A name came to mind last week. In fact, it often does. And although I can't tell you the name, I can share with you why this person ... someone I never had the opportunity to meet face-to-face ... made such a lasting impact.
It was Greg's first week of work as an Army Chaplain. He had just joined us in Richmond Hill, GA after being away for 3 months of training. He had also just received word that he would be deployed to Afghanistan in just 8 weeks, 3 of which would be spent on the "field" in training. To say the least, we were reeling. Desperately trying to deal with the overwhelming emotion. Those were some incredibly difficult days. And then, I heard her name.
Greg got a call one evening that one of his soldiers, deployed with a Military Police unit to Iraq, had been killed in a roadside attack. She was young. A newlywed. And it was his responsibility to do the death notification. He had to knock on a door and tell a young guy that his bride would not return home to him. My heart broke for the husband ... and for my husband, too. I thought about this girl and the sacrifice she had made for her country. It was like something out of a war movie -- except that is was real. And we were in the middle of it.
That week was like a fog to me. While trying my hardest to keep my morale up for the sake of my husband and children, I really wanted to just stay in bed. Greg did an amazing job. His training and genuine love and compassion for people came shining through. He ministered more than was required to the young widower and to the girl's hurting family. I helped him prepare what he would say at her memorial service and I remember how painful it was for me to type each word. When the day of the memorial service finally arrived, I was mentally exhausted and physically sick. Now, looking back, I think it was God's grace that I had a tremendous cold and no babysitter for Shane on that morning. I don't think it would have done a bit of good to see the emotionally fragile Chaplain's wife weeping uncontrollably at the memorial service. It was hard enough to listen to Greg recount the details!
Today, nearly 3 years later, it is still difficult to think back to the events of that week. Just days after the memorial service, Greg left for his field training. Not long after that, he was gone for 15 months to Afghanistan. I also know, looking back, that what happened in those first few days really impacted our ministry. Today, Greg is more respected by other soldiers because he has "been there, done that." We are both more sympathetic to the hurts and pains of soldiers and their family members. Sadly, there were more memorial services for Greg while he was in Afghanistan. And many opportunities to counsel with soldiers who were dealing with heartbreak, depression, even thoughts of suicide. Today, as I remember the name of the brave soldier who died in our first week of service as an Army Chaplain, I can also say I am thankful for what God took us through ... and how He did not leave us alone to suffer. We are more equipped to serve Him, and more assured of His constant presence and love. And I know I will never forget that name!
