Posted on 08/03/2005 6:08:58 PM PDT by SandRat
The Chaplain of the Marine Corps visited the air station July 26 to express gratitude, wishes and encouragement to Marines and sailors.
Rear Adm. Robert F. Burt and Master Chief Johnny Thomas, religious program specialist of the Marine Corps, shook hands and spoke to Marines and sailors from various squadrons. He also spoke to station chaplains to share his encouragement during his three-day visit of many stops throughout the station.
"Our purpose in coming here is to look the Marines in the eye and tell them how great they are,” said Burt, a Springfield, Ore., native. “(We wanted) to express our appreciation for their day-in and day-out commitment to the United States Marine Corps, this nation and fighting in the Global War on Terrorism."
Words of praise from Burt are meaningful to morale of station personnel, said Cmdr. Kenneth Smith, Marine Aircraft Group 13 chaplain.
"He gives those Marines a little encouragement to not just look at life in a material manner, but to recognize that they need to live in a spiritual dimension God created for them to live in,” said Smith, a Montgomery, Ala., native. “You're not just growing mentally and professionally, but spiritually."
During his time with the station chaplains and unit leaders, Burt focused on improving the well-being of station personnel, in case there was troubled Marines or sailors in need of help with any issues including post-traumatic stress disorder. Burt said he was pleased with the results.
"As I go around visiting, especially when I come to a base like this that's had a lot of Marines engaged over in theater, I speak with the leaders and the chaplains,” explained Burt. Burt said he was able to estimate that the station Marines are adapting well to the operational tempo.
Burt stressed his concerns for the well-being of the Marines on station.
"Some things we're concerned about is how our Marines are doing when we get back (from Iraq),” said Burt. “We hope if our Marines see they have symptoms that come from stress in combat, they feel they have the freedom to reach out for support (from a chaplain)."
Combat stress is not the only issue on his mind, said Burt.
"I would be remiss if I didn't say I care not only about the (Marines') physical well-being and morale, but also about nurturing their spirit and helping them feel alive on the inside," said Burt. "We care about Marines. We care about every aspect of their lives, marriages, working relationships, kids, family and (especially) spiritually."
The determination Marines have in fighting the War on Terrorism in Iraq is what Burt said he was most impressed with.
"Marines have a warrior spirit,” said Burt. “They have had it since 1775. Warrior spirit never gives up and never grows faint. There may be times when it's put to the ultimate test, but we're resilient and we don't quit. I was so impressed with the determination, the mission focus and the situational awareness Marines have.”
As Burt visited station squadrons, he shared his favorite quote from former president Woodrow Wilson to express his admiration for Marines fighting bravely for freedom and democracy.
“Woodrow Wilson said, 'When men take up arms to free other men, there is something holy and sacred about the warfare,'" said Burt.
Cpl. Gilberto SanPedro, Combat Camera Center supply chief, said he has a lot of respect when someone of Burt’s stature cares enough to personally come down and interact with the Marines.
"It just shows he cares. He makes sure junior Marines are spiritually good to go and their morale is up," said SanPedro. "I think it will affect us highly when you see someone in his position come down and tell you that you're part of a great service and doing a great job. It inspires a lot of people to get motivated."
Serving GOD - Wearing a Globe and Anchor
God Bless the USMC, the fallen men, their families, children, and community--but especially the corps.
Hoorah.
BTTT!!!!!!
Thanks for the ping!
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