Hope no one is standing in formation today. Enjoy the Labor Day holiday!
Posts Tagged ‘veteran’
Happy Labor Day and Happy Military Monday
Posted in Humor, tagged army, funny, humor, labor day, military, military monday, veteran on September 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Happy Military Monday
Posted in Humor, tagged army, bomb squad, eod, explosive ordnance disposal, funny, humor, military, practical joke, veteran on August 19, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Military humor at its best! These Army EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) guys are one in a million. Happy Military Monday everyone!
Faith and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Posted in Christian Living, Spiritual Practices, Veteran Resources, tagged army, chaplain, christian, Christianity, deployment, faith, military, post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, religion, spiritual fitness, spiritual practices, veteran on June 10, 2013| 5 Comments »
Most service members think about spiritual matters during deployment. We take stock of our lives while in the face of death and danger. This time of examination and spiritual questioning is important. Rarely do we stay the same afterward. This time of spiritual searching will frequently send service members in one of two distinct directions. Many gain a stronger relationship with God. Others may question their beliefs and feel spiritually empty.
For those who may be in the later category, I want you to know that it is normal to ask questions about our faith. Spiritual matters are important downrange, when we have returned home, and as we reintegrate into our communities. Everyone is impacted differently by war. We have endured different levels of strife and conflict. We also have different levels of spiritual understanding when we enter the combat zone and when we leave. Regardless of your location or when you served, your faith will be different when you come home.
No matter if your faith has grown or shrunk, it is important that you continue moving forward in your Christian walk. Do not stand still in your faith. 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 shares, “rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Every believer, civilian or veteran, needs a spiritual fitness routine. Like physical fitness, spiritual fitness must be practiced. While it is different from going to the gym and lifting weights, the concept is the same. We need to exercise our spiritual muscles in order to grow our faith.
Spiritual fitness can take place in many different ways:
- prayer
- reading scripture
- attending worship services
- seeking spiritual counsel
- fellowship
- meditation
- journaling
This is a small, but important sample of spiritual exercises that you can try. Feel free to try one and gradually combine others to your list. You can also participate in these activities with your family, friends, and a Christian community of believers, adding a greater dimension to your spiritual fitness by increasing your connection to other people.
Spiritual fitness is important to everyone. It draws us closer to God, forms us in the image of Jesus Christ, and allows us to strengthen our faith. Your spiritual fitness also affects your ability to deal with stress and times of crisis. Multiple studies determined that veterans who have an active spiritual practice report fewer and less severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Those who struggled with their faith or felt alienated from God had more severe PTSD symptoms.
Spiritual fitness also reduces anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Studies have also documented how people with a weekly pattern of attending worship services live longer, are healthier, and recover from illness more quickly.
Veterans and service members can take comfort in the transforming power of God. No matter where or when you were deployed, God still cares about you. No matter what you saw downrange or what you did, you can have a redeemed life.
When life seems full of despair, the Lord shares purpose, meaning, forgiveness, and acceptance. Continue to move forward in your faith. Train yourself to be the godly and righteous person you were called to become.
How to Prepare for a Deployment
Posted in Humor, tagged army, chaplain, deployment, how to prepare for deployment, humor, OEF, oif, veteran on April 14, 2013| Leave a Comment »
I have seen this list several times and wanted to share the photo.
If you have endured any of the above while down range, then this list might bring a smile to your face also.
Enjoy!
Military Marriages are Especially Difficult
Posted in Military Marriages, tagged army, chaplain, divorce, god squad, marriage, military sex scandal, military spouse, national guard, religion, soldier, veteran on January 24, 2013| Leave a Comment »
Every marriage is precious in the sight of God. It is an institution that began in Eden and continues with us as a gift from our Creator. We often forget that marriage was meant to be a blessing for humanity. When Jesus was asked about divorce in Matthew 19, he pointed back to the creation story in Genesis. Perhaps the people needed a lesson on the original intent of matrimony. Here Jesus reminds the crowd that the marriage of a man and woman was meant to be permanent, a bond of eternal love and devotion. It is a lesson that we still need today.
No marriage is easy. They all take work. They all require sacrifice and commitment. Military marriages require all the above plus an extra dose of patience, a heap of faithfulness, a double batch of kindness, and a strong shot of self-control.
This week served as a reminder that military marriages are especially difficult. A recent investigation by the Associated Press showed that 30 percent of military commanders who were fired since 2005 lost their jobs because of sexually related offenses. The list includes sexual harassment, adultery, and improper relationships. These 78 commanders lost more than their rank. They lost more than their position on a military post. They lost their families.
We all have distractions in our marriage, but military couples truly have an extra burden. They endure deployments, reuniting as a couple and a family once the deployment is finished, frequent separations for training missions, plus a litany of long days and late nights for regular work to get done. It is tough to make a marriage like this succeed.
When I completed the chaplain officer basic course at Fort Jackson, drill instructors had the highest divorce rate on post. Soldiers with this job had an 85% divorce rate. That number shocked me back then and it still does today. When you get past the initial surprise, the percentage made sense. These drill sergeants arrive at work before 5 am, wake up the recruits, train hard all day, get home around 7 or 8 pm, and repeat this kind of schedule until graduation day. Where is the time for your spouse? When can you enjoy your family? With schedules like this, who would be surprised with such a high divorce rate?
Don’t focus on the headlines. Don’t focus on the gloom and doom. Military marriages can and do work. Part of the solution is making time for each other. Stay current with your spouse. Attorneys, doctors, social workers, and yes, even chaplains, are required to get a set number of continuing education hours each year. This is encouraged to keep professionals current on the latest ways of helping those they serve. We should show the same devotion to stay current in our marriages. Don’t allow your relationship to wither on the vine.
Remember the gift that God has given you. Your marriage is meant to be a blessing. Also remember how God intends us to use the gift of marriage. May Christ continue to strengthen your eternal bond of love and devotion.
Dave Brubeck You Will Be Missed
Posted in News & Commentary, tagged army, army integration, chaplain, dave brubeck, god squad, jazz, national guard, pastor, racially integrated army band, take five, veteran, WWII veteran on December 5, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Dave Brubeck, an American jazz legend, died today. He was a respected pianist and composer who helped to define jazz. Most articles and stories will focus on great pieces like, “Take Five,” “Koto Song,” and “Blue Rondo a la Turk.” These songs will showcase his talent and skill, but folks should also remember Dave Brubeck the Army veteran.
After he graduated with a music degree in 1942, Brubeck enlisted in the Army. Brubeck belonged to Patton’s Third Army and served in the European campaign. One night he volunteered to play the piano at a Red Cross show. This was a turning point in his military career. Everyone was so impressed with his musical gift, that he was ordered to form a band. This resulted in the creation of an Army first, a racially integrated band.
When Dave Brubeck spoke about his military service, he often mentioned how it evoked a spiritual awakening in him. While many WWII era veterans would not share stories about the conflict they saw, Brubeck shared how it moved him to faith in God. This was not a quick conclusion. Brubeck became a Christian nearly 40 years after he witnessed combat.
I hope that Dave Brubeck is remembered for his God-given talent, his ability to see people for their skill instead of their skin color, his long quest as a spiritual seeker, and ultimately his faith in Jesus Christ.
Happy Birthday Marine Corps
Posted in Devotions, News & Commentary, tagged army, chaplain, devotion, marine, marine corps, military, national guard, veteran on November 10, 2012| 1 Comment »
Today Marines celebrate 237 years of faithful duty, service, and sacrifice to our nation. Know that your efforts are appreciated throughout America.
Nehemiah 4:14 is a great passage that highlights people who are willing to stand up and do what is right. The verse reminds us to ” . . . Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome,and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
Our first charge is the remember the Lord. There is no escaping our Creator. Scripture constantly reminds us to remember the love that God has for us. The second charge challenges us to fight for our brothers. Some may call that a mixed message, but it was a message that people needed to hear in the time of Nehemiah. I believe that it is also relevant in our day and age. Service takes different shapes and forms.
When injustices arise, there is a need for the farmer to leave his plow and defend what is right and true. When disasters strike, leaders must come forward to help those in distress. Faithful servants must be ready to right wrongs, help widows and orphans in need, and yes, at times take up arms to fight for our families.
Thank you for being there to fight for us. May God continue to bless you and keep you!
A Season of Giving
Posted in Military Family, tagged army, chaplain, charity, christian, combined federal campaign, Jesus, national guard, pastor, thanksgiving, veteran on October 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Americans gave almost $300 billion to charities in 2011. That is a staggering number when you consider our troubled economy. As a nation with high unemployment and frozen salaries for those who can find work, $300 billion is quite a hefty sum. But that figure also represents an incredible feat of generosity. One that deserves a deeper look.
When you dig into the total by category, you find that religious organizations received the most donations. Religious organizations garnered nearly one-third of the total.
Generous giving of that magnitude creates a lot of attention in the news. The talking heads and pundits on most media outlets are still discussing the story, but they don’t know how to interpret the information. They point to foundations, museums, art and cultural groups, or research hospitals as worthy causes for such giving, but for some reason religious groups seem like an odd place for people to send that level of financial support. In the end of their stories they end up scratching their heads as they try to figure out why people give and sacrifice in this manner. To me, the answer is quite clear. Churches, charities, missions, and religious organizations are performing the work of Christ.
Religious organizations feed the hungry, care for the sick, give comfort to the wounded, share hope with the broken-hearted, and minister to our souls. Significant acts like these will always mean more to people than receiving a tax deduction. It causes us to open our wallets. It enables us to volunteer and assist others in their time of need. It allows us to reflect Christ in a dark world.
As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, remember religious organizations, charities, and churches. You can give through the combined federal campaign in the armed forces or locally. Your financial support, no matter how great or small, allows people to share the redemptive story of Jesus and perform the loving work of our gracious God.
When Soldiers Stumble
Posted in Military Family, tagged army, chaplain, christian, deployment, military, national guard, reintegration, soldier, veteran on September 26, 2012| Leave a Comment »
History has taught us that people are different when they return from war. Part of the difference is often called the soldier’s paradox. After returning from combat, veterans can be emotionally distant, edgy, and angry, but they are also happy to be home.
During this time, veterans may have a short temper and little tolerance for mistakes. They are often more independent and boisterous than before the deployment. The transition from the war zone to the home zone can be very difficult. It also allows an atmosphere where anger, resentment, bitterness, and even depression can occupy our minds if we allow it. If firm boundaries are not in place, we will abuse alcohol, behave badly, curse and swear, start shouting matches, and spend more time with our battle buddies than at home.
To put it plainly, we stumble.
1 Corinthians 10:32 shares, “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God . . . .”
This is an important reminder for returning veterans. We should not falter in our witness. Even if we are hurting, our actions are examples that other may follow. It does not matter who may be watching an NCO, an officer, a spouse, a stranger, or your own child. That being the case, we should not lead others toward sin. We should instead reflect the love and peace of Christ. Our actions should point toward the cross and demonstrate a redeemed life.
There are ways to ease the transition home.
Make time for your family. Soldiers often make strong ties with fellow warriors while deployed. This was part of your support network while down range, but there is a family who needs you. Balance time between battle buddies and family. Be a godly example for your spouse and kids.
Make time for God. Growth and development is what every parent wants in a child. If a child stops growing any parent would be concerned. God wants us to mature and strengthen our faith. If you are the same Christian you were last year, something needs to change. Turn prayer, study, and fellowship into regular activities. In time, you will see the difference.
We all stumble. But there is a responsibility to get back on track. Remember that sanctification is the lifelong process of being changed from one degree of glory to the next, constantly growing in Christ. As military families continue reintegration, pursue the example of Christ.
God Squad 
Remember the 68,000
Posted in Military Family, Military Marriages, News & Commentary, tagged air force, army, chaplain, god squad, marine, marine corps, military spouse, national guard, navy, OEF, veteran on January 4, 2013| Leave a Comment »
If you are looking for a cause that needs your prayer and support in 2013, look no further than the American Soldier.
Even though the surge ended this year, there are 68,000 service members who are still fighting in Afghanistan. While the headlines talk about budget cuts, college football games, and Hollywood celebrities, their stories are often untold and forgotten.
These are America’s warriors who have left their homes and families to defend our nation. These are the college students who cancelled classes when their nation called. These are the fathers and mothers who missed a child’s first steps at home. These are the veterans who have dodged bullets and bombs to stay alive.
Remember them in 2013. Remember those who are fighting and sacrificing for you. Remember military spouses. Remember military families. Remember them in your prayers and your efforts. Remember the 68,000.
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