Why I Serve...

Basic Combat Training 1985

In my 29 years of service the question that I have heard most often is why do I serve.

     I have often thought long about that answer. My initial reason for joining was simple.  I joined because of love of country, love of military and most of all because of the call to serve and before I became a chaplain I wanted to experience being a Soldier.

     My continual service has to do with my love for God and the place he has called me to be and my love for Soldiers.  If I was asked today why I serve it would because of the following stories about two Soldiers.

     I often sit back in amazement that I get to serve along some of the most amazing men and women in the world.

     In the very early morning hours of 6 Oct 2013 a unit went on a raid here in Afghanistan.  The raid went downhill fast and there were many wounded and a number killed.  All the Soldiers in the raid are an inspiration, two Soldiers standout to me.

SGT/Team Leader 3rd PLT 670th MP Co 2nd Row 4th from left. Late '80s

     Soldier one who I can only imagine was either the medic or a leader of some sort.  Arrives at the Role III hospital (the highest level of care before going to Germany) and steps off the aircraft injured with a tourniquet around one of his arm.  He drops his gear and only when he knows his team is being taken care of he allows himself to become a patient.

     Solider two is lying in the ICU.  Tubes sticking out of him and he is incubated.  His right arm is wrapped and splinted.  The command arrives to do a Purple Heart Ceremony for the wounded from the night before. The medical staff is sure that this Soldier will not respond and likely not to remember the event.  The command presents this Soldier with his Purple Heart.  They begin to present his Combat Infantry Badge when he begins moving his right arm.  The doc presses in and attempts to calm the kid down.  The kid continues to move his arm from under the blanket.  They continue to attempt to calm him down.  He finally gets his right arm out from under the covers and then fights with the tubes and splint and he then presents the best salute that he can render under his conditions.

Battalion Chaplain 2-2 Infantry Regiment 2004

     Two men who are an amazing inspiration to all.  One put his men before himself the other in the midst of his medical condition still renders appropriate honors.

     This is not the first time I witnessed such greatness.  I have been blessed to see such greatness over and over again in the last 29 years.  I serve because God called me here.  I serve because of great men and women like these.

     I am honored to serve along such greatness.