Taps

I conducted my first military funeral yesterday. The soldier, SGT Robert Bye was a former Marine and a Guardsman of 13 years. He was on orders and preparing for deployment. He held a second job as a truck mechanic and took a call for a roadside repair last week during the snow storm. From what I gathered, he was out on the highway when a tractor trailer rear ended the other one and ran him over. He was 39 years old.

He was father to four children and married three times. The challenge in ministry with blended families is often a matter of keeping track of who is who and how they're related. His widow is a nurse who has faith and is surrounded by many supportive individuals.

Due to the fact SGT Bye was on active duty orders, he was given a full military funeral and buried at the National Cemetery at Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA My role in all of this was to visit with the family and to provide religious support during the committal service. While I read portions from Psalm 46 and 139 and excepts of the Gospel of John, the white gloved honor guard held an outstretched flag over the casket. When I indicated to the Officer in Charge that I was done, he signaled for a gun salute and the playing of "Taps."

During the funeral service, a Presbyterian minister from the congregation Robert grew up in reminded us of the lyrics to Taps which were written during the Civil War and were used to signal "lights out."

Day is done ...Gone the sun ... From the lakes ... From the hills ... From the sky ... All is well ... Safely rest ... God is nigh ...
Fading light ... Dims the sight ... And a star ... Gems the sky ... Gleaming bright ... From afar ... Drawing nigh ... Falls the night ...
Thanks and praise ... For our days ... 'Neath the sun ... 'Neath the stars... 'Neath the sky ... As we go ... This we know ... God is nigh ...

At that point the honor guard folded the flag, presented it to the widow who in turn requested that it be presented to his eldest son. Another detail that had three smaller flags approached the family and gave them to his other sons.

When a family loses a soldier on active duty, a Casualty Assistance Officer is assigned to the family to help them through all the paperwork and details and serves as the Army's personal liaison to the family. The CAO works with the family until everything is completed. This often goes beyond a year. The officer who was assigned in this case was CPT LLoyd, an attentive man in his mid-forties with an easy-going nature. This is his first assignment as a CAO. Before I leave for school, I will also touch base with the family to see how they're doing and offer support if needed and desired.

Today, I will spend some time completing paperwork and see how I can tighten up some of the scheduling for the briefings. The news coming out of Iraq is so disparate. On one hand there is talk about how we are catching major players in the insurgency and excitement about the elections. On the other hand we had the greatest loss of lives in one day, threats to potential voters by the insurgency, and an insufficient number of trained Iraqi guardsman. The elections and the work of the parliament in the next few months will be an indicator of what the climate may be like when I deploy with the 228th FSB. This morning I heard that along with over 1,400 casualties, we have over 10,000 injured troops. Not much is stated about how many injuries among civilians.

Last year when I first attended chaplain's school, one of the senior chaplains asked if I knew about the history of the PA Army National Guard 28th Infantry Division (which I am a member). When I told him "no," he recommended that I become familiar with it because it is impressive and something of which to be proud.

Almost Being There

So far the big blizzard hasn't dumped as much as expected on Lancaster. All the better. Being at Camp Shelby in Mississippi seems even more attractive now that winter has really arrived. Yesterday I shoveled here and some of Mom & Dad's driveway.

A few days ago I received a call from a soldier in one of the units at Shelby. He had begun the process of applying as a Conscientious Objector. My understanding is that when soldiers apply for CO status, the chaplain is basically a counselor and helps the soldier clarify his/her religious grounding on the matter. A chaplain makes a recommendation to the CO board, but has no direct vote on the outcome. Since I was not yet at Camp Shelby, I suggested that the soldier get in touch with my senior chaplain. I heard that he had done so.

Sometimes soldiers who serve in supportive roles become anxious that they will be called upon to fill infantry slots or will face situations where they must use their weapons. If I were at camp right now, I would have greater opportunity to mingle with the troops and get a sense of morale. All sorts of issues come up in garrison while preparing for deployment. A chaplain helps to make sure troops are at the highest possible state of spiritual readiness to take on a particular mission.

Back at the HQ in Hbg, as I help other chaplains schedule briefings and offer my services to fill in, I am spending time reading all sorts of briefings, diaries, After Action Reviews (AAR's), field manuals, etc. in order to help give me as much background and knowledge of resources. I've even been reading up on all sorts of sects and cults from a sociological point of view.

The job, a castle and more dogs

The last two mornings have been about getting up before 6 A.M. in order to make it to Harrisburg by 8 A.M. I've been working in the basement "War Room" of the castle style Head Quarters for the 28th division. It is very quiet down there only with a few who are regulars. This is where the PA ANG protects PA from invasions by NJ, NY, DE, MD, WV, and OH. A Master Sergeant Chaplain's Assistant is showing me the ropes of this temporary assignment. He's a bright and talkative man who is ordained in the Evangelical Free church who has an extensive background in rescue mission chaplaincy. He has great stories both humane and absurd.

My current task is to confirm dates and times with various chaplains to present Family Reunion Briefings. Basically, it is a matter of making a few phone calls and following up with emails. So far, most of them have a handle on their scheduling. I may be needed to drive somewhere to present one of the briefings myself in order to lighten their load. Additionally, I'm assisting in the production of a brochure on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and resources to help afflicted soldiers.

For part of the day I've been casually researching on the internet chaplain oriented topics to prepare for mobilization and to make sure I have enough manuals, supplies and what not.

I like putting in a regular work day. Heck, I could even get used to the concept. Currently, I'm scheduled to be doing this for two to three weeks, after that the Senior chaplain will search for more funds to extend me until I leave for school on Feb. 20. When I finish school on April 8, I will be attached to the unit that is waiting for me down at Camp Shelby, MS. Now it is just a matter of showing up and doing the work that is assigned to me.

Some of my concerns about leaving Sherman behind are starting to fade. A friend of mine, Mike and his three Vizslas and a Dalmatian may occupy my house while I'm away. Mike bred Marshal, my Vizsla. Marshal was a gift to me the last time Mike and his dogs stayed here a couple years ago. Now, once again his one bitch is pregnant...

Indulgence

Although getting three hour plus doses Comedy Central's stand up comics and MAD TV is personally gratifying, I haven't found anyone who is willing to pay me in making it my career. So, I decided that the last day of the week ought to be a productive one. Not to give anyone to impression that I've totally succumbed to the demon of sloth, I did read nearly the entire Jan 17 issue of TIME magazine which is devoted to "The Science of Happiness." There are some excellent discussions of mind & body relationships and even the theological question of "Does God want us to be happy?" I figured that my happiness quotient was in danger of lowering if my bank account were to hit zero before I were deployed, so I called Substitute Teacher Service and told them that I was available to work all day Friday in order to save the homestead.

Today it was a real treat to substitute for a 5th grade class at Martin Luther King Elementary School, Lancaster, PA. I was genuinely impressed with the attitude and courtesy that these children displayed. I believe it was a nearly 100% Hispanic classroom. The teachers and administration stress discipline and respect. And it shows. The class has been broken down into peer groups of fours called teams. Each team is praised and gain privileges or is disciplined based on the actions of any individual member. It works very well and helps to foster a society of mutual accountability and self direction. I only had to say "let's be quiet" once or twice and it happened! Then learning took place. If you ever think you don't know much, teach some elementary school. It will make you feel like a genius. And with the Teacher's Edition texts, you'll know all the answers! I even learned how to say "Have a good weekend" in Spanish": Que pasa un buen fin de semana! I would definitely go back.

I am on orders beginning Monday and will be working here in the State through 28th Division Joint Command organizing and presenting Family Reunion Briefings. Basically stated, these are a service to family members who are about to receive their soldier(s) from overseas. The briefing underscores having realistic expectations about reuniting and understanding that individuals change and grow over time apart. And that is good to become reacquainted to who everyone is in the family. Good stuff. I've lead these before and find it fulfilling. In the meanwhile, I received calls from chaplains at Camp Shelby asking me where I am and how to get me down there as soon as possible... So, they're still working on it. One thing is certain: I have orders to be at Chaplain's School on Feb 20. After that I am deployable and have been told that I will attach with the 228th FSB, Sellersville and go through with them to Iraq.

Just in case you might wonder where the religion is in CHAPLAINARISBLOG or if you have ever wondered or even cared if I have a prayer life, what follows may be of interest to you. I look for an authentic prayer life in the clergy I seek out as mentors and companions. Protestantism has taught me the beauty of free-form prayer and "talking to God" in prayer. This is the type of prayer where one approaches God from their experience and desire to bring before him the cares of the heart for one's self, others, and the world.

Recently, I was reminded that my background includes more standardized prayers of the Christian tradition. A prayer that comes straight from Orthodoxy is the simple contemplative Jesus prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me a sinner." Some feel inclined to pray only "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy." and allow the prayer to be more encompassing. Protestants are more familiar with formal prayers in the form of collects during worship.

Beads. Yes, Beads! I grew up around old Greek men who would carry worry beads. Beads have a long history associated with the life of prayer in many different religious traditions. Last year, while on retreat, the Rev. Sr.Barbara Catherine at Community of Saint John Baptist, Mendham, NJ lead a group of clergy in making our own Anglican Rosaries. It felt like occupational therapy stringing these beads. Luckily Sr. Barbara chose high quality stone ones that kept the exercise visually stimulating. Rosaries are relatively recent idea within the Anglican Communion. The Episcopalians are open to innovation in the practice of the use of the beads, so I altered my practice to include the Jesus Prayer as the "weeks" in the cycle. It works in bridging East and West for me.

Finally, there is even a rosary style prayer for those who would never dare touch beads: The BLESS prayer in which each letter of BLESS corresponds with a finger on the hand. The BLESS prayer can be used as intercessory prayer (on behalf of others) or for one's self.

The BLESS Prayer
B Body – health, protection, strength
L Labor – work, income, security
E Emotional – joy, peace, hope
S Social – marriage, family, friends
S Spiritual – salvation, faith, grace

“I urge that requests, prayers, intercession
and thanksgiving be made for everyone.”
I Timothy 2:1

Peace to you.

Ministry of Meanwhile

Several soldiers and officers were surprised to see me back during drill weekend. Many knew that I was to be deployed. I had more than a few conversations explaining the situation. Most could relate to the Army way. One soldier said that I should "take it as a sign." He is about to start student teaching at McCaskey High School. The Army training will come in handy, was my reply. I can say this since I'm a graduate of J. P. McCaskey.

I lead a brief worship service at 2 P.M. on Sunday. Attendance was more than usual--eight all in all. My homily was remarkably similar to Rev. Hunsicker's which I heard earlier that morning at St. Andrew. Thank God I know where to find inspiration when I'm not being visited by the Spirit myself. During worship, I had individuals introduce themselves. Although this might seem simplistic, it helps to quickly create a sense of community when people are seeking some sense of connection in an institutional environment. This was taught to me by a good mentor and I often use it. Some of the prayers of the people included prayers for tsunami victims and prayers for those who are left behind when soldiers deploy. A Major who was in attendance and I agreed that we feel positive and psyched to go, but noticed a wide range of responses from our family and friends.

The Joint Command is planning to use me as a chaplain for the PA ANG for the time being until I go to chaplain's school on Feb 20. Basically, I will be conducting Family Reunion Briefings for family members of soldiers who are returning from deployment. I have presented one of these before and found it to be satisfying and a feel-good type of event. The program is about having realistic expectations as people reunite and learning to cope with change in others during a time of separation. Now I am waiting for the go-ahead as the position is being funded. It will probably be a day or two yet. After school (April 8) I will attach with the 228 FSB in Mississippi and proceed from there.

In the meanwhile, my spirits are good, the house is in order and I have a little more free time than usual. (And I like it!) Sherman (my first dog; a 6 y.o. bullmastiff of 135 lbs.) and I are becoming reacquainted and are getting more walkies in. One of my greatest pleasures is watching Sherman move. He's beefy, yet light on his feet. When he stops to sniff at the base of a tree or to lift his leg, his mass is resolute and firmly planted. Sherman gets many reactions from others as I walk. Most people see him for what he is--a big doofy loveable dog. I like to think of him as the canine mayor to Lancaster. He makes friends quickly and looks like he should walk around with a cigar in his mouth.

Last night I watched Scent of a Woman for the first time ever. I loved it. I especially liked the tango scene, the blind Colonel driving the Ferrari, and the redeeming ending. The kid saves the jaded war horse. And then officer stands up for the kid's integrity. I'm surprised I never saw it before because it is completely my kind of film. Al Pacino is amazingly intense and versitile. I think I will tackle doing the taxes next. It would be kinda nice to go to school with a refund check in the bank. (I should be so lucky--I think I've paid additional taxes for at least three years in a row.)

Waiting for Orders (Godot)

The goodbyes were said, the send-off party given, the mail was forwarded, the dog was sent to his relatives, and the bags were packed. (Not completely to Army standard.) No sooner did I return from the six hour trip to drop off a sea bag and a trunk, the phone call came, "We have no orders for you." The issue was that I have not completed chaplain's school. This issue had been worked out months ago. Another chaplain shares the same status as me, but left on Tuesday. So, we're not to sure where the glitch occurred.

As of Friday evening, I am still in Lancaster. I spent the day giving Mom's dog, Fuji, a bath and leaving information for my sister to handle my financial matters in my absence. "Hurry up and wait." is the unofficial motto of the U.S. Army--I'm livin' it. Tomorrow I drill at Ft. Indiantown Gap. When I called my superior officer to check if I should find work with the church conference in case orders don't come through until school (Feb 20), I was told that I could be on a plane to Mississippi as early as Monday. So, I wait.

Although I feel prepared to deal with many different potential hardships, the one that didn't cross my mind was the possibility of having to sit in my house like it's a motel room by the beach on a rainy day. Welcome and peace to you.