Today is Flag Day

June 14th -- Flag Day.

June 14, 1777 the Continential Congress adopted the basic design that is our flag. This first Congress declared, “White signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.”

A short meditation and tribute to consider. The last verse of our National Anthem -- the Star Spangled Banner.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Off to Train for War

This Friday, I and my chaplain assistant will head to Fort Dix to to the Air Mobility Warfare Center for our contingency skills training. The focus for us will be on combat operations in urban environments and defensive operations involving convoys. This is the last segment I need to be full up and ready for deployment to the war. Chaplains find themselves in a unique situation in combat environments. We are classified as non-combatants by the Geneva conventions, and under orders to not carry or utilize weapons, even in self defense of ourselves or our fellow troops. We can be shot at, but we can't shoot back. However, we can respond as anyone else to render first aid or even self-care in the event someone is hurt. And it is important for us to know how the troops will respond in the even of combat so we do what needs to be done to take care of ourselves so we can keep ourselves and our wingmen from getting hurt.

I'm going to the war. Can't say where or when -- but I'm heading there into the thick of things. I've already started collecting the gear I will need. I know my location and my time frame. To be honest, I'm looking forward to the opportunities associated to get involved in the lives of our airmen and women and even our soldiers and sailors who will be there. I'll certainly miss my family and friends, but this is one of the reasons I joined for. I will say though, that I will miss being here at Andrews. We have new leadership and several new chaplains coming in and they are all first rate. It will be an exciting time this fall to watch the new ministry develop here.

Out in the war, operations are truly a joint endeavor. There is way less distinction between the operations of the services than when I was last in the military in the early 90's. I have a wedding coming up for instance for an Army captain whose unit I serve as its chaplain as it is attached here at Andrews. Out in the war, there is almost not distinction between the services. Everyone works together to get the job done and work to make sure we all come home.

I've been doing some research to better prepare myself for what is coming. I found this video which I found very enlightening about convoy operations. This 2nd video helps one understand the saying "you don't hear the bullet that kills you". I hope to have an opportunity to tag along on some of these rides and to get out with the locals to add something to the efforts that are being made to bring peace and stability to so many places in the world right now. Other video from Iraq can be found here & Afghanistan here

On a side note, one of our reserve chaplains is also a member of the LCMS like myself. He has a congregation not to far from here. This is a good thing for my family, as the local one's we've visited so far have not been a good fit for my family. It is only about once every couple of months that we have a chance to go to services on Sunday morning, but it will be good to have a place to go and touch our roots and reinforce our identification with our tradition on a regular basis.

Combat Dining In

I'm a big World War II buff. One of the customs that developed in that time was the practice of the "Dining In". The Dining In is a very formal military tradition following specific customs for conduct during the meal, violations of which can send a person to the "Grog". There are usually 2 Grogs -- an awful concoction of liquid items barely digestible but non-alcoholic and an acoholic version that is of such proof that it can serve as alternative lighting should the electricity go out.

The Combat Dining In is its own animal. Here the same sorts of rules (can't come late, can't cut out of the dinner for a bathroom break, can clap to toasts, and so forth) apply only to go to the Grog one must run an obstacle course of water guns, water hoses, or even in some cases the dinner itself having been turned into missiles for attack.

Friday night was my first experience as I was treated to a Dining In experience with one of the 89th's foremost squadrons -- the 89 CES (Civil Engineering Squadron) as they welcomed many of their comrades home from deployment. Within ten minutes my boots were full of water and my wallet would take days to dry out thanks to a dunking into the pool. But I was relieved of having to go to the Grog by the Commander himself, as he recognized that as a Chaplain and official holder of a Geneva Conventions Card that I am a non-combatant, so I was encouraged to send someone in my stead. (Of course, twists like this just add to the fun.) Of course, I still found myself on the receiving end of collateral fire being caught often in the middle of cross fire. All in all it was great fun and a great chance to build some camaraderie.

Promotions, rubbing shoulders, and a new office

Today was a day for promotion ceremonies. I woke early to greet a bunch of our troops returning from deployment and to kick off the process for their reintegration back home. I then moved to the Chapel for final preparations for a high visibility event, the promotion of our Wing Chaplain Charlie R. Stutts to full colonel. We had many distininquished visitors including commanders from our own base but also including Generals from the Chaplain service as well as the one star who commands the 89th Airlift Wing. My role was to narrate the ceremony, which I truly enjoyed. I have to say it gave a good feeling to see Chaplain Stutts finally wearing eagles. He works hard. They look right on him.

Later that afternoon, I provided the invocation for the promotion ceremony of our enlisted folks who are putting on extra stripes this month. The pride and comradery was very evident. Our Wing Commander mentioned during his closing comments that he gets alot of encouragement from the smiles and energy of these new promotees as they come up before the group to receive their recognition and shake his hand. I too find the day to be sort of like a pep rally, with each of the units showing their pride in their people through chants and cheers.

One really great thing about these ceremonies is the opportunity to rub shoulders and share conversation with all kinds of folks - from commanders of various units, all the way up to the Wing Command and Command Master Chief, as well as the young airman putting on his first stripe. All share in common a great love for their nation and a dedication to excellence and service.

As I said before, Chief Master Sergeant Gerald Murray, who is the highest ranking enlisted member of the United States Air Force serving as the Master Sergeant of the Air Force, comes to our chapel for services. It is a true treat to be able to speak with him and hear what he sees and hears out all over the world from the troops he visits with and to hear his concern for each of them and their families. Again, what I hear from so many people is admiration for the hard work and dedication our personnel are putting forth in this war on terror for the benefit of the nation. I can't say enough how much of an honor it is to serve with people of such character.

On a different note, I'm working on a new office within one of my squadrons that I provide care to. The Civil Engineering Squadron is making space for me in their HQ building. I plan to split my time between their location and my chapel 1 office. I'm going to visit sometime tomorrow or Friday to look at the space they are giving me. Being with the troops -- that's where ministry is at.

Memorial Day Service

Today's service was very special at Chapel 1 here at Andrews as we commemorated Memorial Day. I played this video (highly recommend this one) during the service. It was a special honor to have Gerald Murray, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force read the lessons for the service, in this his last week of active duty.

Many of my regulars who attend were in uniform from past eras of the Air Force. It was truly special to remember those who have served as we meditated on those who have given their lives for their country, and those who continue to make sacrifices in today's war on terror. My text this morning was Jesus' speaking to his disciples in John 15 commanding us to love one another and teaching us that no greater love has a person than that he lay down his life for his friends.

Busy Month

Busy -- today is the first full day off I've taken in about six weeks. With some of our chaplains on the move and with the staff impacted by illness, I've found myself tackling unexpected responsibilities in addition to the tasks I normally am engaged in. Counseling continues to be a number one item as well as conducting multiple worship services as we are down in staff.

The Vice Wing Commander put me on lead for overseeing the implementation of the reintegration process for our personnel returning from deployment. Our IDS (Integrated Delivery System) composed of representatives of various agencies on the base, came together for a two day serious of briefings and discussions to help our troops who have been away from families for awhile to adjust to coming home. One might think that coming home should be an easy process, but experience has taught us that changes that naturally occur in families when a parent is deployed, can lead to friction upon return. But with a awareness and some skillsets that are taught during the briefing process, families can experience a successful reunion.

My role involved primarily organization and logistics, though I did give some of the briefings on various subjects including the overview briefing which touches on all the various dynamics commonly experienced, the sexual assault briefing one week since I am also the chapel rep to the SARC (Sexual Assault Response Coordinator), and the chapel/spiritual wellness briefing. Beyond briefing, my role was to make sure our UDM (Unit deployment managers) knew to have their returning troops there, and to make sure the various agencies had their briefers present and ready to go. I also arranged for guest speakers and secured locations. I had a lot of help, from the enlisted troops at the chapel setting up refreshments and audio visual equipment (we have a great team!) to working with representatives from Family Support and the Logistical Readiness Squadron. It is a big process, but team work makes it happen.

I've been flying medivacs several times in the past week. I feel truly privileged to serve in this capacity Picture on the left is from my last flight. Here we are taking off from McDill AFB in Florida for the return leg home.

With our chapel leadership either having transferred, getting ready to move, or recovering from an illness, I've had to step up and make sure some things were happening from scheduling to many other things.

One big event that occured last weekend was the Joint Service Open House, a huge multi-service airshow with plenty of static displays. It was outstanding. The weather was great and the show was great. I worked most of the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on duty for the DCG (Disaster Control Group) ready to respond should there have been an accident of some kind. One of the best parts of being out on the flightline for three days was getting to know the people who fly the vintage aircraft in to the airshows. Many of them have some amazing war stories to tell. Also it was an outstanding opportunity to visit with our military and civilian personnel, as almost the entire military staff was working sometime this weekend. The picture to the left is from my favorite part of the show, the Heritage Flight including an F-16; F-15, F-4, and a Mustang fighter.

I have to say though, as much as I have enjoyed the high tempo and the additional responsiblity, I'm glad to see our interim wing chaplain come in. With him here and another chaplain returning from deployment and with replacements due in soon, my duties will return to normal. Though I'm starting to gear up to be ready to go deploy myself. In a couple of weeks I'll be out for specialized training to help me be ready for deployment to a combat zone. I've already been informed as to when and where I'm going, but I can't reveal that information as it is classified. But I can say my training will come in handy.

I truly am loving my job. I especially enjoy when I'm able to work face to face with our people and see the difference it makes in their lives. It is very rewarding to watch a couple begin to resolve their problems and decide to stay together, or watch a young airman begin to perform at the job. I've heard rumors cutbacks may be in store for the chaplain service, but I hope as they examine and make decisions they factor in the significant face to face time we have with the troops, and because they trust what we bring to the table, the impact we are able to make on their lives and hence on accomplishing the mission. I've got the best job in the Air Force. I get to work with everyone from the newest airman to the Wing leadership. I can contribute to joint efforts as part of a wider team and also have individual impact on the various servicemembers who I encounter each day either through formal appointments or just in conversation. And we make a difference. I've worked with people thinking about busting up their marriages, thinking about suicide, frustrated with supervision, fighting depression, and of course I have people come with their spiritual questions and searching for meaning as well. It's a great job and a great joy to be able to help our Air Force team stay spiritually fit to fight.

Below are some more pictures from the airshow. Hope you enjoy!

I Love My Job!

I love my job! Truly. The last few days have been a blast. Thursday we ran an exercise most of the day in preparation for the Joint Service Open House, a huge airshow, that comes up in May. The hilarious thing was that in the middle of the exercise we started to hear real world reports of some big cat (cougar, jaguar, or something similar) on loose on the base. Sure enough, there is some kind of big cat out there -- they are still trying to catch it. I was at the base hospital waiting for the family of someone who had passed away, when suddenly Fox news breaks live to Andrews where the "big game cat hunt" is under way. Here kitty, kitty, kitty...

But back to the job... I get to work hand in hand with some of the best folks I've ever known. I spent some time with the EFAC yesterday (Emergency Family Action Center) and have to say I was impressed with the organization and professionalism of the people working the center. God forbid, if a major incident happens, they are ready!

Today I had the privilege of participating in two key events in the lives of our airmen. First I did the invocation for a retirement ceremony. As I listened to this individuals accomplishments throughout his career I found myself hoping that I too will reach the point of twenty + years of service in this wonderful family. As the commander of the unit said, we are not just a unit, we are a family. I've actually participated in several retirements, and have noticed a consistent theme: excellent service and a sadness at leaving behind a job that was truly enjoyed. His son gave one of the most moving renditions of the National Anthem on his saxophone that I've ever heard.

As I drove back to the office, I heard a familiar roar in the sky overhead. Looking up I remembered that sometimes we don't make it to retirement. Sometimes the mission requires a major sacrifice -- as a formation of F-16's flew over in the missing man formation, likely for a funeral service at Arlington National cemetery.

Later I gave the invocation for the Wing's promotion ceremony. This usually turns into a major team building and exciting event as teammates cheer on each other in good natured rivalry between the units. I have to say I was proud when one of the squadrons I am assigned to care for had the one promotee to Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. It was especially moving to see the young airmen moving up in areas of authority and responsibility and to see their wives, several of them expecting, and their children coming on stage to be part of the moment, for in truth families are an essential element to an airman's service. Those who wear the uniform are not the only ones who sacrifice in service to their country. Long deployments, long work days, long work weeks, and time away for training is something that families sacrifice so that those of us who wear the uniform may do our best for our country. Their support is a key element to why we can love our jobs.

Being a chaplain has to be the best job in the Air Force because I have the opportunity to
work with people from many different areas on the base from those who fly the planes, to those who fix the planes, to those who guard the base, to those who take care of the troops, to those who take care of the base itself and so on. I get to be part of the work and even private lives of these men and women who give so much from the first term airman to the veteran wrestling with a life transition in retirement, to those who are happy and celebrating great success to those whose lives are under stress and in need of some encouragement. From the airman basic all the way up to the highest ranking officers and leaders on the base I have the privilege of being able to offer encouragement to them, and it is a privilege. I love my job!

Air Force 1

I often get asked if I get to see Air Force One. Today, I was fortunate enough to have my camera with me when she came in.





















Here is a spring picture of Chapel 1.

On Duty

Duty Chaplain

24/7 one of the chaplains holds duty. There is always a chaplain available. As our staff is in major transition right now, I find myself quite busy. Our Wing Chaplain is out of the office and out deputy and senior protestant positions are vacant. All our protestant chaplains except myself are either deployed, preparing to retire or leave the Air Force, or preparing to move to a new base. But we have replacements coming. However, for those leaving, there is much to consume their time in making preparations. Our other chaplain, our Roman Catholic, will deploy very soon. Fortunately we have a well trained and knowledgable enlisted staff and NCOIC who are providing the crucial assistance to make sure everything gets done.

Busy. So far just this duty cycle I've had numerous opportunties to counsel with some service members about anxiety related to work load and the stress it takes when one is facing separation from one's family. I do a lot of counseling which I cannot touch on because such is sheltered by confidentiality. But I find it very touching the level of trust and how often I'm invited to play a role in the personal lives of people who serve our nation.

I've comforted two families who lost loved ones. One touched not only myself but all those present as our hospital staff responded to a 4 month old brought to our hospital because we were the closest. Her funeral is Tuesday and I hope to be able to attend. She was such a beautiful little baby and she had a very beautiful family. It was a true honor to minister to this family.

I conducted Good Friday services last night. It was a beautiful spring evening here and the temperature was just right. Tomorrow I'll conduct two services and manage the Easter Sunrise service since I am the Project Officer for this service. This is a very special service held outside at the base golf course followed by an outstanding breakfast at the facilities there.

Being on duty can bring a high paced kind of day, as the duty chaplain responds to all needs that cannot be met by other chaplains because of previous obligations 24/7. Last night for instance I spent about 45 minutes at 2 in the morning comforting someone who just wanted to talk after receiving some bad news. That's great. It's what I'm here for. That is the great thing about being a chaplain in the Air Force -- there is not time to get bored, the job provides so many wonderful opportunities to make a difference, and I couldn't work with a better or more honorable group of people.

Flight with 1st Heli

I was invited recently to fly along with 1st Heli, our DV helicopter transport squadron here at Andrews. I was extremely impressed by the hospitality and professionalism of the crew. Below are some shots from the flight.


Here I am sitting in the passenger section of the Huey that we will fly on.

We often call these choppers "blue and whites" for their distinquishing color.

The seats are a little nicer than most hueys and there is a semblance of carpet, but they are just as loud & vibrate just as much as the standard huey military transport. You'll notice my headphones on the seat next to me. Without these there would be no way to hear & communicate. These babies are loud!



This is a shot of the stratankers of the 459th Air refueling wing that is stationed here at Andrews.

This is the East runway.

The 459 is an Air National Guard unit. The Air Force is truly going "Total Force". No longer are the Guard and Reserves taking a back seat nor are they a second rate service compared to the active duty. Their service to our nation is first rate!



Here is a shot of Chapel 1, where my office is and where I conduct the formal worship service at 1100 on Sundays and in the stead of their chaplain who is deployed, the 0830 informal worship as well.


There is an excellent little coffee shop in its basement of the building next door by the way!




Here is a shot of the flight line.

You can see one of our heavies sitting in the background. These are the aircraft bringing in the wounded from Iraq.






Here you can get an idea of the coloring of our aircraft.

Notice too that we are in BDU uniform. We are a service at war. The battle dress uniform has become the standard uniform for daily wear. We anticipate having a new battle uniform to replace this soon.












Here you can see some of the typical housing on base.

I live in a duplex in the neighborhood below.

What's Important

This past week, I gave a short tour to several college ROTC cadets of various facilities here at Andrews AFB. During the tour they asked the following question: what is the most important part of your mission here at Andrews. I reflected on all the imporant aspects of what is done here at Andrews from providing first class always ready transport for the President and other important dignitaries, to proving first class trained warriors for deployments to Iraq and other places, and so on. But I have to say in my humble opinion, one of the most important missions we do here now is the reception of the wounded from Iraq. Many travel from our flight line onward to Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed, but many also spend the night here at our hospital before being flown from our airfield to hospitals nearer to home. Our medical staff are committed to providing the best possible care to these US servicemembers. What role do our chaplains play? We visit the hospital facility reaching out to those who need someone to listen to. And we have flown many of the evacuation flights from Andrews onward as these patients are dropped off. Below is a picture of one of the flights that came into Andrews posted to a public Air Force site.

Picture from recent training

Wanted to post this pic from my recent deployment training. As a chaplain it was good to have some experiences with the holy.

March update

Where to begin? I finished the basic chaplain course in the middle of February and returned to Andrews to get back to work. The chaplain course was outstanding with many useful training elements. I have to admit that out of all the professional and academic training that I have had, these were some of the most powerfully packed weeks I've experienced. The deployment field training was a highlight, but the counseling and intervention segments were outstanding as well. I was blessed to be surrounded by some bright talented chaplains as fellow students. I hope to get the chance to serve with some of them in the future. The instructors were first rate. I managed to get in quit a bit of PT winning the class PT award and coming within 3 seconds of maxing the PT run time. I've never come that close before, but as I get older the requirement gets lower and so far I haven't gotten slower, but I figure that is due to change soon.

Returning to work I found that many of our chaplain staff will be leaving either retiring or leaving the service for civilian work or moving to new assignments. That leaves us short handed through the summer with the summer months to be very tight. But we are expected to have new people coming in. As a result I find myself quite busy with various things from counselings to representing the chapel at various functions. I'm also putting together the Easter Sunrise service which is quite a big celebration I have found out. It is a tremendous blessing to be part of a team that loves to work together. I'm getting a great deal of help from our civilian staff. Our chaplain assistants are always there to depend on as well.

I found myself quickly back in the scheme of things ministering to the family of an airman in one of my units who was killed in DC while defending a friend from an assault, to a young couple one of whom is very sick, and to a parent with a very sick child.

So I am preparing myself for a very busy spring and summer with more training to come for deployment and a possible deployment later this year.

There is one thing I really dread about deployment -- you gotta see it to believe it! CAMEL SPIDERS. That don't call em that for nothing. click here to see one