Chaplain's Corner
My original purpose in setting up the 339th Transportation Company website was to preserve the memories for all those who have served in the 339th and for their families. However, a new dimension to the website evolved as I began to share email after email with hurting and discouraged Vets. I have witnessed this same thing during my many trips to the VA Hospital over the years while I sought treatment for my own physical needs. I have seen the many faces of despair and looked into the eyes that spoke loudly that they have given up on life with no hope. I’ve listened to their war stories, which I felt deep down was a cry for acknowledgment that what we did as a Vet was right and that we did a good job. The pain and anguish is there for most who listened, and experienced the horrible agony from, hearing all around us that we lost the war. No, we really didn’t lose the war…..it was the politicians. What I want to say, and what they need to hear, is that we answered the call of our country that we love dearly. Unfortunately, we received very little thanks from those same politicians and the people who enjoy their freedom without their giving much thought to what it takes for our great country to remain free. I think most of you understand what I am saying…..it’s much like the old retired guys who meet for coffee every morning down at the small country store….sitting on the porch with coffee cup in hand and chewing on the days gone by. The stories are shared again and again and never seem to get old. Telling the wife, the kids and then grandkids is wonderful and fulfilling but it’s not the same as sitting there with the guys who KNOW what you mean because they too have lived a life similar to your own or perhaps you were together living it out and telling both views.
What I began to see after these years at the VA was a significant similarity in the Vet’s stories I listened to among those who were there at the hospital seeking treatment. The stories are probably familiar to you as well and may even be your own personal story at that . . . stories that continue to grip my own heart because I too have experienced them and I can certainly identify with the feelings of rejection we felt from our own countrymen and women, the pain, bitterness and some with anger still towards the U. S. Government for letting us down.
We have all felt the stirrings in our hearts as we have watched the parade of glory that our young soldiers today get while remembering how we were spit upon, criticized, and seemed to find no honor. There is a conflict . . . we all know we MUST support our boys and girls who are serving and we do just that in spite of what still lies under the surface of our hearts. Yet, the pain remains. You hear the reports of PTDD (Post Traumatic Distress Disorder). You hear of depression and suicide.
I know personally what this feels like as I too experienced all that I have written about here. But, the key thing that prompts me to write and to have this Chaplain’s Corner is to provide a place to speak HOPE into my fellow brothers. Why? Because I have personally found relief, healing, and the HOPE that I speak of. I found it by taking my eyes off of my own situation and put it on my Lord…..Jesus Christ. I follow Him rather than just my history of military life and stories I can tell. Yes, it works and I am living proof. I know that my hope is in Him and not whether I am an honored Veteran or not. I know that when He laid His life down for me on the cross he took my pain, rejection, despair, hopelessness, disappointments, my internal wounds along with all my sins past, present and future and they were nailed onto that cross. I have found true healing and it is from that position of healing that I can write and share that there is hope that can replace any and everything that has been tucked away into the dark corners of your own life where no one but you know it is….unless of course, you are one who has literally shut down in life and it is seen from the outside that you live as a prisoner in your own dark cell of hopelessness, depression, or discouragement.
In my search over the Internet for information to add to this website I ran into a very neat guy that I began to correspond with and he lives here in my own home state of Texas. Through our email correspondence I have become acquainted with C.W. II John Adams, a gunship pilot for the 173rd AHC (Robinhood) out of Lai Khe, RVN. John’s testimony was probably one of my favorite Vet stories of all times to read about and one that I found to be so powerful that I asked for permission to share it with you on this webpage. John, with his own desire to see the hearts of Vets healed, graciously and willingly granted me that permission with the following letter:
Brother Michael......
You have my permission to use my testimony in any way that our Lord may lead. With all of the current sadness and confusion, and mistruths in this world, I am most sure that God will be pleased to see 'HIS SON's NAME in good print for a change. :-)
Healing Vet's is important work. I wandered for so many years hurting with no one to turn to that could understand my plight..... until I came face to face with Brother Vets that had already felt the touch of another Brothers hand to pull them up to dignity. When I was told that I had done a good job, that we all had done good ...... I began my path back. There are far too many of them out there that are just like I was, it breaks my heart to think about it. 'Under the Shadow of the Blade' flew me home.
I found my way to our Lord in Florida in the early 80's. Only in Him have I known Peace. I have wondered and lamented over Him standing me back to my feet. What was I to do with the blessing? Perhaps these times were what he had in mind for it. Walk in Faith, speak 'with the authority' given to you by the Christ. Goodness will come of it.
Love to you and yours. Crossbow 39nr
John’s full story, as shared by his friend, James C. “Bud” Harton, can be found and read on www.wingmandown.com. His story is amazing in itself in the fact alone that he survived his injuries. More amazingly, however, is what took place afterwards. The following is part of John’s testimony that he shared with me through our own correspondence . . .
I was paralyzed from the waist down, loss of bowel and bladder function, extensive face/chest/an abdominal injuries. But worst of all, the light of my spirit had gone out. I was in the sadness of the old barracks style Brook General Army Hospital in San Antonio for 7 or so months, and was sent from here to a then new VA facility in Memphis, TN. I was there for a good spell. While bedridden in San Antonio the pastor and the deacons from a small little church in Houston (where my sister attended services) came unannounced to my bedside, gathered in hand around the foot of and across my bed, and prayed for my recovery. In grand Pentecostal syle! :) I was a little grumpy. I walked out of the VA hospital in Memphis with just a wooden cane in my left hand for balance. I am testifying that a “circle of prayer works”. Amen. I have reduced feeling below my waist, but I was by GRACE given the use of my legs and all of my bodily functions, and best of all . . . the light of my Spirit burns brightly.
Your friend and Brother, jj39nr
After reading the small part of John’s story you can readily agree that there is hope no matter your circumstance or what your own testimony might be. Also, perhaps, you well know like we do that there is a common thread of camaraderie woven through the hearts of America’s Veterans and that thread will connect us all forever. We are brothers and we will stand together and I can honestly say to each of you who have found this page that the many life tragedies and the heart issues I have shared above can be overcome. John and I both testify to that fact as being true.
So, like the old guys of yesterday……pull up a chair with your own cup of coffee and let’s share our stories with one another . . . my prayer though is that in doing so you will one day very soon be telling stories like John Adams shared above . . . stories of how your own mind, body, soul and spirit were healed. Perhaps the Chaplain’s Corner will offer you an avenue of healing . . . at least that’s my prayer for you and any others you might point this way.
Before I close this spot the very least I want to give you opportunity to know my Lord, the same Lord that John testifies to . . . here is the WAY to find Him . . . within the scriptures of our Holy Bible . . .
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”John 6:44
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9
Jesus saith unto him, “I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, no man cometh unto the Father, but by
Me.” John 14:6
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13
Confess your sins, ask God to forgive your sins, believe that He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to give His life for you by taking your sins upon Himself when He died on the cross . . . receive this FREE GIFT of salvation . . . and you shall be saved. Now, choose to make Jesus the Lord of your life.
AMEN
See ya again round the Chaplain’s Corner . . .