Send Me, Lord
I wrote the following piece for the August battalion newsletter:
As our days at Camp Beuhring in Kuwait were coming to a close, many of us were beginning to receive our assignments to either go by convoy or to fly. There were mixed emotions for many because this was the first time that they would be entering hostile territory. As the serials for the convoys lined up in the staging areas, Chaplain Assistant SPC Andre Hargrave and I went from vehicle to vehicle to talk and pray with soldiers. Many were very optimistic and ready for the three day trek to Camp Taqaddum near Ramadi. A number of soldiers said, “I am finally getting to do what I came here to do.” These were confident souls who have trusted their training and were more than ready for the “clock to start ticking” (so that the time to go back home would come).
Our Commander, LTC Glen Nissley lead the convoy to its destination. When I spoke with him about his decision to convoy rather than fly, he stated that it was important for soldiers to know that leaders are willing to “lead the way.” It is critical for soldiers as well as family members to be able to see meaning in the call to service. When one says, “Send me” they may be responding to something so deep that they cannot name it, but know that their gut is telling them it is what I must do. Saying “Send me” can be a dangerous act.
There is much about wars that are dangerous and devoid of any meaning. But many soldiers speak of the bonds with their unit members and “buddies” as something very sacred and full of meaning. When one accepts the call to service, one is not necessarily going it alone. Often there are others who go before us and beside us. We draw courage and inspiration from those around us. The 228th FSB is full of soldiers who said at sometime and someplace, “Send me.” I can see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices and I witness it in their actions every day.
As our days at Camp Beuhring in Kuwait were coming to a close, many of us were beginning to receive our assignments to either go by convoy or to fly. There were mixed emotions for many because this was the first time that they would be entering hostile territory. As the serials for the convoys lined up in the staging areas, Chaplain Assistant SPC Andre Hargrave and I went from vehicle to vehicle to talk and pray with soldiers. Many were very optimistic and ready for the three day trek to Camp Taqaddum near Ramadi. A number of soldiers said, “I am finally getting to do what I came here to do.” These were confident souls who have trusted their training and were more than ready for the “clock to start ticking” (so that the time to go back home would come).
Our Commander, LTC Glen Nissley lead the convoy to its destination. When I spoke with him about his decision to convoy rather than fly, he stated that it was important for soldiers to know that leaders are willing to “lead the way.” It is critical for soldiers as well as family members to be able to see meaning in the call to service. When one says, “Send me” they may be responding to something so deep that they cannot name it, but know that their gut is telling them it is what I must do. Saying “Send me” can be a dangerous act.
There is much about wars that are dangerous and devoid of any meaning. But many soldiers speak of the bonds with their unit members and “buddies” as something very sacred and full of meaning. When one accepts the call to service, one is not necessarily going it alone. Often there are others who go before us and beside us. We draw courage and inspiration from those around us. The 228th FSB is full of soldiers who said at sometime and someplace, “Send me.” I can see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices and I witness it in their actions every day.
posted by Chaplain (CPT) Fokas at 5:41 AM
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