troop letter: brave warriors.

September 04, 2011

These war-weary army cops (though none were more than 25 years old) knew sweet contentment as they sat in the ministry center and were thankful for the gifts you send from home

Good Morning to You All,
Every now and then, the Lord gives us a much needed dose of perspective. I would have to say that time spent among America’s warriors is a most timely dose. There is so much that we take for granted. There is so much about which we cry out, “I need it!” when our needs are truly quite simple. The hard part is being content in God’s good provision to us. Meals, shelter, clothes, … the Lord provides in wondrous ways.  The key is to thank the Lord continually for all His goodness. And, beyond simple provision, God pours out his goodness and grace in pretty amazing ways.
I am thankful for the clothes on my back. As you can see in the attached picture, though my choices are quite limited (!), I am not hurting for clothes, for boots, for a warm jacket, for gloves, and for a hat to keep the bright Manas sun from scorching my scalp. I am thankful that I don’t have to give any thought about what to wear, I simply grab the next clean uniform and head out for the day.
I am thankful for a place to sleep and shower.  Though it’s not as comfortable and familiar as home, it is a sign of God’s goodness that at the end of a long shift I can lay my head on my pillow in the quiet of my room and sleep soundly.  God’s provision of safety and security are brought to mind as I think of the brave security forces personnel who watch the walls, stand their posts, and secure the base. I close my eyes and am thankful to be watched over.
I was raised in a house with a father, two younger brothers, and a mother who bore up well as a vastly out-numbered woman in this house of men. If any of us boys brought friends over, it simply pressed the already lop-sided ratio out of all reasonable proportions. Meal-times could truly be epic. Yet, meals were always on the table and no one in our family could ever be accused of being malnourished.  The services personnel here at Manas do an amazing job feeding the thousands who pass through the dining facilities doors each day. Now, keep in mind that these are thousands of soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors. These are no small appetites. The logistics and sheer magnitude of the task is staggering. Yet, as daunting as their task is, I have not been denied a meal and have yet to wait more than 5 minutes in a line for food. You’ll be glad to know that I am down about 18 pounds so far – but this is by choice through rigorous PT and not due to any lack of nutritious and tasty food. I am thankful as I bow my head before each meal that the Lord has not let me go hungry.
Just yesterday I watched around a dozen soldiers come into the chapel office for a quiet and cool place to relax. They had just completed a year down-range and are on the way home to Ft. Drum. As we welcomed them into out airmen ministry center, we talked with them and showed them all the supplies and books that have been graciously provided by folks back home. I had to smile when I saw their faces as I opened the freezer section of our icebox and they saw … freezy-pops!  It seems like so small a thing, but these young men and women (MP’s from Ft. Drum) were so very thankful for a quiet place, a soft sofa, and a cold freezy-pop. We sat and talked and found ourselves so very content to have a moment of quiet, peace, and rest. Afterward, several of us old-fogies in the office commented on how the words “I’m bored” never came out of their lips. I am convinced that “boredom” is simply a verbal expression of a heart that is not content. These war-weary army cops (though none were more than 25 years old) knew sweet contentment as they sat in the ministry center and were thankful for the gifts you send from home.
Our command chief, CMSgt James Lucas, has said frequently that 9 out of 10 Americans will not have to think about their precious freedoms, liberties, and provision because of the service of the other 1. Let me encourage you to pay careful attention to the words of Paul to his young brother Timothy. “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” He does not qualify the statement by limiting it only to veterans. He speaks to us all. Sometimes we just have to work harder to find that contentment and peace.
I am thankful for your prayers and for the cards and letters that have been coming in. Please don’t stop. I keep them and post them on my office bulletin board so that I can see them each day and be thankful. Attached is a picture of the chapel truck as we returned from the post office with chapel letters and packages. Also, consider writing a letter to a soldier, sailor, marine, or airman. We give letters and cards from children and adults to the warriors passing through. They smile as they read them and tuck them in their packs as they leave. Simply write a note of thanks and send it to me and we’ll be sure to put it in the hands of one of these men and women who serve in that special 1%. You will probably never know (this side of heaven) how much your words are appreciated. But, they surely are.
Thank you also for your prayers and kindness to my family. Carol and Thomas are just as “deployed” as I am. Their life is different. Their jobs are more difficult. And – I say with a bit of pride – they are bearing up with honor. Many of you wished Carol a happy birthday this past week and took her to lunch or dinner or baked her a cake or called or wrote… We are so very thankful for you. As you care for the ones I love, you give me a gift that I treasure immeasurably. Don’t ever forget the families of our brave warriors. They serve us too.
I look forward to seeing you all soon. May our heavenly Father, who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine bless you richly through Christ Jesus.
I miss you all very much. I can’t wait ‘til I am back home with you.
In His Grace,
Brannon
Chaplain (Capt) Thomas