A Member of a Team

I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior
and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States
and live the Army Values.
(the rest of the Soldier’s Creed is appended)

The term, “I am a warrior,” brings to mind a variety of images. To many people, particularly those influenced by the media-driven culture of the 80's, it evokes visions of a larger than life, trained killer, like Rambo. With Special Forces skills honed in the jungles of Vietnam, John Rambo was a one-man Army. In three movies, he fought injustice, reluctantly employing his warrior skills with his cunning mind and bulging muscles (and his magic M-60 machine gun that never seemed to exhaust its single ammo belt).

Then in 2001, another cinematic milestone put the warrior in the context of a team. “Blackhawk Down” recounted a harrowing rescue operation in the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia, by Army Rangers on October 3, 1993. Two Blackhawks had been downed by RPG fire during a raid to capture an insurgent leader. 123 Rangers and Delta Force soldiers, cut off by thousands of armed militia, fought for their lives while a convoy tried make it through the city to them and the downed pilots.

Like Rambo and Chuck Norris, the Rangers were heroic. They were well trained, disciplined and tactically adept warriors. But the similarities end there. The Rangers were all about working together as a member of a team. They fought as members of a team—together, risking all for one another as a helicopter flew over the city, blaring through its speakers a message of hope to a captured pilot: “Mike Durant, we won’t leave you behind!”

1,000 militia were killed during the fifteen-hour battle, and 19 Americans. All 123 of the Soldiers could easily have been overrun and killed. But because these warriors fought in teams and as a unit, the stranded Rangers were able to hold off until reinforcements could arrive.

The advantages of team over the rugged individual are nothing new. Sages have noted the value of teamwork for thousands of years, including the writer of Ecclesiastes, who declared:

“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

We can see this synergy of teamwork in nature. Migrating birds fly in a V, covering more ground than any of them could alone. Beasts of burden teamed together manage a greater burden than the sum of their individual efforts. Lioness hunters, drone bees and worker ants are well known for their synergistic collaboration. No wonder even ancient writers observed the phenomena of team work.

In the 1850’s, settlers headed west, traversing the continent in covered wagons. They crossed the North Platte River at a wide, shallow ford. But the current swirled strongly there, creating big potholes in the sandy bottom. The most seasoned guides could not predict where these holes might occur in the muddy water. If a team foundered into one of these holes, it might not be able to climb out, and if a wagon got stuck in one, it would most likely capsize. All the pioneer family’s possessions—and their very lives—hung in the balance.

Eventually, the settlers and guides broke the code on this hazard. They hitched all the oxen or horses together in one long team, hauling one wagon at a time across the North Platte. If a wagon or a team fell into a hole, the collective might of the entire team would free them, in a way that would be impossible for a single team.

As a skilled warrior, each Soldier makes an important contribution. A warrior who is a member of a team can draw on the strength of others when necessary, and help pull team members out of the rut at other times. From the team, we draw encouragement, direction and motivation. To the team we owe our duty, our very best—and sometimes our lives.


DEVOTIONAL:
(Please read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27

As Christians, we can take this concept of warrior and member of a team further. In the preceding verses, Paul used the analogy of a body. Some of us might be feet, and others hands. Some might be eyes, or ears, or … well, you get the picture. The Apostle’s point was that, as a foot should rejoice at being a foot, rather than complain that the hand gets all the glory, we should celebrate our diversity in the Body of Christ. If one suffers, we should all suffer, and all should rejoice at the victory of one member (v. 26).

Each one of us is uniquely created, fashioned by God to fill a unique role in the Body of Christ. We are each gifted by God with our own backgrounds, perspectives, talents, and passions. Working and living together as one, the same ministry Jesus did during his earthly ministry—healing, teaching, delivering from oppression—continues through us.

Medical experts tell us that if one member of your body is injured—your leg, for instance—your entire body reacts to the injury. In a very real way, if one part of the body suffers, the rest of the body suffers. Conversely, when a part of the body is healthy, it contributes to the well being of the entire body.

As members of the Body, we need each other. Like warriors in a cohesive team, we draw strength and encouragement from one another; we exhort one another to greatness, and console in the event of setbacks; we pool our talents and resources together to do the great work of Christ on this earth. We ARE the Body of Christ.

PRAYER:
O God, you do all things well.

You have created me to live and to love and to work as a part of your Body,
in communion with You and with my brothers and sisters.

As a member of your Body, placed just where you want me,
open my eyes to the unique ways You have gifted me;
open my ears to cries of the world around me;
open my heart to do unto others; and
open mind to accept the love and support of my fellow team members.

In the name of Jesus, to whose Body I belong,
Amen.



(c) 2009, Jeff Peppers
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The Soldier's Creed

I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and
proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies
of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

New article on the 779th's deployment in the Tallahassee Democrat.

In the Company of Heroes

After the farewell extravaganza in Tallahassee (see blog entry), a reporter asked me what it felt like to be a hero, or words to that effect. “I’m no hero,” I replied right away. I thought, We haven’t even left Florida; aren’t we being a bit premature? “Now these young soldiers, and the ones leaving behind their young children—they’re the heroes. And the ones who fought through the first part of this war, they’re heroes. And those who fought in Vietnam, and in World War II. They’re the heroes.”

I understand where the reporter was coming from. We Americans, we love our heroes. And so do I. Whether more or less than others, I can’t judge that. I just know that I value the sacrifice and personal expenditure so many have made, so that we can all be free and safe.

O beautiful, for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!

As we sang this stanza of America the Beautiful in chapel this morning, time stood still—enough for me to glance around at the soldiers worshiping with me. Some were young, some old, some new to the military, some going back for their second or third tour. All of them are heroes to me. That is why I feel so honored to be their “Chappy.”

Band of Brothers, an HBO mini-series, recreated the events of “Easy Company” from before D-Day through the end of WWII, based on actual events and interviews. Lieutenant (later Major) Winters became the E Company commander, and one episode ends with the actual Major Winters discussing a letter he received from a comrade. Like Winters, the friend had been decorated by President Eisenhower for valor. “"I cherish the memories of a question my grandson asked the other day,” read an emotional Major Winters, “when he said, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' Grandpa said, 'No, but I served in a company of heroes.’”

We may not be destined for the hardships of Normandy or Bastogne, but I could not be more proud of these fine young men and women. It is an honor to serve in the company of heroes.

An American Soldier

This is the first installment of a series of reflections I have undertaken to write, based on "The Soldier's Creed." Some, like this one, will have an appeal to the Army values and patriotism, but most will also include a devotional aspect as well.
I welcome any comments ... especially criticism.

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I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
(*the rest of the Soldier's Creed is annotated at the end.)


Former President George H. W. Bush, in an interview late in 2007, described his favorite photo of Operation Desert Storm. It depicted a terrified Iraqi soldier in his foxhole, surrounded by American Soldiers. An emotional President Bush recalled, “and the American guy says, ‘We're not going to harm you. We're American soldiers.’”

We’re not like the others, the Soldier was saying. You can count on us to be humane, even amidst the inhumanity of war.

There is something about the claim, “I am an American Soldier” that provokes in me a certain pride—but also the humility of being in undeserved company of greatness. It is the American Soldiers, not the generals or the policy wonks, who have captured the hearts of Americans, particularly since 9/11. TIME Magazine portrayed the American Soldiers in 2003 as, “the bright, sharp instrument of a blunt policy, and success or failure in a war unlike any in history ultimately rests with them.

“For uncommon skills and service, for the choices each one of them has made and the ones still ahead, for the challenge of defending not only our freedoms but those barely stirring half a world away, the American soldier is TIME's Person of the Year.”

Forty years after Vietnam, the American People have rekindled their love for their Soldiers. Whether they agree with the current war or not, people often stop me when I am in uniform, just to say, “Thank you for your service.” It humbles me, having never served a moment in combat, to be thanked for the courageous contributions the American Soldier has been making for six years.

Most of these soldiers are young enough to be my children. Just a few months or a couple of years ago, they wore baggy pants and lip rings, and their biggest challenge had been to master the latest video game. And now they exemplify the best of American values, giving themselves for their buddies and their country.

General Douglas MacArthur, in his famous “Duty, Honor, Courage” speech to the West Point graduating class of 1962, described the American Soldier:

“His name and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give. … He has written his own history and written it in red on his enemy's breast.

“…In 20 campaigns, on a hundred battlefields, around a thousand campfires, I have witnessed that enduring fortitude, that patriotic self-abnegation, and that invincible determination, which have carved his statue in the hearts of his people. From one end of the world to the other, he has drained deep the chalice of courage.”

“I am an American Soldier,” says we are different. We are not just soldiers, but we are AMERICAN Soldiers. We don’t abuse prisoners. We defend not only our own freedom but even the faint stirrings of liberty a world away. We flush with discomfiture at the thank yous—after all, “I am an American Soldier; it’s what I do.”


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The Soldier's Creed

I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and
proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies
of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

How Rumors Start

The first few days up here is a whirl of standing in long lines for chow, then more long lines for record checks, finance, insurance, wills and powers of attorney, and assorted other administrative check points. Then longer lines for medical and dental checks, shots, vision test, more shots and the longest line possible for a 20-minute psych eval.

This morning, I waited an hour and a half to make it in to a waiting room where I got to sit and wait for another hour for a CIF issue. (Central Issue Facility: that's where they issue us all our soldier gear.) Could have been worse, I suppose. We went thru in alphabetical order and there are a lot of letters higher than P.

First we received new NBC suits (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical defense suits, vacuum sealed, along with boots, gloves, a charcoal filter canister, and decon kits). Then the newest ruck sack, which is dramatically improved over the old style, and an assault pack with LBV (load bearing vest) and assorted whiz-bang high-speed attachments, pouches, and other devices that clip, strap and snap on in various configurations.

We got fitted for new IBA (Improved Ballistic Armor: a kevlar vest with pouches for front and rear ballistic plates to protect your torso) and neck protectors, deltoid flaps, and even a groin protector. Thanks to the IBA kit, the duffle bag weighed ... well, I don't know, but I'm a pretty strong guy and I had a hard time with it.

Next was our RFI (Rapid Fielding Initiative) issue. New gloves, several sets of protective eyewear, a new sleeping system (three sleeping bags in one, so you can determine the level of protection you need). And a complete set of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing, that would supposedly keep us warm in weather as cold as 50 below. Not sure if I believe it would keep us warm. But perhaps survivable. The best thing about the RFI issue is we don't have to turn any of that back in. The ECWC is worth well over a grand, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about getting a fat payroll deduction later, if I were to lose track of part of it.

Then after the issuing was complete was (you guessed it) more waiting around, this time for transportation back to the billeting area. Some things just don't change. Hurry up and wait. While we were waiting, the soldiers are chatting, as they always seem to be.

"So why do you think they issued us all that Cold Weather stuff?"

"We're probably going to Afghanistan, not Iraq."

"Or Korea."

"Hey what was that? We're going to Korea?"

"Yeah, haven't you heard the news at chow?" (There is a TV in the chow hall that plays CNN.)

"Oh, that explains why they issued us the ECWC." (Pronounced eck-widk)

Later, a soldier asked me, "Sir, you think we're going to Iraq or Korea?"

Of course, I can't comment here on exactly where we are going in Iraq -- even if I knew -- but our mobilization orders read, "MOBILIZATION IS IN SUPPORT OF OPER IRAQI FREEDOM." But then again, when have orders form the President stood a chance against the inertia of the grapevine?

Blessing the Troops

Following is the prayer I wrote for this morning's send-off ceremony at the state capitol.

"Most merciful and gracious God,

"We thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. All of our needs your hand has provided. By your grace, we have enjoyed unparalleled freedom and opportunity in this land we love and defend.

"As we prepare to depart this assembly, we humbly ask your further blessing upon those gathered. For the leaders of this land, both present and represented, we pray your continued guidance and wisdom, that we and our families might continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty.

"For the loved ones gathered -- wives and husbands, children, parents, friends and family -- we pray that you would grant the calm assurance of knowing that we are in your hands now, and that you care for all of us. Ease the pangs of loneliness, slake the hunger of their souls, and bind together these individuals into one family.

"And for these soldiers gathered, we beseech above all your hand of protection. Although we have the best equipment, the best training, the best leadership possible, we know that ultimately, we are in your hands. As the psalmist wrote so many centuries ago:

"'We who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." For you will deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; you will cover us with your pinions, and under your wings will we find refuge; your faithfulness is a shield and buckler.'

"We ask of you these blessings, knowing that you are ever more ready to hear us than we are ready to pray. We ask all these things for your glory, in accordance with your will, and in your eternal and holy name. Amen."

A Moving Send-Off

Well, we're off. Today the 779th Engnieer Battalion was sent off for duty in Iraq with a moving ceremony and the gratitude of a city and state. At 1000 this morning we had a ceremony in a big courtyard behind the capitol building in Tallahassee.

I was initially scheduled to be on the platform. Just the governor, the TAG (the Adjutant General -- the two-star commander of the FL Guard), my commander, LTC Jarriel, and me. But at the last minute, the Lieutenant Governor wanted to participate, and there were only four chairs on the platform, so guess who got bumped. I don't mind at all. Instead, I came out to the ceremony with the official party and then took my place with the battalion staff in formation. Then at the end, I tripped all the way up the big stairs before asking God's blessings.

The most moving thing about today's sendoff was the escort. (Well, next to Lori being there, and Mom crying her eyes out.) We left the armory in four busses, escorted by probably a dozen or more motorcycle cops from Tallahassee and Leon County. Following our four busses was an "honor guard" of bikers from the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that escorts National Guard and Reserve units deploying and returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

It was hard not to get choked up by their display of support. I was sitting near the front of the lead bus, when the bikers started turning in to the parking lot, one after another, and queuing up. Each bike flew a large american flag. Some of the bikers wore their old military uniforms, and some just wore ... well, biker clothes. Altogether 18 motorcycles and three SUV's lined up to follow us to the capitol.

After the ceremony with the Governor, the Patriot Guard Riders accompanied us to the airport. We drove right up to the flightline and a few moments later we got on the plane, walking past these bikers as they stood at attention with their flags to wish us well.

We arrived at an Air National Guard landing strip in Wisconsin this afternoon, with considerably less fanfare. Then we got in the old yellow school buses and drove to Fort McCoy, where we will prepare for deployment for the next few weeks.

Ramping Up For Iraq

For the past three weeks, I’ve been at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center with my unit, for a five-week pre-mobilization trainup. Pre-mob means that we will be mobilizing soon, and deploying to Iraq after we mobilize. People who have not been in the military might not realize how many different and complicated tasks are required for one Soldier to fight. Most of what we have been doing out here has been Soldier-level or leader-level individual tasks: first aid, moving under fire, manning check points, calling for indirect fire, decontamination, radio communication, signaling, clearing rooms, reacting to contact, and many other combat-related tasks. The Soldiers of the 779th have had late nights and early mornings, with few breaks in the pace.

Some reporters from the Tallahassee Democrat stayed with us for a few days early on. They even wrote an article about the suicide prevention training I’m doing with them. You can find the article at http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20090330/NEWS01/903300315/1010. There is also a video interview with me to the right of the article, on the same page.

Since I’m the chaplain, I cannot carry a weapon, or train with one. Some have noted the irony that, while I wear Air Assault Wings, Parachute Badge, the Expert Infantry Badge and I’m one of three soldiers in the battalion to have a Ranger Tab, I can’t carry a weapon. So I carry a fork. That’s right, tucked in the loops of my IBA (Improved Ballistic Armor) vest is a plastic fork. It was one of our nice plastic forks from home. It looks like pewter. But we’re only training, so it’s plastic. I figure when we get in theatre, I might replace it with a real fork.

It’s really just a conversation piece, and not meant to be a weapon, really. But during a react to contact drill or something, I pulled out my fork while doing these three-to-five-second rushes. (They somehow require so much more effort now than they did twenty years ago). Not to be used as a weapon, mind you. After all, we all know the chaplain is a non-combatant. But I gotta eat.

I’m sad to report that the fork did not make it through all the training. It apparently got smashed between my IBA and the ledge of a window I had to crawl over. A sergeant found the pieces and brought them to me, gingerly holding them in his hands. “Here, Chappy,” he said, “It looks like your fork didn’t make it.” After that I went to carrying a plain old white plastic fork. It just wasn’t the same. Sure, we can get a new puppy.

Besides getting trained myself in whatever tasks don’t require me to engage the enemy (which includes most of them), I have also to care for the spiritual well-being of the Soldiers. Early in our training, I delivered a briefing in the “Maintaining Your Battle Focus” series. My part was “Staying Spiritually, Emotionally and Mentally Fit.” All in thirty minutes. Isn’t Power Point wonderful?

A little later, I had a more lengthy and interactive discussion with them on Combat Stress. It used to be that if a Soldier had battle fatigue, he became a pariah, and was labeled a coward or weak. Now, our approach is to recognize the signs of Combat Stress early, and then get the Soldier a little rest, some hot chow, and maybe a few hours out of the thick of things. (All this is if the situation allows this, as it usually does.) Getting the Soldier to talk about his feelings and getting him back to normal things is part of the healing process. Most soldiers don’t require evacuation out of the combat zone, just a little rest. Of course, more severe cases of Combat Stress require treatment. But most Soldiers with Combat Stress—70 to 85%—can be returned to their combat units within three days.

There are two other related areas I am responsible for training as we prepare to go to war. I’ll talk more later about suicide prevention and preparing the Soldiers’ minds for what they might encounter during “Battlemind” training.