Loving God and Country

I recently heard, through my parents in Colorado, about an incident that took place in Iraq at the same base where I will soon be serving with many fellow soldiers of the 76th Brigade. As the event was described by one chaplain last spring, about 1,000 soldiers had gathered in an auditorium that was used for movies. On this occasion, prior to a showing of “Superman 3,” the National Anthem was played (as is customarily done on military bases). Unfortunately, the song was only three quarters of the way through when the music stopped. The soldiers, who were standing at attention, remained as they were as the music started again. But again, at the same point, the music stopped.

According to Chaplain Jim Higgins, “you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice; then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:”

‘And the rocket’s red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free
And the home of the brave?’

We are certainly troubled by the adversity we see in today’s world. Even as we prepare to face dangers overseas, we learn of the tragic deaths of at least 55 last week in the catastrophic weather that hit Tennessee. Yet there are always moments that remain with us: the self-sacrificing fire fighter or police officer; the child holding an American flag; soldiers kneeling in prayer together; and all of the imagery that teaches us the true meaning of “greatness.” We are indeed humbled to see true love in each other.

In the coming weeks, our soldiers will carry the love of friends and family back home as we journey overseas. We are all in this together. We long for peace and freedom together; and we fight for each other.

Blessings!

Daniel

Renewing the Soldier's Mind

The Army has become increasingly aware of the importance of the soldier’s mind. If you saw the movie “Patton,” you know there was a scene where the General slapped a soldier who was suffering from battle fatigue (known today as PTSD). But there was another scene later in the movie where Patton kissed a battle-fatigued soldier. The General had learned an invaluable lesson. And we are still learning that lesson today. We must be renewed in our minds.

This month we begin a season of the Christian calendar known as “Lent.” Beginning on Ash Wednesday (Feb 6), Christians traditionally observe the passion of Christ. This is popularly observed by giving up something (e.g. desserts, recreation, television etc.). I still remember going to a Roman Catholic Ash Wednesday service with my assistant SGT John Arvin in 2003. Just listening to the conversations that took place beyond the Chapel, I could sense soldiers—already without their families—who still desired to sacrifice more in order to grow in their faith.

I am looking at this season of Lent as a time of increasing relationships with fellow Christians. In the weeks ahead, I will become better acquainted with service members in Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, and other denominations, and find encouragement for my own faith journey. I am certain that I will be amazed to see what God is doing in our lives. We Christians are taught to see our brokenness; and also to see the wholeness that we find together in Christ.

This truly is a time for renewal. We need especially to be renewed in our minds in preparation for the testing that we will face for the rest of this year. I am reminded of those back home who are praying for us. I am grateful for the dozens of soldiers I have met thus far who are committed to participation in ministry. I see challenges that are impossible for humanity unless we receive divine strength to face them. I know that strength is available!

Blessings!

Daniel