Without faith, Father Stephen Brandow believes he would not have the success that he has today. He believes that God has a bigger plan than circumstances and considers the love and support of people who wanted him to become the best he could, his father David and his mother Jacqueline, to be a part of this success. Speaking to this success, in 2019 Father Brandow was appointed the Vision 16 Chaplain. Since 2000, he has served as the staff chaplain of the Department of Veteran Affairs in Alexandria, Louisiana. He previously served the Catholic community as an associate pastor at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and the St. Rita Parish. Earlier in his career, Father Brandow was a medical clerk with the Alexandria VA Health Care System and a social worker with the Woodview Regional Hospital. He was largely influenced to work with the VA as both of his parents were military veterans.

Father Brandow was ordained to ministry with the Catholic Church in 1996, receiving an MDiv from the Notre Dame Seminary Graduate School of Theology. Prior to committing to a life of religious service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern State University in 1983 and a Bachelor of Arts from the institution in 1985. Throughout his career, it has been evident that he has been all about helping others. In recognition of this work, he received a Bronze Pelican award from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting in 2003, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America and a James E. West Fellowship in 2002.

In addition to these accolades, Father Brandow has served on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Chaplains Association, Inc., and has maintained professional affiliation with the America Association of Christian Counselors and the National Conference of Veterans Affairs Catholic Chaplains.