troop letter: I feel honored,

September 12, 2011

Keep the prayers, cards, letters, emails, and care packages coming.

Lamentations 3:22-23 – Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Blessings to You All on this Day of Remembrance,

Where were you? That’s the question we ask one another as the days of September move from 1 to 11. And, we all know exactly what is being asked.  Just where were you on Tuesday morning, September 11th, 2001? I was in my study at Monroeville Presbyterian Church in Alabama preparing for a week’s worth of ministry. Then, in an instant, the whole schedule – and, indeed, our whole perspective – was turned upside down. These past ten years have been tumultuous for our nation but through trial comes strength and resolve.

I have been thankful to spend 9 September 11th’s thanking God for the freedom I enjoy each day. I am thankful for safety and opportunity and the privilege of proclaiming the Gospel without fear of arrest. I thank God for the men and women who daily sacrifice (along with their families) to ensure that these blessing continue and even grow. I thank God for a beautiful wife, an amazing son, a supportive family, a loving church, and so very much more.

It was in the aftermath of the first deployments I watched after 2001 that I began to regret having never worn the uniform of my country. As I grew “longer in the tooth” I was convinced that the opportunity had passed me by. Then, a dear friend – a USAF chaplain – called me and told me that the Air Force needed chaplains and the age had been raised to let old guys like me serve. By God’s grace I passed all the requirements, met the height/weight criteria, and was commissioned as a chaplain in the Air National Guard. At the age of 43 I raised my hand and promised to support and defend my country against all enemies foreign and domestic. As my bride, my son, and my mother watched on, I couldn’t imagine what was in store. The excitement each day when I don the same ol’ tiger-striped USAF ABUs (Airman Battle Uniform) and drive onto the 165th Airlift Wing base in Savannah has not faded. What a joyful privilege it is to serve along-side such phenomenal men and women.

Then came today… I am nearly two months into the OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) deployment and was given a rare honor. On the 10th anniversary of the attacks on our homeland, I was invited to take to the skies with an 22nd Expeditionary Refueling Squadron aircrew on a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker. This is a massive jet that is used to refuel planes mid-air as they engage in hostile airspace. What an amazing feeling to consider this air mission in light of the tragic air attacks 10 years ago!

I feel honored, though completely unworthy, to serve in the midst of brave warriors like those here in Manas and my dear wingmen at the 165th (America’s Best Team, World’s Best Airlift). I am blessed to have been sent forth by my brothers and sisters at Grace Church of the Islands to minister for these months. I am humbled by the opportunity before us all as we seek to provide a future for our families and our children though terrorists in many forms would seek to snatch that future away. And, I seek to trust God more and more each day in these things. For He knows the plans He has for us – plans for welfare and not for evil – plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Please know that I look forward to climbing on another plane soon. Not one that will just return to the same spot a few hours later but one that will bring me home. I miss you all and look forward to seeing you.

Keep the prayers, cards, letters, emails, and care packages coming.

May God bless you today as we remember and move ahead.

In His Grace,