Edwin Frederick O'Brien
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Edwin Frederick O'Brien (b. April 8, 1939) is the fifth Roman Catholic Archbishop for the Military Services of the United States, having been appointed in 1997. He was also the titular Archbishop of Thizica from 1997 to 1998.
He was born in New York, New York and attended St. Joseph's Seminary College where he received both his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961, a Master of Divinity in 1964, and a Master of Arts degree in 1965. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York on May 29, 1965.
His first assignment was as a civilian chaplain at United States Military Academy which inspired him to enlist to become a military chaplain. In 1970, he officially became an Army Chaplain with the rank of Captain, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. From 1971 to 1972, he served a tour of duty in the Vietnam War with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and 1st Cavalry Brigade. He then returned to Fort Gordon, Georgia for a year as Post Chaplain.
In 1973, he left the military for doctorial studies in Angelicum University, Rome. He received his doctorate in 1976 and returned to the Archdiocese of New York. In 1986, he was elevated to Monsignor and in 1996, he was made a bishop. On April 7, 1997, he was made both Titular Archbishop of Tizica also Archbishop for the Military Services. (He resigned the former in 1998.)
As of 2005, he is still the active head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services and spends roughly 60% of his time traveling and visiting American troops.
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| Preceded by Alfonso Nava Carreón Bishop of Tizica |
Titular Archbishop of Thizica 1997–1998 |
Succeeded by Louis Dicaire Bishop of Thizica |
| Preceded by Joseph Thomas Dimino |
Archbishop for the Military Services 1997—Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
