texas Military Department Office of the State Chaplain honored Msgr. Bill Brooks with the Order of Aaron and Hur award for his “dedicated service to Catholic and non-Catholic Army, Air and State Guard Servicemembers and Families.” For the last 17 years, Msgr. Brooks, who is now retired, celebrated Mass at Austin’s Camp Mabry once a month. “I am so honored by this award,” he said. “And I am thankful for the relationships I have formed with our servicemen and the chaplains at Camp Mabry.”

The Order of Aaron and Hur was established in 1974 and is based on Exodus 17:8-13, said Captain James M. Campbell, a chaplain for the Texas Military Department All Faiths Chapel at Camp Mabry. Msgr. Brooks is the first recipient of this award in the state of Texas, Texas Military Department.

“Without his help, the Texas Military Department Chaplain Corps would not be able to meet the spiritual needs of our Catholic soldiers and airmen. Msgr. Brooks epitomizes the spirit of Aaron and Hur ... a significant helper to the Chaplain Corps Mission,” he said.