National Association of Medics and Corpsmen

The Chaplains Corner

Doc Dan Shulla

Chaplains Message

I grew up hearing stories told by my Mohawk grandfather. There seemed to always be a subtle message and teaching in them. This is a traditional way of passing on wisdom within Native Communities. I see more and more the importance of it, as I spend time with my 3 year old grandson, walking in the woods.

Here is one such story that some of you may have heard before:

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Dan Shulla – National Chaplain

Dan is the Eldest of 8, raised in upstate NY. His family comes from the Mohawk area of Akwesasne. He follows Traditional Native Spiritual teachings. His wife Barb’s relatives come from the Seneca Nation.

Dan is an Intercessor for Inipi Ceremonies and has supported/participated in Traditional Sundance Ceremonies for the past 10 years. He is also a member of the Lakota Tokala warrior Society

Dan joined the Navy in 1972, served with several Navy and Marine Corps units, including Nav Hosp, Phila; HQ, FMFPAC; 4^th Med Bn 4^th Tanks, 4^th Marine Brigade; NSGA, Ft Meade, National Security Agency; 2^nd MarDiv; and 2^nd Marine Air Wing,Cherry Point, USS, Forrestal CV 59, Regional Preventive Med Unit, Great Lakes; U.S.S. Whidbey Island (LSD41), NH BrClincs Little Creek & Dam Neck, Va, taking a disability retirement in 1994. Dan then attended an intensive Computer programming course, and worked for several years as a Software Developer/Analyst at Kodak, Xerox, EDS, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and United Health Care