Rev. Dr. Brian Graham, MTh, DDiv, Principal Chaplain, Allied Merchant Navy

Rev. Graham has a strong affinity for the Royal Canadian Navy through his father, Gordon, who passed away in 2011.  Gordon Anderson Graham served with the RCN during World War II, was a founding member and president of the Ottawa-Hull Naval Association for several terms, and a board member of the Royal Canadian Navy Benevolent Fund for more than 20 years.  Gordon Graham was also a piper with the Cameron Highlanders Pipe Band of Ottawa.

Rev. Graham began intensive studies in theology later in life -- at the age of 46 -- in 1999 following the death of his mother.  Prior to that, he was active professionally in theatre for more than 20 years, and has been working for 25 years as a media analyst and communications auditor with several departments of the Canadian government.

He is a graduate of Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom, with a Master's degree in Theology, awarded in 2009, and a Doctor of Divinity, awarded in 2014. 

Ordained in 2009, Rev. Graham is the chaplain for two organizations:

• the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project, which pays tribute to the integral role played by Canada's Merchant Navy during World War II; and
• a group of former Canadian military personnel, veterans of Canada's mission to Afghanistan, who are being treated for PTSD. 

Rev. Graham is also an honourary civilian chaplain to the helicopter mechanics' unit with the 99th Air Base Wing of the United States Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Rev. Graham conducted a memorial service and wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.) on 28 September 2014.