FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: MAJ Mark Thompson ~ 13 May 2024

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[Kathy in Alaska]

 

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Thank the Veterans who served
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---

~ Hall of Heroes ~

MAJ Mark Thompson

           

"It was nothing like I expected," admitted MAJ Mark Thompson of his months spent in Baghdad, Iraq last year, his first deployment.

Stationed at Victory Base Camp (VBC), MAJ Thompson spent a portion of his time in theater in a place most would not imagine of someone deployed with the 11th Military Police Brigade: near a playground.

Originally deployed as a MP Task Force/Brigade G2 (Intelligence officer), MAJ Thompson was remissioned soon after arriving in Iraq. He was selected to serve as commander of a high-value detainee facility located at VBC.

U.S. soldiers had previously built a children's playground right outside of the detainee facility, set within the center's secure grounds. Said MAJ Thompson, Iraqi children visiting loved ones detained in the facility would come play atop the seesaws and swings, interacting with the troops in the process.

As commander, the playground - and the opportunity it provided to reach out to the Iraqi youth- unexpectedly became one the biggest tools for boosting morale amongst the soldiers. "Once I see kids playing, I want to play too," laughed MAJ Thompson, father of a 12 year old son. "I'm the biggest kid."

He, as well as many of the other soldiers under his command, often found themselves kicking soccer balls around and enjoying an unanticipated taste of home. Amidst their regular tasks in theater, MAJ Thompson' s soldiers also collected toys and school supplies for the Iraqi children who had seamlessly become a highlight of their deployment. Their dedicated work with the local kids was one that many back home would not automatically have associated with the operations of the detainee facility.

"We were changing the negative stereotypes some were lead to believe about Americans," noted MAJ Thompson, who received the Bronze Star for his leadership in Iraq.

During his ten months abroad, MAJ Thompson also encountered another group of individuals that made an impression on him as not only commander, but as an officer in the Army.

"There are a lot of civilians paying prices as well there," said MAJ Thompson of the non-military serving abroad. "I truly appreciate all of the sacrifices they make. They truly support us."

Since returning stateside to Fort Dix in New Jersey, MAJ Thompson has once more found himself in a leadership position. He is now Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Support Activity. Yet again he is responsible for ensuring soldiers' safety and morale, just set against a different backdrop.

"The mission is different, but the goal is the same," explained MAJ Thompson.

And the larger goal, as always, remains taking care of his fellow soldiers.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

[The Mayor]

May 13

A Solitary Voice

Bible in a Year :

• 2 Kings 17-18
• John 3:19-36

As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what my God says.

2 Chronicles 18:13

After the Paris Peace Conference that concluded World War I, French Marshall Ferdinand Foch bitterly observed, “This is not peace. It is an armistice for twenty years.” Foch’s view contradicted the popular opinion that the horrifying conflict would be the “war to end all wars.” Twenty years and two months later, World War II erupted. Foch was right.

Long ago, Micaiah, the lone true prophet of God present at the time, consistently prophesied dire military results for Israel (2 Chronicles 18:7). In contrast, four hundred of King Ahab’s false prophets foretold victory: “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king,” a court official told Micaiah. “Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably” (v. 12).

Micaiah responded, “I can tell him only what my God says” (v. 13). He prophesied how Israel would be “scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 16). Micaiah was right. The Arameans killed Ahab and his army fled (vv. 33-34; 1 Kings 22:35-36).

Like Micaiah, we who follow Jesus share a message that contradicts popular opinion. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Many don’t like that message because it seems harshly narrow. Too exclusive, people say. Yet Christ brings a comforting message that’s inclusive. He welcomes everyone who turns to Him. 

Reflect & Pray

When the Spirit leads you to say or do something, how will you do so in love? When have your own assumptions needed to be challenged by God?

Father, please give me the wisdom to discern Your truth. 

[PROCON]

Hi Kathy, thanks for tonight’s Canteen and for honoring this Hero!

[left that other site]

Hi Everybody!

(((HUGS)))

[radu]

Greetings to all at the Canteen!

To all our military men and women, past and present,

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.

Glad Mrs Mayor had a wonderful Mother’s Day!

[Kathy in Alaska]

~ Hall of Heroes: MAJ Mark Thompson ~

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[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Pro...are you all rested up and ready for the new week?

[radu]

Howdy, Kathy.

Finally a little sunshine up there but still a lot of clouds. And wind. Now I know where my wind went. LOL It was calm here for the first time in days.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...did you and Tippy have a good Mother’s Day hike?

It’s getting windy here and the sun comes out and then goes back behind the clouds.

[left that other site]

We did indeed...3.5 miles to be exact!

I also rode Blue a bit, even though it was quite chilly.

A Lovely Day all around.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, radu...how’s your weather? More rain? Sunshine for a change?

Most of my day has been clouds. The wind is kicking up and the sun is playing peek-a-boo. The trees out my front window are covered in green buds.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hurrah for your windless day! The blue patches of sun that come and go are beautiful, altho it is a tad chilly out on the deck.

[luvie]

Saluting MAJ Mark Thompson,
Another of our brave and awesome heroes!

[radu]

No rain today though they’d said there’d be a slight chance for it. Like up there, the sun played peek-a-boo all day.
I didn’t have any wind for a change. Your wind really kicked up for a while but it looks like it’s backing off a little. The lake’s surface isn’t nearly as ruffled up now.

It lifts the spirits to look out the window and see the trees budding out, doesn’t it? Y’all have waited a long time for Spring to arrive.

[radu]

It’s been windy every day for a week or more. Today was soooooo nice with the air so still. I wasn’t a chia pet when I finished mowing the last little area at the old house this afternoon. LOL

It’s like the airports have been in a donut hole all day. It’s been sunny there but there have been clouds all around in the distance. There are some heavy rain showers just north of the city.
The mix of sunshine and cloud shadows on the mountains has been a pretty sight all day.

You live in a beautiful part of the country. It’s just too cold for too long a period. LOL

[radu]

Howdy, luvie.

Hope you’ve had a good day.

[radu]

Howdy, PRO.

Did you get to see the aurora “dance” or were you cursed with clouds? We had a little bit down here but nothing like the videos and pics I’ve seen from the northern tier.

[luvie]

Hey there, radu!

It’s been very nice. Hope yours was too. Did you mow some more? Did you have sunshine?

It got too hot at 89, but by the end of June that will seem chilly. LOL!

[Kathy in Alaska]

1991 Central Graduate Awarded the Bronze Star -Mark Thompson