Halfway Home

This past week was very long but I can't believe it is over already. We had many long days of some very strenuous physical activity, as well as some hurry up and waiting. One of the things at which I constantly marvel is this group of people who have been called into this ministry. There are several observations I would like to make on this topic.


First, if there wasn't some higher power driving them to be here and become Army chaplains I doubt they would be sticking it out, myself included. Although this training is not boot camp, it can be a rude awakening to military life for those who have no prior military training and are used to running their own lives and not placing a large organization like the Army before themselves.


That being said, the second point is that I have never been in a group this large going through so many trials together that has maintained such a positive attitude. We are all Christians in this class, with a minority from high church traditions and the majority of us being protestant. Under-represented faith groups are Catholic, Jewish, Islamic and Buddist chaplains, so if you know anyone of those persuations, please let them know the Army needs them. There have been numerous times when the opportunity presented itself to whine, complain and moan about the training or about waiting, but instead everyone has maintained a positive attitude, helping and encouraging others. We have also spent the down time getting to know each other and seeking to further understand our different faith traditions. Contrary to what the world may be like, this has been an environment of tolerance and respect. Instead of heated arguments about beliefs, there has been open discussion. I have not heard division, but rather strengthening of one's own personal faith. When we "agree to disagree" about an issue, we seek instead common ground. Ultimately, that ends up being our belief in the one true God.

Finally, in spite our our commonality there is much diversity in backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. That makes for a lot of fun. It also makes for a stronger unity not in spite of, but because of the diversity. We are many people serving one God and one Country.

So this past week I had many new experiences. I did some things I did not think I would ever do and learned some things I wish I would have known long ago. There is no need to go into details about the training, but I will say that tracers look cool at night when they fly over your head.

This next week is the last of our initial training. Sadly, some of my comrades will be going home at the end, as they are only here for part of the class. I still have two more weeks after that until I get to go home to my beautiful wife and my kids that I miss so much. Other folks are staying even longer to complete the whole course, after which some of them will be going "downrange" with their units. Please pray for those chaplains who will be going into harms way to bring God's message of hope to our soldiers in combat zones. While here I have made many new friends and comrades in ministry (we don't bear arms). God willing at the end of the week we will all have earned the right to wear the black Army beret and will proudly call ourselves Soldiers of God (ask me to sing the song for you sometime).

Sorry for the intermittancy and vagueness of these postings. It is really not appropriate to give detailed accounts of military training, but if you ask me when I see you face to face, I can tell you some pretty good stories. Some of the names may have to be changed, but the humor will still be there.

Please keep the cards, letters, emails, packages, and small unmarked bills, etc. coming. They are greatly appreciated. See you in a few weeks when I am all the way home.

Time Flies

Well, let me take care of some housekeeping issues first. You may notice the layout has changed. I received some feedback that the previous layout was challenging to read, so I am back to the original black and white. Thank you all for your comments and well-wishing.

My status: I am tired and sore, my eyes are burning right now and will be more so tomorrow. My room has a nice view of a grove of pine trees, although I have only seen it twice since being here. It is dark in the morning when I leave and dark at night when I get back to the room. I am eating healthier and burning more calories than I am taking in. Did I mention that I am tired?

I have come to realize that most of the things I did not like about the military 20 years ago I still don't like, but I have a different perspective on them now. Then I was just trying to get through them, now I am experiencing them in order to have some common ground with the soldiers to whom I will be ministering. It is also easier the second time around, knowing what to expect and not having a drill instructor yell at me all the time.

I am constantly amazed at the people God has called to this profession. The cadre at the school are some of the most professional people I have ever met, especially the sergeants in charge of training us. The sergeants' job is to train us chaplains (and chaplain candidates like myself) to survive combat and be able to minister to the soldiers. They take their job very seriously, and are all committed to God and Country. That said, fun time is over, but the party is just beginning. Don't be late, be squared away, and help your battle buddy out. Hooah!

And speaking of people from the past, (I know, very rough segue), I ran into a guy who used to work for Roseville PD a few years ago, before being recalled to active duty in the Army. He is now a sergeant first class and in charge of one of the ranges here at Fort Jackson. Small world, huh?

Well, I've got to get ready for tomorrow's activities so good night everyone, and please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

It's Only Been Three Days...

My flight Friday night was delayed almost two hours, to the point that the airline booked me on another airline out of Dallas, since I was going to miss my connection there. So after flying all night, (or so it seemed, we left Sacramento around 2AM), I ended up running around the Dallas/Fort Worth airport, missing my original flight by about 10 minutes but making the new flight just barely - I was the second to last person on the plane. They were boarding stand-by passengers when I got to the gate. I flew from there to Charlotte, NC and then to Columbia, SC. Of course my bag with all of my uniforms was hours behind me on a plane from the original airline. I finally received it yesterday afternoon, thankfully.

So I was about 45 minutes late for the first briefing, but since I called ahead the Army was gracious and it was okay. Since Sunday afternoon it has been non-stop in-processing, paperwork, issuing of gear and learning about the Army. It has been very tiring but also very encouraging, as the men and women that have been working with us newbies are some of the most professional and squared-away people I have ever met.

That's it. Tomorrow starts very early. TTFN.

And I'm Off

So, it has finally set in - I will be gone for six weeks beginning in just a few hours. I leave at 0035 on the red-eye to fly back to Fort Jackson, SC for my initial military training in the Army. I am nervous, excited, scared, melancholy at the thought of leaving my wife and kids. I miss them already and they are right here with me.

I walked around all day today in a fog as I thought about leaving. "Am I forgetting anything? This is the last time for six weeks that I will walk on my new patio. Last night was the last time I will get to put my kids to bed for six weeks. Did I take care of everything so it will be easier on Becky?" I just pray that it all goes well while I am gone.

I am excited to be doing this because I see the tremendous spiritual growth ahead. There is absolutely no way I could do this on my own. I am completely relying on God to get me through this training and I trust that He will.

So for this New Year, I hope and pray that all who read this will be safe and happy, and know the peace that comes from knowing God. Happy New Year and God Bless!