Courtesy Photo | As a short-term inpatient of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Clinic, Tech. Sgt....... read more read more
Subscribe
By Col. Tom Deall
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA — Standing before a congregation of diverse religious backgrounds at the Victory Chapel in Southwest Asia, U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, Maj. Gen. Charles Baldwin, shared a message of praise with all members of the military and civil service as part of his National Day of Prayer visit recently.
"Today I'm here to say thank you," said Baldwin. "I'm here to thank you because our nation is safer and more free. I'm here to say thank you because my children and grandchildren are safer all because of your sacrifice and all because you're here."
Baldwin, a 1969 Air Force Academy graduate and former pilot, traded in his wings early in his career for a higher calling of service. Since graduating from the seminary in 1977, he's ministered to Air Force men and women from Texas to Saudi Arabia and from Maryland to Southwest Asia. It is through these travels that he's come to grow deeper in his appreciation for what drives the selfless service seen in the many faces of service members and civilians who are stationed around the world today.
"When you consider why you're here, so far from home, it's easy to understand the tireless and selfless commitment," said Baldwin. "You're here to serve for others. When asked why you fly, the answer is for others. When asked why doctors, nurses and technicians practice out of a tent, the answer is for others. And when asked why our security forces' men and women protect and defend on 12 to 14-hour shifts, the answer is for others."
Service, he said, is about understanding that everyday is important, and it's up to the individual to make it count. To emphasize his point, he highlighted three aspects of what drives service: trouble, trial and truth.
Trouble comes in the form of people who want to do evil things. "This is why," Baldwin said, "I love the people in uniform and our civilian counterparts. We know what trouble is and we choose to deal with it everyday for others."
A trial is simply when trouble gets personal. He said that we all face equal opportunity tormentors who do not value human freedom or life. But it is the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and civilians who chase down terrorists and face this trial everyday, and they do so for others.
Finally, there is the undeniable truth of existing threat. But during times such as these, the chief of chaplains noted, "It is great security to believe that God knows the truth. This is especially critical since while we all need help, we can rest comfortably knowing a higher power is in control."
Closing with reassurance and a final thank you, Baldwin said, "Be comforted, and do not be afraid. And when questioning how to best number your days, make them count by continuing to live and serve for others."
Bringing the high energy, song-filled evening of celebration and praise to an end, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Charles Shugg stood to thank Baldwin and the entire chapel staff while emphasizing the value of balanced fitness and service.
"Living day to day without balancing mental, physical and spiritual fitness," said Shugg, "is like sitting on a stool with only two legs. But that's why we celebrate. Look around and you see many different faiths here tonight. No one is under duress, and that's why we're here serving, to ensure others have the same right and the same peace – thank you for what you're doing and thank you for serving others."
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 03.20.2007 11:10 |
| Story ID: | 9513 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 54 |
| Downloads: | 24 |
This work, Chaplain chief shares message of praise with deployed Airmen, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
