Search results for "Out of the Valley by COL Barry e WIlley"
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[…]cause fear in the masses by the spiritual weakness of the leaders, or create division of those seeking self-glory on the battlefield, or killing for the thrill of it.” There is an “irregular threat” that our senior military leaders all talk about which exists in our physical world. We are engaged now in a global war against this form of terrorism. This is a new application of an ancient form of warfare devised by our adversaries to counter our greater conventional strength. Many of us will be directly involved in training, equipping, employing, planning, and leading soldiers, sailors, airmen and […]
[…]can be especially trying for junior leaders getting their first taste in a leadership position, whether as team leader or platoon leader. Genesis 4:7 says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door…” Listen to the Right Advisors However, the question still remains–how do you recognize right when you see it? Second Chronicles 10:6-15 gives one lesson in that area. Within this Scripture we see the importance of listening to those who have experience and knowledge and can pass that on to […]
[…]soundness or completeness. Christian leaders know they can only be complete in Christ; they must keep their eyes on Him whom they are following. An Old Testament charge to leaders by King Jehoshaphat included four facts: Leaders did not carry out duties for man, but for the Lord; the Lord was with them when they performed their duties; they were directed to conduct business in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and wholeheartedly; and they needed to be very careful what they did because the Lord would have no part in unrighteousness or partiality. The Lord demanded honor (integrity) from […]
[…]family, responsibilities that will increase with continuing promotions. “Senior Officer” may seem an ambiguous term. We have chosen to define it starting at the rank of lieutenant colonel or commander because of the command opportunities and decision-making positions available to officers of such rank. We expect your new experiences will be similar to all those who have gone before you. The increased expectations placed upon you will be manifested in more independent decision making and in broader and deeper organizational or command responsibilities. The issues you will identify and address will be increasingly complex and difficult. The environment in which […]
[…]others…and if called to do so, dying for others. While on earth, believers want to seek first His Kingdom, to be a disciple and to help others become disciples. When those are our priorities, all other necessary and needful things in life are generously provided (see John 16:33). But when other things push God and His priorities aside, then one’s perspective becomes temporal and shallow–well-meaning as it may be. When compared to an eternal perspective on life, all other perspectives simply pale and fade into insignificance. Jon Shine’s perspective on life was eternal. He surely thought and felt earthly, temporal, […]
[…]a situation that was easily tolerated by the members of Company G-1, though it could have been viewed by some as fraternization. There was never any pressure to participate and Jon’s leading of these Bible study groups was personable yet scholarly and professional…and after duty hours. It would have been hard for anyone to find anything worth criticizing in the arrangement. The group usually met once during the week, in the evening, down in the basement of the cadet barracks where the quiet atmosphere supported a discrete study of the Bible. Participants, including members of the company other than Plebes, […]
[…]enemy positions, thus allowing his men to move to cover.” His words to “Doc” Jackson seem clearly intended to keep “Doc” and the other platoon members focused on Joe Roberts for the few moments that he engaged the enemy. Jon, thinking only about his men and acting on their behalf, perished when the enemy returned his fire. When word of the fight reached back to Cu Chi base camp, an incredible thing happened. The battalion scout platoon was just back from an operation for rest and recuperation. Their leader was a close friend of Jon and a West Point classmate […]
[…]when a carpenter-rabbi from the village of Nazareth said it to four fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. The Gospel of Matthew records this incident when Jesus called to Peter and his brother Andrew and said to them, “…’Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men…'” (Matthew 4:19 RSV). As a Christian officer in the military today, I need only look to Jesus for the example to follow. Jesus provides the premier lesson on leadership by focusing on three areas: serving others, doing the will of His Father, and forsaking the world’s view of leadership. Serve Others Serving […]
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[…]the limits of the material means given him, the effectiveness of a unit depends to maximum degree on the leadership ability and practice of the commander. The military system of discipline is an essential foundation, but the extent to which it succeeds in obtaining the best results depends upon the commander’s own personality. The commander must win confidence and loyalty by his own acts. No one can do this for him. While he does certain things with the deliberate intent of gaining optimum control over his unit, and the maximum effort from it, his acts must nevertheless not be a […]
[…]be, and from that character what they must be able to do, to be successful in combat, to meet the officers’ obligations as warriors, as servants, as professionals and as leaders of character. Let me explain. In a few minutes, by swearing to the oath of office, you will assume the awesome responsibilities of your formal commission. The oath itself is simple and deliberately unconditional, a whole of five parts. In sequence you will swear: To support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. To bear truth, faith and allegiance to the same. […]
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[…]teach them financial responsibility. We tried allowances for a time, dividing their money into three categories: saving, spending, and tithes. Eventually we eliminated allowances altogether. At one base when we were homeschooling, our three daughters babysat during the day, and they were in high demand. Our son mowed lawns and did other work for people so he had a source of income as well. In college each one held jobs which paid for the luxuries of college life, and in their last two years of college they helped with their rent and food costs with that income. The Financial Manager […]
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by LTC Jim Karr, USA (Ret.) While practicing my profession in my second career as a financial planner, I frequently discussed with clients the role that life insurance played in a sound financial plan for the future. I was taught that the alleged origin of modern day life insurance traces its roots from the Code of Hammurabi, circa 1780 B.C. Hammurabi was a king and ruler from the Babylonian era who developed a code to live by. This code of 282 laws was one of the earliest examples of a ruler publicly proclaiming to his people an entire body of […]
[…]in your Bible study write out his or her testimony. Share one with the group each week. Understand what OCF is all about. Promote the encouragement that can be gained from a group coming together to worship Almighty God. Participate in OCF retreats and conferences. White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon offer continuous programs such as retreats, family events, and Rocky Mountain High. Use OCF as a meeting place to network with Christians on your base, in your unit, on your ship. Post updates on the Internet. Consider journaling your walk with God. Include prayer requests and answers. Remember that […]
[…]is at his or her best. Perseverance reveals itself in one more day of responsibility, one more week of faithfulness, and one more deployment. But if you’ve ever asked, “How long?” you’re in good company. This question was asked more than 50 times by Old Testament heroes. In Psalm 13 David asks, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” David seems to be overwhelmed by […]
[…]tithes and offerings. Rather than giving to God what they were supposed to, they were keeping it for themselves. God then said an amazing thing. He said, “Test Me!” All my life I’ve been told to never be so presumptuous as to put God to the test. Yet, in the case of finances, God says, “Test Me!” And the Lord added, “…and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:10b, NIV). God promised the Old Testament Jews that He would […]
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[…]so you don’t really miss it. Third, to participate there are no extra costs to you or fees that need to be paid by OCF. Contact your local Administrative Office or Finance Office and ask them about this option. If you need a blanket allotment code or anything else you’re unsure of, just give me a call. Combined Federal Campaign #10531Many members and non-members give through CFC, which also has the advantage of taking the contribution out of your pay account. So the next time the CFC campaign rolls around, remember to fill out #10531 on your CFC pledge form. […]
[…]judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:33-36). We know this place too well… Living in a State of Wonder When did we stop living in a state of wonder? Remember when we first got here for BCT, how we didn’t know where anything was and we were constantly surprised and we couldn’t wait for […]
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by LTC J. Randy Carey, USA (Ret.) > PDF format 1. Seek FELLOWSHIP with other Christians. Without fellowship you become a lone ranger and are in danger of becoming extinct. Your light will go out. Seek a local OCF representative. (See your chaplain’s bulletin board.) TIP: Before you head to your first assignment, call OCF at 1-800-424-1984 so you can contact an officer who is an OCF member where you are going. 2. Do not forsake ACCOUNTABILITY. You are known by the company you keep. Find a brother or sister in Christ and keep each other walking the talk. Go […]
[…]you are a pivotal element in our society. By chance of birth you live in the gap between the modern and post-modern eras. The modern era existed from 1500 a.d. until about the time you were born. The industrial age reigned supreme. Truth was determined by the scientific method. Life consisted of laboratory-like certainties. Biblical laws were not always followed, but right and wrong were clearly defined. In commerce, tangible items like buildings and machinery were the valued commodities. Contrast this with the post-modern era generally coinciding with the information age. Portable assets such as information, expertise, and other intellectual […]
[…]from one’s normal Christian “life-support” structure: Sunday School, Chapel/Church, a weekly Bible study, a weekly or daily accountability partner, and so on. I didn’t fully realize what a difference these events made in my personal walk with the Lord until I went nearly four months in Iraq without them. I had only occasional, encouraging phone calls to family and to my Christian brother, Jonathan Shine, a fellow commander and believer of like heart. I found that my individual walk with the Lord suffered. I saw that God truly made us to be relational creatures. Hence, one of the natural effects […]
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[…]in the ranks, alert to his Emperor’s plight and perceiving that the horse and rider were proceeding in his general direction, stepped out of formation and, springing into the path of the frightened animal, seized the bridle, brought the horse to a stand and replaced the reins into the Emperor’s hands. In recognition and reward for the soldier’s devotion, Napoleon said, as he secured the reins in his hands, “Thank you, Captain.” Without hesitation the soldier came to attention, saluted his imperial master and inquired, “Of what regiment, sir?” Charmed by the soldier’s complete faith and unquestioning confidence in his […]
[…](2 Timothy 2:2). Since an Air Force officer may pass through Maxwell as many as four times in a career, OCF leaders here thought it would be good to personally visit each Academy graduating class and let the “firsties” know what to expect from OCF at Maxwell. I was asked to speak to three issues: What should cadets expect from OCF during an Air Force career? What specifically does the OCF ministry at Maxwell AFB look like? And, What is the best way to link up with a military chapel/local church while progressing through Air Force assignments? I began my […]
[…]“stuff” filled our moments, leaving less and less time to talk, to laugh, to just be together. Our family first heard about Father-Teen Adventure (FTA) during Leavenworth Week at Spring Canyon (SC) in 2001. A few years later I was looking for an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord, closer to my son, and to offer to Brian a special time for us to share. We reserved two spots for the second summer session and coordinated ground transportation to SC through the OCF web site. (The packing list was very helpful, too!) Father-Teen Adventure is not just for fathers and […]
[…]concluded that the realm of the talents of the commander included virtue of the army and national feeling, he missed the chance to capture by historical example a general that embodied such moral force in action. George Washington was a great commander because he acted upon his personal moral convictions, which resulted in his entire Army being victorious against an opposing force that, by all accounts, should have beaten them. Much has been written about Washington the hero, Washington the commander, and Washington the President. Unfortunately, historians have often missed the mark on why Washington possessed such strong qualities of […]
[…]all have in common? In addition to stretch marks and tales of extended labor, there seem to be certain things we share in this special sorority of motherhood. We all reach moments of revelation in our lives when we suddenly realize, “I sound just like my mother!” Many of us swore it would never happen. One of the first times that occurred to me was when I heard myself saying to my children, “Because I said so, that’s why!” Moms have a very important job teaching safety rules. It is our responsibility to impart eternal truths to our children because […]
by MG Don Riley, USA, and LTC Roslyn Riley, USA (Ret.) Together we have experienced one fifteen-month deployment of our son, Captain Darren Riley, and are once again looking to God for His sovereign protection as Darren begins another deployment to a combat zone. Yes, the anxiety is there, the unknowns are great, and we can do nothing about his situation–at least by ourselves. But we can, and do, seek God’s loving embrace of Darren and his unit, and pray unceasingly that God will grant them safety, good health, strength, courage, and success in their mission. He is truly in […]
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[…]takes the stage, presents the Gospel and offers an invitation to accept Jesus. Meanwhile, fifteen volunteers from Fort Stewart’s Vale Chapel perform an array of “duties” in support of the event — everything from greeting the concert attendees to preparing and serving free cappuccinos. The event is called Petra Cafe and occurs monthly at Fort Stewart. Petra Cafe is sponsored by the chapel and is designed to reach the “unreachable” in our military community. Petra is Arabic for rock, which represents Jesus Christ. The concept is to bring in contemporary Christian bands to present the gospel to our service members […]
[…]respond to a soldier charged, then convicted, of such crimes? God allowed the eyes of my heart to see you through the filter of His love and to respond to you with the love and compassion of Christ. An ageless military axiom comes to mind — soldiers never leave their wounded or dead on the battlefield. These words apply here, and they have added urgency on the spiritual battlefield. You should know that your soul is just as precious to God as anyone’s, even after all you have done. It may be difficult to see now, but God is working […]
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[…]Field, and the other installations surrounding Honolulu. Viewing the entire American Pacific Fleet peacefully at anchor in the inlet below, I smiled as I ordered, “All squadrons, plunge in to attack!” The time was 7:49 a.m. Like a hurricane out of nowhere, my torpedo planes, dive-bombers, and fighters struck with indescribable fury. As smoke began to billow and the proud battleships started tilting, my heart was almost ablaze with joy. During the next three hours I directly commanded the fifty level bombers as they pelted Pearl Harbor and the area nearby. Then I circled at a higher altitude to accurately […]
[…]you simply go through, or something you grow through. The choice is yours. I’d like you to meet a couple of people. The first is Wendy Woeful. Wendy’s husband has just left for a six month cruise, and nothing is going right for Wendy. The kids have turned into monsters; the household appliances have mutinied — breaking down left and right; the neighbors have all turned sour, and even the dog has left home! Weeping Wendy can’t understand it. Why isn’t her husband at her side where he belongs! Then all her troubles would be over! The other person I’d […]
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[…]combat, or in the day-to-day routines of office work — non-believers and Christians work together with the common goal of contributing to the security of our nation. The close relationships that grow out of these situations may offer opportunities for Christians to share spiritual truth. Many times they have been used by the Holy Spirit to draw people to Christ. Nonbelievers think of the chaplain as one who is “paid to talk about Christ.” They usually don’t perceive the Christian line officer as a “professional” Christian. For this reason, your testimony about God’s grace and purpose in your life can […]
by Carol Vandesteeg Many people feel emptiness or gaps in their lives when their families are separated or are in uncertain circumstances. That empty feeling can be turned into something positive. “. . . Times of separation are not a total loss, nor are they completely unprofitable for our companionship. . . In spite of all the difficulties they bring, they can be a wonderful means of strengthening and deepening fellowship. . . We must commit our loved ones wholly and unreservedly to God and leave them in his hands, transforming our anxiety for them into prayers on their behalf” […]
[…]Col) David Bena, USAF What should you expect from your chaplains? The role of the chaplain is to meet spiritual needs. The chaplain should lead worship, counsel, teach troops, care pastorally for all, encourage ethical conduct, honor the dead, nurture the wounded, and give hope to the weary. But how’s that role fleshed out? I think you should expect a godly person who: Is honest and ethical Really cares about the people in the unit, willing to face opposition in order to make their lot more livable. Will die with you and will not run away. Will pray for and […]
[…]antiaircraft fire was heard. We became alert and listened. The new men looked at me; they had not been in an air attack yet. I answered their questioning looks by saying, “We had better get downstairs.” Quickly I blew out the candle, tucked it inside my shirt, and hurried for shelter. We crouched in a little clothes locker directly under the stairs, considering that to be the safest place that could be found in the building. No sooner had we crowded into the locker than, “Boom!” a five hundred pound bomb hit the house on the right. “Boom!”a bomb that […]
by Sarah Hemingway For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). She was barely nine months old when he left. Her sister was almost three. They were just getting to know each other when duty called him away to the hellish chaos of Vietnam. No one could say for sure if he’d live to return to his beloved wife and two little daughters. Committing him to the Lord’s keeping, they waved teary good-byes as his plane disappeared into the clouds. Now it was time to get on with the business of living, […]
[…]nation’s defense. The good news is that God has promised His children that we will one day see the realization of the miracle longed for by Alley. Occasionally, particular weapons become so closely associated with the military that their very image evokes a strong connection. The crossed sabers of the cavalry, for instance, were not used only during the eighteenth century. They retain their significance for Army “cavalry” units today, long after the retirement of horses from military ranks. To students of military history, the weapon most closely associated with the Marine Corps is the kabar. “Kabar”is the familiar name […]
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[…]I write these words, I glance up at the wall above my computer–and smile. There are no sheepskins there. But there is a faded Ranger school diploma and an old set of Vietnamese jump wings. And pictures of young men. Hal Moore said it best, “We were soldiers once–and young.” We were soldiers for a lot of reasons. One of them was the “bully syndrome.” Many years ago, as a young boy in a cozy little neighborhood in central Washington state, I learned a valuable lesson. Our neighborhood bully, Jimmy C., would never stop throwing dirt clods and using strong-arm […]
[…]drill sergeant who reacted to my statement. He was not a Christian, and he decided to watch me to see if I lived up to my words. That’s the scary part of identifying yourself as a Christian-you put yourself on display. This was one of our best NCOs. We eventually sent him to be an instructor at the drill sergeant academy, a reward for and testimony to his character and performance. Three years later we had both moved on to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. When he heard that I was on post, he sought me out. He said, “Sir, I […]
[…]MacArthur was to receive the Thayer Award. We knew we were in the presence of history. We were seeing and hearing one of the greatest soldiers of all time in what was his last visit to the alma mater he loved. You have most likely heard or read the speech, or at least this part of it: “Duty, honor, country. These three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” Duty, honor, country. These are indeed words to live by. It is my hope, prayer, and expectation that they will mark […]
