This Exchange General Manager Provides For His Communities’ Shopping and Spiritual Needs

In a true family serving family tradition, Daniel Wise not only serves as Exchange general manager at Fort Sill, Okla., but also is credited with revitalizing the installation’s Jewish community.

A military Jewish chaplain hasn’t served at the post for about seven years. Wise began serving about a year ago as a distinctive religious group leader, leading the weekly Sabbath service for Fort Sill’s Jewish community in the place of a rabbi. He plans and organizes everything needed to celebrate the high holy days, Passover and other religious services.

“We believe in Mitzvah—to good deeds without expecting anything in return.”

Every Friday night, 30 to 50 Jewish basic trainees, their non-Jewish battle buddies, Jewish military families and retirees attend services.

To become a distinctive religious group leader, Wise took courses on working with basic trainees, underwent background checks, attended national conferences and won endorsements from the Jewish Welfare Board.

Shortage of rabbis

There is an acute shortage of rabbis  who serve the armed forces, far fewer than the number of chaplains representing other religious faiths.

With such a shortage of military rabbis, post commanders asked Wise to help with the Jewish community, especially those members who are basic trainees.

Wise said he helps with the Jewish community in addition to doing his Exchange job because that’s what his Jewish faith calls him to do and wants no recognition for his work.

“We believe in Mitzvah — to good deeds without expecting anything in return,” he said.

‘Breathed fresh life’

Because of  Wise’s leadership, the first Bar Mitzvah service in 50 years was organized and conducted at Fort Sill,

“He has breathed fresh life into the Jewish community,” said Maj. Eric Dean, the installation’s Army chaplain. “In fact, just this past weekend, Daniel led the Fort Sill Jewish community in the best Purim celebration we have had in years. He is, quite simply, the Jewish community’s greatest advocate.”

Wise also serves as Exchange general manager for the Altus AFB and Sheppard AFB Exchanges.

Father in Hall of Fame

Being a leader in a Jewish community runs in his family. His father, retired Col. Charles R. Wise, has served as an elder at the synagogue in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., for more than 20 years.

On May 12, Col. Wise will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at Fort Sill, where he spent many of his active-duty years.