Posted in Devotions, tagged 9-11 prayer, 9/11 prayer, chaplain, christian, devotions, faith, military, pastor, veteran on September 11, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Heavenly Father, we ask that You continue to heal and restore as we remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Comfort those who mourn the loss of loved ones from that day and all the actions that have followed in its wake.
Be with our military as they leave their families and sacrifice blood, sweat, and tears on our behalf.
Guide our leaders as they direct our nation.
Eternal God, help us to fix our eyes on You, to live like Christ, and to respond to Your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Posted in Suicide Prevention, tagged armed forces, army, chaplain, national guard, suicide, suicide prevention, veteran on August 23, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Suicide is a monumental problem in our society and in the military. Currently, a member of the Armed Forces dies each day from suicide. We could easily read the suicide rates for 2012 and forget that every suicide statistic represents a life lost. A death that leaves behind scores of hurting people.
There is no “one size fits all” solution to suicide. People contemplate suicide for many different reasons; increased alcohol and drug use, divorce, family dissolution, financial matters, legal trouble, an illness, depression, and many other reasons. While the causes vary, we can all show universal concern and support.
Here are some ways to help people at-risk of suicide.
1. Be present. Show your concern for people in pain. Make time for the person who is hurting. Scripture shares that we need to “bear one another’s burdens.” Take time to help through their days of difficulty.
2. Listen. Express compassion through listening and responding. Empathy is a great way to show concern to a person experiencing pain. Hear his or her concerns. Allow that person to say what is causing the pain. Share the gift of silent listening and then you can guide your friend with wise counsel.
3. Do something about the problem. Too often, people at-risk are so overwhelmed with depression, grief, stress, or anguish that they don’t know where to turn next. Give that person guidance. Share resources that can help. Take them to a medic, chaplain, or counselor. Call the VA hospital. Find a way to connect the person with assistance. The Bible encourages us to be, “doers of the word, not hearers only.” Take action, especially when it comes to the important issue of suicide.
Suicide impacts our state, our community, and National Guard units across the nation. While causes will vary, we can all make a difference in addressing the problem. Demonstrate compassion and concern for those who are hurting. Take time and be available to friends in need. The time and efforts you make can save a life.
Posted in Military Family, tagged army, chaplain, deployment, family, marriage, military, military spouse, soldier, veteran on August 8, 2012| 4 Comments »
Your soldier finally made it back from the deployment. The homecoming ceremony is over. The banners and bunting are put away. The confetti is gone. Your warrior is home with 90 days of leave. Now what?
Here are a few tips on how to handle your soldier at home.
Communicate like a couple. This will be rusty at first. You have both changed during the deployment. You are more independent and your warrior still needs to adjust back into the family. Remember that you will hear lots of military jargon and abbreviations. They will make no sense to you whatsoever. It is okay to turn your head and say, “I don’t know what you just said. Did you just speak in Martian? Is that some kind of Army lingo you picked up during the deployment?” Be ready for the soldier to talk like a soldier. Sentences may be short and choppy. In return, speak up when that occurs. Remind your warrior that you were not down range. Apply grace and compassion in moments like this. Listen to the war stories and remind your soldier to hear the home stories as well. Show love through humor and sharing.
Reunions take time. Once the soldier is home, it will take time to reconnect. You cannot flip a switch and return your family to 2011. Expect things to go well. There is normally a honeymoon period where everything is perfect because the family is back together. This can last a couple of days or a couple of weeks. It is different for each military family. In time, challenges will start to surface. The kids will act up during the worst possible time. The dog will get sick. Conversations turn into arguments. Tempers will flare. Snippy comments are exchanged and suddenly our once happy couple stops using titles like dear, baby, honey, or sugar toward each other. Don’t growl at each other. This is when you adjust to new roles and routines. How did things function during the deployment? Share what a typical day looked like and how the family needs to function. Make the adjustments necessary. Gradually, the new normal will be established at home, but prepare for a couple of kinks in the line. Remember to demonstrate patience with each other.
Keep your activities. Keep the fun events and activities that got you through the deployment. Don’t give up the good stuff that kept you sane during the last year. Several spouses will join a gym, have a girl’s night out with FRG friends, start a hobby, or join a book club. Don’t throw them out because your warrior is home. Likewise, soldiers may have taken college classes, maintained a fitness routine, attended Bible study, or enjoyed a movie night with battle buddies during the deployment. Soldiers and spouses should keep the good stuff from the last year, but remember to maintain a balance. Make time for each other and your family. Don’t let activities and events get in the way of your reunion. Protect the good stuff in a healthy way.
Each time I came home, my wife was very patient with me. We felt that the second deployment was easier in some ways because we knew what to expect. But there were different challenges from the first go around. Military families need to know that every deployment and homecoming is different. The issues that military families face are complex and varied. Don’t expect the first to be like the second. Make time to attend your reintegration briefings or Yellow Ribbon events. They will offer practical ways to help you and your funny talking soldier.
Posted in Military Family, Military Marriages, tagged army, avoid jerks, dating, marriage, military, military spouse, national guard, no jerks, relationships, single, soldier, veteran on July 30, 2012| Leave a Comment »
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 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 on July 19, 2012| Leave a Comment »
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.
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 on July 12, 2012| 4 Comments »
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 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 on July 5, 2012| Leave a Comment »
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 Devotions, Military Family, tagged air force, armed forces, army, Bible, book of Roman, chaplain, chick fil, chick-fil-a, chick-fil-a lemonade, Christ, christian, Christianity, Creator God, devotional, devotions, faith, families, family, food, friends, front, god, god squad, good lemonade, home, home front, Jesus, lemon, lemonade, lemonade recipe, lemons, love, marine, marine corps, military, military family, national guard, navy, religion, religious, reserve, restaurants, romans, Romans 1:25, soldier, spiritual, spirituality, squad, summer, summertime, summertime lemonade, the best lemonade, travel, vacation, veteran, veterans, warriors on May 29, 2012| Leave a Comment »
I love lemonade. There is nothing like a glass of lemonade during the summertime. It’s the best you could ask for. A cold glass of lemonade hits the spot after mowing the yard, walking the dog, or just relaxing on the porch. This amazing drink will immediately satisfy me, draw a thirst quenching “aaahhh” from my mouth, and deliver a toothy smile to my face.
Sure there are different kinds of lemonade out there. You can get lemonade in an Army mess hall or even a Navy galley. But I’m talking about the good stuff. The lemonade recipe that your grandmother used. You know what I’m talking about. A recipe with real lemons, sugar, and plenty of kick.
My wife and I recently went to a Chick-fil-A and ordered lemonade with our meal. We didn’t know what to expect of the drink. Would the lemonade be a watered down version or something that tastes too syrupy sweet? The sign said it was made-from-scratch daily, so we decided to take a chance on their lemonade. We were both amazed. It was absolutely fantastic! It had to be one of the finest lemonades out there. Where had this been all of my life? Why didn’t anyone tell me that Chick-fil-A lemonade tasted so good?
To say that I was surprised by their lemonade would be an understatement. I had been settling for something less, when this recipe was clearly better. This discovery became our new gold standard when it comes to lemonade. No longer will we settle for something less.
God understands good lemonade. He gave humanity a recipe to follow regarding life. He knew that this recipe would satisfy us, quench us, and make us smile. This recipe is the finest out there. In fact, it is the perfect recipe. It is the gold standard of recipes. But some folks wanted to make their own recipe. They wanted different ingredients and proportions in the mixture. They were willing to settle for a recipe with less because it was something that they had made.
Romans 1:25 shares that people exchange the truth about God for a lie or “the” lie depending on your translation. This passage tells how people “worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator . . .” This lie is about self. I know better. I am more important. I will do whatever I want. The rules don’t apply to me. In essence, I will follow my own recipe.
Folks have the choice to follow their own recipe in life. Perhaps they didn’t know just how satisfying God’s recipe is for us. But when you taste and discover how incredibly satisfying it is, you won’t settle for less. May God bless you and your pursuit of His righteousness, His recipe for your life.
Posted in Devotions, tagged air force, armed forces, army, artillery fire, audie murphy, battle of holtzwihr, Bible, book of Isaiah, Book of John, chaplain, Christ, christian, Christianity, devotion, devotional, devotions, faith, France, friends, god, god squad, Holtzwihr, isaiah, isaiah 53, Jesus, Jesus Christ, John, John 3:16, love, marine corps, medal of honor, memorial day, memorial day devotion, military, national guard, navy, New Testament, Old Testament, religion, religious, sacrifice, soldier, Son of God, spiritual, spirituality, squad, veteran, veterans, warriors, world war ii on May 25, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Memorial Day allows us to remember the meaning of sacrifice. Veterans, soldiers, and veteran groups frequently celebrate Audie Murphy and his sacrificial efforts during World War II.
As a soldier, Murphy was credited with destroying six tanks, killing over 240 German soldiers, and capturing many others. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the battle of Holtzwihr, France. In this campaign, Murphy’s unit was reduced to 19 out of 128. As they continued to take losses, Murphy ordered his men to fall back while he provided rifle fire to protect their escape. When he ran out of ammunition, he climbed on top of a burning M10 tank destroyer and used its .50 caliber machine gun to fight the enemy. He also called in artillery fire to slow the German advance. Murphy continued to shoot and call in artillery for an hour until he was wounded in the leg.
When asked after the war why he had seized the machine gun and taken on an entire company of German infantry, he replied simply, “They were killing my friends.” His selfless service and sacrifice is celebrated every year.
Each Memorial Day we celebrate the suffering and sacrifice of veterans. But to understand sacrifice we must look past the holiday weekend. To understand sacrifice we must look to God.
John 3:16 shares that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” A sacrifice was made for us. Christ was wounded for our wrongs. Isaiah 53 is titled the Suffering Servant. This chapter in the Old Testament shares how the Son of God would be “pierced for our transgressions” and suffer on our behalf. His actions would bear our iniquities and justify us before a Holy God.
As Christians, we understand that Jesus went to the cross for our sins. His substitution on the cross ultimately atoned for the sins of the world. He interceded to save us.
While stories of sacrifice, war wounds, medals, and heroism will take center stage this holiday weekend, remember that we understand sacrifice through the love and devotion of Jesus Christ. He is truly our Savior.
Posted in Military Family, Veteran Resources, tagged air force, armed forces, armed forces sexual assault policy, army, chaplain, current events, deployment, families, family, god, helpline, hotline, joint chief, joint chiefs, joint chiefs of staff, marine, marine corps, military, military family, military news, military sexual assault policy, national guard, navy, news, politics, reintegration, research, reserve, safe help line, service member, service members, sexual assault, sexual assault policies, sexual assault response, sexual assault response coordinator, sexual harassment, soldier, squad, veteran, veterans, victim advocate, warriors on May 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »
The Joint Chiefs of Staff have recently outlined new policies to deter sexual assaults in the armed forces.
One of the major changes will happen at basic training for new recruits in every service branch. New recruits will receive training on sexual assault policies within their first two weeks on active duty. Making sure that recruits are educated on right conduct and appropriate behavior will go a long way in the force. This prevention and education effort should be viewed as an important step in reducing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military.
Additional policy changes include ensuring that sexual assault cases are handled by officers at the Colonel or O-6 level, and forming a new Special Victims Units across each service branch in order to better investigate assaults and bring more perpetrators to justice. Cases will no longer be dropped by low-level commanders who can prevent investigations from moving forward with flimsy excuses. Cases will instead move past the local unit level and be pushed up the chain of command for investigation by senior officers.
While these changes are new and still being fine tuned for implementation, I hope that advocacy efforts will also be a part of the equation. All of the services need to provide high levels of support through unit victim advocates, sexual assault response coordinators, medical services, legal representation, and counseling.
Veterans and service members can make confidential reports to a chaplain, healthcare provider, sexual assault response coordinator, or victim advocate. If you need help or have questions you can call 877-995-5247 or click www.safehelpline.org for additional resources.
God Squad 