July 31, 2012 by John Potter
The Senate confirmed Army Lt. Gen. Frank J. Grass as the next chief of the National Guard Bureau and Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel as the bureau’s vice chief during a late evening session July 26.
Grass, who also will be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be promoted to the rank of general. Lengyel will earn his third star.
The Senate’s action followed Grass’ July 19 hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“To the men and women and families of the Army and the Air National Guard … you can know that I will be your strongest advocate,” Grass said during the hearing.
Asked about the his role on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Grass said, “As a member of the Joint Chiefs, I [will] definitely have to bring forward the adjutants generals’ and governors’ thoughts, concerns, on the homeland mission. … I also need to be able to balance that with the federal mission and deployable forces and be able to give my best military advice to the secretary of defense as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs.”
Grass will succeed Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the National Guard’s first four-star general and first to be appointed to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
1 Timothy 2 is a call to prayer. It reminds us to offer prayers and petitions for all who are in authority. Take time to remember the new leadership at NGB and the important roles they have.
Posted in News & Commentary | Tagged air force, armed services committee, army, chaplain, faith, joint chiefs of staff, military, national guard, prayer, senate armed services committee | Leave a Comment »
July 30, 2012 by John Potter
It is tough being single, especially in the military. You want to find the right person and be happy in a relationship. Nobody wants to have their heart broken or even worse, marry the wrong person.
There are two common problems with dating today. First, too many people do not know what to look for when dating. They go out on the dating scene with no expectations. This is a matter of education and learning what to look for in your next relationship. Second, people minimize problems when they are dating. People focus on matters of the heart, fixing a person, or accept bad behavior when they should instead hit the eject button to avoid a serious crash and burn.
Army chaplains frequently offer a program for single soldiers called, “How To Avoid Falling for a Jerk(ette).” This program is also known as PICK, premarital interpersonal choices and knowledge. While that title sounds complicated, PICK allows soldiers to build healthy relationships and follow your heart without losing your mind!
It is designed to provide singles and singles-again of all ages with a plan for pacing a relationship and exploring the key areas that foreshadow what that partner will be like in marriage. This way you have a roadmap and mile markers to guide you in your next relationship.
No one should settle for a jerk or a jerkette. Learn what to look for and know when to run for the exit sign. You deserve a safe, happy, and healthy relationship.
Check out the Love Thinks website at www.lovethinks.com and the Army Strong Bonds website at www.strongbonds.org. You can find additional information on building healthy relationships and also learn where future seminars will be held in your state.
Posted in Military Family, Military Marriages | Tagged army, avoid jerks, dating, marriage, military, military spouse, national guard, no jerks, relationships, single, soldier, veteran | Leave a Comment »
July 26, 2012 by John Potter
Scripture reminds us to “pray without ceasing.” Be mindful of these service members and their families during the Olympic Games in London. Many of these service members are veterans who have protected our liberty. Pray for their safety and protection as they continue to represent our Nation.
Warrior Olympians: 16 military athletes vie for glory in London – Off Duty, Sports, Hunting, Fishing – Army Times.
Posted in News & Commentary | Tagged 2012 us olympians, armed forces, army, chaplain, christian, military athletes, military family, olympics, us military olympians, veterans, warrior olympians | Leave a Comment »
July 24, 2012 by John Potter
Everyone loves being called a “single digit midget” in the military. It means that you have entered the end of your deployment cycle and you are under 10 days from being home. Your freedom flight is ready to carry you across the ocean and onto American soil. A homecoming is just around the corner.
Homecomings also mean that a military family is giddy with excitement. They are preparing to circle a date on the calendar and pick up their hero at the airport or attend a welcome home ceremony. Either way, it will be a day to remember; a day that soldier, spouse, and family have been praying for.
Once the military family is reunited, challenges can easily surface. This transition will take time for everyone involved, so here are some tips once the deployment is finished.
Give your hero time to adjust at home. Don’t tightly schedule activities or gatherings. He or she may require additional rest adjusting to a new time zone, a change of food, and a change of climate. Yes, while it may be hard to believe, but the weather in some parts of the world is much worse than the heat we’ve experienced this summer.
Plan some together time for the immediate family. Do something special where all the kids can be involved. This will help your hero get back into the rhythm of family life. It’s often best to re-connect as a family first and then have a romantic getaway.
Discuss roles and responsibilities. Roles typically change during the deployment. Will everything return to the pre-deployment routine? Who will balance the checkbook? Who will pick up the kids after school? Who will mow the yard? Perhaps the kids have been fixing dinner on Friday night for the last 5 months and they enjoy the challenge. What will normal family life look like now that your soldier is home? Now is the time to discuss what is best for the family.
Be patient and tolerant with your spouse. New experiences during a deployment may bring changes to your hero’s attitude and outlook. The parent who stayed home may also have a short fuse from being the “only adult” at home. Remember Ephesians 5:1-2, “Be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you . . . .” Challenges will arise, but continue to show grace and compassion toward each other.
You just spent a year apart, now is the time to enjoy togetherness. Get off the computer. Put down your phone. Go out. Talk. Make time for each other. Celebrate the gift God has given you.
Posted in Military Family | Tagged armed forces, army, chaplain, christian, Christianity, deployment cycle, faith, freedom flight, military deployment, military family, military homecoming, military marriage, military reunion, national guard | Leave a Comment »
July 23, 2012 by John Potter
A sailor and an airman were among those killed in a theater shooting in Aurora, Colo., early Friday, family members and military officials confirmed Saturday.
The parents of Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class John Larimer, 27, released a statement that Navy officials notified them about midnight that their son was one of those killed. Navy officials also confirmed his death on Saturday. The family said Larimer’s brother Noel is working with the Navy to bring his body home to Crystal Lake, Ill.
Larimer joined the Navy in June 2011 and had been stationed in Aurora since October 2011, the Navy said.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Childress, 29, a reservist and cyber systems operator, also died in the attack, DoD officials said. Childress, who was single and had no children, joined the service in January 2002, DoD said.
Both were assigned to units based at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.
In addition, an airmen and a sailor were among the 59 injured in the shooting at the Century 16 theater complex, about five miles from Buckley, shortly after midnight Friday. The injured sailor was treated at the scene and released; the nature of the sailor’s injuries is unknown. Three other sailors escaped unharmed.
All five sailors were attached to Navy Information Operations Command, Colorado. That command falls under the Navy’s cyber command and the U.S. 10th Fleet.
“The Navy and the Air Force are working with the families of these service members to ensure they have the care and attention they need,” read the statement, released Friday.
“This tragic event has affected everybody here at Buckley Air Force Base and our local community friends and neighbors,” base commander Col. Daniel Dant said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of each and every loved one. All military or their families affected can receive assistance through our base services. Please contact the base chapel 720-847-4631 if you or a loved one need assistance due to this event.”
James Holmes, 24, has been named in media reports as the man in custody in connection with the mass shooting, which occurred at a premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises” in Aurora.
The Pentagon’s statement said Holmes never served in any branch of the military.
In addition to those killed, 59 people were wounded after the gunman set off a gas canister and started shooting about 30 minutes into the film.
By Jeff Schogol and Mark D. Faram – Staff writers
Posted : Saturday Jul 21, 2012 12:00:50 EDT
– – – – – – – – – – – –
Please pray for the military and civilian families who lost loved ones during this tragic event.
Posted in Military Family, News & Commentary | Tagged air force, aurora shooting, batman shooting, century 16 theater, chaplain, current events, military families, military family, navy | Leave a Comment »
July 19, 2012 by John Potter
Found a great article on the struggles of marriage that will speak to every military couple. She does a great job of sharing practical tips and reinforces the fact that being a Christian does not exempt you from marital problems.
Hats off to Elisabeth K. Corcoran for the excellent advice. Enjoy the article.
In a Difficult Marriage? | Kyria.
Posted in Military Family, Military Marriages | Tagged air force, air force wife, armed forces, army, army chaplain, army wife, Bible, chaplain, christian, deployment, Elisabeth K. Corcoran, god squad, how to save a marriage, Jesus, marine, marine corps, marine wife, military deployment, military families, military family, military homecoming, military marriage, military reunion, national guard, navy, navy wife, religion, religious, saving a marriage, soldier, spiritual, troubled marriage, veteran, veterans, warriors | Leave a Comment »
July 16, 2012 by John Potter
Each year Gallup releases a “Confidence in Institutions” survey. This year it reveals that only 44% of Americans have a “great deal or quite a lot of confidence in ‘the church or organized religion.'”
Organized religion has ranked at the top of the list from 1973-1985, but now it is tied with the medical system. Bean counters will quickly point out that religion still ranks fourth out of sixteen institutions tested, but that can hardly be viewed as a prize. Bronze medal? Sorry church, you missed it by that much.
After I let the survey results simmer, my thoughts went to people who have been hurt, wounded, and injured by the church. When I hear stories of people searching for a different church home it is always for a reason. Too often families leave a congregation because of strife, bitterness, and conflict. They leave due to splits and infighting. They leave because of hurtful comments and negative attitudes. Unfortunately, the pain can be so intense that many won’t even bother to look for a new church home. Many stop looking or worse yet, stop going. When that is the legacy, why would people express confidence?
I like it when people describe the church as a hospital for sinners. It is the emergency room where we find comfort and peace through Jesus Christ. But this spiritual hospital will have people who are coughing, fever-ridden, and sick. There are varying levels of sickness due to sin. Cross-bearing is a requirement for ministry to occur in this setting. There will be unpleasant people in every congregation, but then again what emergency room doesn’t have someone in need of a physician?
If you are looking for a church home or stopped looking for a solid body of believers, remember that Jesus died for you and all who suffer from the pain of sin. He died for everybody. Congregations are made up of imperfect people who are in need of the Great Physician. Place your confidence in the Son of God and you will never be disappointed.
Posted in News & Commentary | Tagged 2012 church confidence, 2012 confidence in religion, 2012 Gallup poll, 2012 Gallup survey, American confidence in organized religion, American confidence in the church, Bible, chaplain, Christ, christian, Christianity, church as a hospital for sinners, Church confidence, church split, confidence in institutions, confidence in the church at low, current events, faith, families, Gallup poll, Gallup survey, god, god squad, Great Physician, hospital for sinners, Jesus, Jesus Christ, looking for a church, looking for a church home, low church confidence, national guard, news, organized religion, poll, record low attitudes on religion, religion, religious, Son of God, spiritual, spiritual hospital, spirituality, survey, why do people leave the church, Why I hate religion and love Jesus, why I hate the church, why people leave the church | Leave a Comment »
July 12, 2012 by John Potter
Chaplains are pretty busy during Annual Training season in the National Guard. Tuesday I gave another suicide prevention class. It’s a requirement that Soldiers get the presentation at least once a year. The training focuses on the magnitude of the problem, how common issues can drive anyone to the point of despair, and that everyone can watch out for your battle buddy.
While many try to pin the Army suicide issue on multiple deployments, the majority of issues that drive people to suicide are common issues: failed relationships, financial difficulty, and legal woes. These are typical factors that we see in the civilian population, at schools, in factories, and even in the church. PTSD is a factor in military suicide, but it is not the top issue that Time magazine or other media outlets want you to believe.
The fundamental issue to remember is that everyone can save a life. You probably survived a breakup, be it in high school, college, or at work. You probably understand what it is like to bounce a check or have a tough time making your paycheck last the entire month. We are all in the same boat. We all have the life experience necessary to help people at risk of suicide.
Remember and apply ACE: Ask, Care, Escort.
If you believe that someone is at risk of suicide, ask him/her about the problem. Find out what is going on in the person’s life. Directly ask if he/she is thinking about suicide. Care by listening to the issue. Find out what is causing the pain and suffering. Why is the Soldier upset? Finally, escort the Soldier to a resource. That can be a chaplain, a medic, a counselor, an NCO, a friend, or a family member.
Don’t leave the person alone. Make sure that he or she gets help. It is okay to call a suicide hotline or wake up a supervisor, just don’t ignore the warning signs.
You don’t have to be a mental health counselor to apply ACE. You don’t have to be an expert. But you can practice these basic steps in suicide first aid. Do your part to reduce suicide and help your friends.
If you need immediate assistance these suicide hot lines are always available:
Military One Source – 1.877.995.5247 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1.800.273.TALK (8255).
Posted in Military Marriages, Suicide Prevention, Veteran Resources | Tagged ACE, air force, annual training, armed forces, army, army suicide levels, army suicide rates, army suicide training, Ask Care Escort, chaplain, christian, current events, Department of Defense, deployment, DOD, faith, families, family, friends, god squad, health, home, hotline, marine, marine corps, medicine, mental health counselor, mental-health, military, military families, military family, military life, military marriage, military one source, military suicide rates, national guard, national suicide prevention lifeline, navy, news, peer counseling, pentagon issues, post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, reintegration, reunion, soldier, suicide, suicide hotline, suicide prevention hotline, veteran, veteran suicide rates, veterans, warriors | 4 Comments »
July 5, 2012 by John Potter
There is new interest in trying to prop up the Stolen Valor Act, a federal statute that prohibits people from lying about military service and being awarded military medals.
Last week the Supreme Court struck down the law on grounds that it violated free speech on a 6-3 ruling. Many were disappointed with the action. Veterans and military groups across the nation spoke in favor of the law. While honest and integrity are at the heart of the law, people forget the impact this ruling will have on our service members. As veterans continue to return home and seek jobs, there is an increasing need to separate fact from fiction. Many private firms, along with government agencies, have veteran hiring preferences. Those with military service may be placed ahead of others when applying for a job. So there is something to gain from lying on a resume or job application.
Lawmakers will likely take a second bite at the apple. Efforts are underway to pass another version of the law, one more narrowly focused. The Stolen Valor Act 2.0, will make it illegal to lie about military service for profit. This way charlatans cannot benefit from claiming military medals or combat tours. By changing direction and focusing on the issue of fraud, let’s hope that this version will make constitutional muster.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged air force, armed forces, army, combat tours, deployment, free speech, government, marine, marine corps, military, military family, military medals, military service, national guard, navy, politics, soldier, stolen valor act, Stolen Valor Act 2.0, stolen valor fraud, stolen valor law, stolen valor lies, supreme court, Supreme Court Justices, Supreme Court veteran issues, veteran, veteran hiring preference, veterans, warriors | Leave a Comment »
June 28, 2012 by John Potter
Each Fourth of July we celebrate the birth of America. We celebrate freedom, independence, and the precious rights that guarantee the blessings of liberty. But it is important to remember how religious freedom was the original goal of living in our land. And by that, I mean prior to signing the Declaration of Independence.
Christianity operated in a very different environment from what we know today. Prior to the Pilgrims leaving England, there was no separation of church and state. There was one official church for people to attend and the King was the head of the church. During the 1600s, British law required citizens to attend worship services. Those who did not attend would be fined one shilling for each Sunday and holy day missed. People who conducted unofficial church services could be fined, jailed, or executed.
As persecution and arrests grew, the Pilgrims left England for Amsterdam. By 1617 the congregation was stable enough for another, more permanent move. They wanted an enduring place where opportunity and religious freedom could be secured for their families. They turned their eyes to the new America, braved a sixty-five day voyage across the Atlantic, and started Plymouth Colony.
Days after sighting land, The Mayflower Compact was established as a way to honor God, guarantee just and equal laws in the colony, and create a free form of government. The Pilgrims decided to establish a system where every member of the colony could enjoy guaranteed rights and freedoms under majority rule. Freedoms that they were unable to enjoy until that very moment when the ink was dry.
Their voyage and vision created the first written constitution on our continent. It became the seed of American freedom and democracy.
We often forget the past difficulties that Christians have faced trying to worship God. We also forget the difficulties in our present age. We have been so blessed with liberty in our nation, that we forget the inequalities that exist elsewhere. While we are not fined, jailed, or executed for practicing our faith in America many others suffer across the globe. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who live with the same fears, torment, and punishments of seventeenth century Pilgrims.
Recognize the incredible gift we have as Americans and utilize your religious freedom. Glorify our risen Savior in song. Strengthen your faith in a worship service. Read your Bible in public. But also take time to pray for the persecuted Church beyond our borders. Their current plight was ours not so long ago.
Posted in Devotions, Military Family, Uncategorized | Tagged armed forces, army, Bible, birth of America, celebrate religious freedom, chaplain, Christ, christian, Christian rights, christian worship, Christianity, constitutional right of worship, constitutional rights, current events, declaration of independence, democracy, faith, families, family, fourth of july, freedom, freedom to worship, friends, god, god squad, human-rights, independence, Jesus, love, mayflower, mayflower compact, military, military family, national guard, persecuted christians, persecuted church, persecution, pilgrims, Plymouth, Plymouth Colony, politics, religion, religious, religious freedom, religious liberty, religious rights, right to worship, rights of Christians, separation of church and state, soldier, spiritual, spirituality, squad |
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God Squad 
Senate Confirms New National Guard Bureau Chief and Vice Chief
July 31, 2012 by John Potter
The Senate confirmed Army Lt. Gen. Frank J. Grass as the next chief of the National Guard Bureau and Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel as the bureau’s vice chief during a late evening session July 26.
Grass, who also will be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be promoted to the rank of general. Lengyel will earn his third star.
The Senate’s action followed Grass’ July 19 hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“To the men and women and families of the Army and the Air National Guard … you can know that I will be your strongest advocate,” Grass said during the hearing.
Asked about the his role on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Grass said, “As a member of the Joint Chiefs, I [will] definitely have to bring forward the adjutants generals’ and governors’ thoughts, concerns, on the homeland mission. … I also need to be able to balance that with the federal mission and deployable forces and be able to give my best military advice to the secretary of defense as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs.”
Grass will succeed Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the National Guard’s first four-star general and first to be appointed to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
1 Timothy 2 is a call to prayer. It reminds us to offer prayers and petitions for all who are in authority. Take time to remember the new leadership at NGB and the important roles they have.
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Posted in News & Commentary | Tagged air force, armed services committee, army, chaplain, faith, joint chiefs of staff, military, national guard, prayer, senate armed services committee | Leave a Comment »