It’s might be a cold and rainy San Antonio morning, but that doesn’t stop U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Troy Catterton from getting up early for some volunteer work before putting on his uniform and heading to the 4th Sustainment Command Expeditionary where he works as the deputy of current operations.
Today Catterton was at the 40th Annual Cowboy Breakfast in San Antonio, Texas, volunteering with Christian radio stations KLove and Air1. He had to get up pretty early so he could be at the event by 3:30.
“I got up at 2 am, did my morning devotion, shaved, got dressed and got in the car,” said Catterton. “I got there right around 3:30, with three others, so I could assist with setting up our area, speakers, and the displays, and we also helped with parking.”
As a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier, Catterton knows the importance of selfless service, one of the Army’s seven core values. A few months ago he was looking for a new way to put selfless service into action, along with a way to strengthen his Christian faith, and decided to submit an application to KLove and Air1.
“I was one of 30 people selected out of a pool of 500 applicants,” Catterton shared. “I then attended their elite volunteer training where we talked about the purpose and message KLove and Air1 want to share.”
As a part of the training they talked about how to handle prayer requests from listeners, a skill Catterton puts into practice all the time.
“This morning I ended up praying with three separate people. They came up and requested prayer for personal reasons,” said Catterton. “So I told them who I was, asked who they were, and after that I asked for a few details. I try to find the good in the stories they share, so I can praise the good and pray for the challenges.”
While his primary duties at events like these are promotion and outreach, Catterton feels these events allow him a real opportunity to connect with people in the community.
“As members of the military we come from society, so to give back brings it full circle,” Catterton shared. “Based on my belief and faith, if I have the opportunity to positively give my time through prayer, service, friendship or any activity, that comprises the intent of selfless service.”
Catterton truly loves our country and sees crossover in his volunteer work, faith and military service.
“I guess being deployed and being through hard times personally, I value and appreciate our military’s code of conduct and standards,” said Catterton. “Discipline, standards, call it comradery or fellowship, those are the principles I value from my Christian faith and I see them in the military, I guess that’s why I’ve served 18 years.”
While the day started early with volunteer work and may go late with military duties, Catterton isn’t slowing down. He already has three more volunteer opportunities lined up in February.
“I think my relationship and participation will continue with KLove and Air1,” said Catterron. “I feel honored and humbled at the same time. I feel like I am able to connect and help people and it gives me a feeling of fulfillment and validation in my faith. I love that, so why would I stop?”
Date Taken: | 01.26.2018 |
Date Posted: | 01.26.2018 14:17 |
Story ID: | 263469 |
Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
Web Views: | 216 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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