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FReeper Canteen ~ Guest Military Chaplain ~ Million Dollar Wound ~ Jan 22 2006
freemethodistchurch.org/ ^ | Chaplain Chuck Roots

Posted on 01/21/2006 5:45:42 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub


 

 


Million Dollar Wound

For me, every day I serve with the wonderful men and women of the Navy/Marine Corps, I am reminded why our nation is great.

If you will indulge me, I would like to tell you about some of these remarkable young people who wear the uniform of our nation's military. I'll start with a lance corporal I spoke with yesterday who was in Iraq earlier this year. The reason he was back in the States was due to a serious injury he sustained during combat operations. His lower leg was peppered with shrapnel. So severe was the injury that he was incapable of walking for three weeks. During his rehabilitation, his goal was to gain full use of his leg again
and then return to his unit in Iraq to fight with his fellow Marines.

Now, this Marine had what has been referred to historically as a "million dollar wound." Often when a serious wound is inflicted, the individual gets to return home and stay.
I've spoken with a good number of our wounded, and to a man
they want to get back and carry the fight to the enemy.

Part of my day includes looking through the reports on our killed and wounded.
I always marvel at how many of the wounded never leave Iraq and quickly return to duty,
eager to continue the war on terrorism.

Do they like war? No. Do they enjoy being away from their families and loved ones? No. In fact, when their time of service ends, most will return home to become solid, productive citizens. But until then, they choose to engage in a struggle that is bigger than themselves, a struggle they realize has a direct effect on our world and whether we will continue to live as a free people or be intimidated by the rantings of fanatics, whose only desire is to destroy that which does not fall in line with their demented thinking. Ask yourself this question: Is this any different than WWII, in which we found ourselves engaged in a mighty struggle against the tyrannies of Nazism (the policy of state control of the economy, racist nationalism, and national expansion — Hitler's Germany), fascism (a governmental system marked by stringent socio-economic control, a strong central government usually headed by a dictator, and often a belligerently nationalistic policy — Mussolini's Italy), and imperialism (the policy of extending a nation's authority by acquisition of territory or by the establishment of economic
and political hegemony over other nations — Hirohito's Japan)?

Then there's the corporal who was critically injured, receiving serious wounds to both legs and shrapnel in his eye. He has undergone several medical treatments and surgeries in a valiant attempt to save his eye. His desire is to regain his sight and stay in the Marine Corps. Another Marine lost both hands. While being fitted with prosthetics, he quipped that he'd like to stay in the Corps, but only if they put hooks in place of his hands.
That way he says he could hang on the pull-up bar
and set a new Marine Corps record for the most pull-ups!

Leaving a staff meeting recently I stepped outside to take the walk back to my office. As I descended the stairs, I noticed a group of Marines on the grass, most of whom were sitting on their sea bags. As I came to ground level, these hard chargers all came to their feet at attention and rendered the proper hand salute and greeting. I returned their salute and then engaged them in some light-hearted conversation. I said, "You guys going somewhere?" "Yes, sir," was their reply. "Iraq?" I quarried. "Yes, sir."
"What unit are you with?" I asked.
"Sir, we're combat replacements."

As I looked at their young, fresh faces, I was struck once again with the harsh reality that these young men have placed their futures
on hold in order to secure our safety and freedom.
I said, "God bless you,"
and walked away because I had a sudden urge to give every one of them a hug.

This past weekend for you may simply have been another weekend , and I would have wanted you to enjoy it with your family and friends.
But, as you go about your business this week, I ask you to remember the men and women who are in harm's way, battling a vicious enemy, enabling you and me to live in peace.

And if you know someone who has a loved one serving in the military,
take a moment to call them
or send an e-mail saying thank you.
It would mean a lot,
when many things are said in the media and by politicians
that are hurtful to our military and their families.

Be proud, America! Our warriors are guarding the wall.

Chaplain Chuck Roots



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: chaplain
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Dear God:
I ask that no Airman, Coast Guardsman,
Marine, Sailor, Soldier or National Guardsman
Feel alone or forgotten.
Please guide the people of Free Republic to
The FR Canteen Post Office
So they can e-mail a service man or woman today.
AMEN

1 posted on 01/21/2006 5:45:44 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
Good Morning Troops!
Thank You, for your service
Thank You, for my freedom.


Canteen Mission Statement: Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.




2 posted on 01/21/2006 5:47:12 PM PST by Soaring Feather (~www.proudpatriots.org~Supporting Our TROOPS~Check It Out!~A LIST of WHAT the TROOPS NEED.)
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To: All
Twenty Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green Pastures,
he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name's sake,

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.


3 posted on 01/21/2006 5:48:19 PM PST by Soaring Feather (~www.proudpatriots.org~Supporting Our TROOPS~Check It Out!~A LIST of WHAT the TROOPS NEED.)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

LeeAnn Rimes~Amazing Grace


4 posted on 01/21/2006 5:48:38 PM PST by AZamericonnie (~www.ProudPatriots.org~Operation Valentine's Day~Serving those who serve us!~)
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To: xzins; bethelgrad; lightman; Katy Deacon; Laurita; CMS; The Sailor; txradioguy; Jet Jaguar; ...
Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's
Guest Military Chaplain Service




Graphic tribute by our own Lady Jag


Please stop in and say a prayer of protection for the military.
Prayers from all denominations are needed.


                                          



Sunday Liberty starts after the Guest Military Chaplain's Service!

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.





5 posted on 01/21/2006 5:48:52 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a Service Man or Woman today?)
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To: SandRat
Happy Birthday SandRat!



6 posted on 01/21/2006 5:50:41 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a Service Man or Woman today?)
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To: Laurita; CMS; The Sailor; txradioguy; Jet Jaguar; Defender2; OneLoyalAmerican; bkwells; ...




FYI : Look in upper right corner of "My Comments" page.
Set it for "Brief" instead of Full.
You only will get title of thread and who pinged you.
No graphics will load.

7 posted on 01/21/2006 5:52:50 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a Service Man or Woman today?)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; All
Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, they're fighting for our Freedom.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic, for which it stands;
one nation UNDER GOD,
indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Prayers going up.


8 posted on 01/21/2006 5:52:52 PM PST by HopeandGlory (Hey, Liberals . . . PC died on 9/11 . . . GET USED TO IT!!!)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
Hi Tonk and everybody..


9 posted on 01/21/2006 5:53:36 PM PST by Aeronaut (It is deeply irresponsible to rewrite the history of how the war began.)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Hello from AL.


10 posted on 01/21/2006 5:53:44 PM PST by MamaB (mom to an Angel)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; MoJo2001; bentfeather; beachn4fun; Fawnn; StarCMC; MS.BEHAVIN; SevenofNine; ...
From the men in the Military and the Canteen


11 posted on 01/21/2006 5:54:09 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a Service Man or Woman today?)
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To: SandRat

A very happy birthday to you Sandy & many happy returns of the day!


12 posted on 01/21/2006 5:54:45 PM PST by AZamericonnie (~www.ProudPatriots.org~Operation Valentine's Day~Serving those who serve us!~)
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To: All
To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.


To our military readers, we remain steadfast in keeping the Canteen doors open.
The FR Canteen is Free Republics longest running daily thread specifically designed
to provide entertainment and morale support for the military.

The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.


FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.



13 posted on 01/21/2006 5:55:00 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a Service Man or Woman today?)
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To: 2LT Radix jr; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; 80 Square Miles; AlaninSA; A Ruckus of Dogs; acad1228; ...

Psa 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Luk 10:34 And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

1Ki 13:15 Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread.


14 posted on 01/21/2006 5:55:32 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Thank you for the Caplain's thread Mr. Tonkin!


15 posted on 01/21/2006 5:56:00 PM PST by AZamericonnie (~www.ProudPatriots.org~Operation Valentine's Day~Serving those who serve us!~)
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To: SandRat

Sandrat!!


16 posted on 01/21/2006 5:56:08 PM PST by trussell (Work for God...the retirement benefits are great!)
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To: bentfeather

January 22, 2006

In Defense Of Life

Read:
1 John 3:10-23

You shall not murder. —Exodus 20:13

Bible In One Year: Exodus 4-6; Matthew 14:22-36

cover The Jews clearly understood that God's commandment not to kill refers to murder—the malicious taking of human life. It doesn't forbid governments to use the death penalty or to wage war. This commandment deals solely with private morality.

Exodus 20:13 is based on the divine truth that human life is sacred and that we must protect and preserve it. Every human being bears God's image. Even an embryo is marked with a unique identity from the moment of conception. Life is God's most precious gift, and only He has the right to take it. Abortion, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide must all be viewed in the light of God's right to our life.

Jesus brought this commandment to everyone's doorstep when He said that to be angry at someone without cause makes us guilty of murder (Matthew 5:21-22). And John wrote, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer" (1 John 3:15). This makes us all murderers in desperate need of God's forgiveness and mercy.

Thank You, Lord, for Your love and forgiveness. Help us by Your Holy Spirit to love others as You have loved us, and in so doing to value life, protect life, and enrich life as a gift from You. —Dennis De Haan

Points To Ponder
What did John mean when he said that if we hate
someone we are murderers? (1 John 3:15).
How does this truth help us to forgive those who hurt us?

Anger is just one letter short of danger.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Right & Wrong: A Case For Moral Absolutes

17 posted on 01/21/2006 5:56:24 PM PST by The Mayor ( As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Thank You Brother Thank You!!!!


18 posted on 01/21/2006 5:56:29 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Thanks for Sunday Chapel Tonkin.
Hugs!


19 posted on 01/21/2006 5:56:38 PM PST by trussell (Work for God...the retirement benefits are great!)
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To: SandRat

20 posted on 01/21/2006 5:58:12 PM PST by HopeandGlory (Hey, Liberals . . . PC died on 9/11 . . . GET USED TO IT!!!)
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