“Air Force Brat”

Normally I take this space to reflect on certain scripture or the role that the Gospel plays in all of our lives. This month, however, since we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, I felt it would be good to reflect on our nation and just what it means to me and our collective lives together.

Many of you know that | was raised in a military family. My stepfather served in the United States Air Force for 27 years. Being an "Air Force Brat," as we were lovingly referred to, my friends and became aware at an early age just how precious the freedoms we enjoy today are.

I do not imply that we knew more than other nonmilitary kids or families. Our perspective though certainly is unique. My siblings, friends and I were taught not just by our dads but by the many men and women our dads served with the importance of the reality of America and what it means to the world. We learned that America is a promise; a promise that comes first from God and is supported by the government and the people who serve that government, mainly those people who wear the uniform of our nation.

Certainly, sacrifice was a big part of our lives. We moved around a lot. That meant making new friends, getting acquainted with a new school and new culture, it meant being separated from family "back home." Service meant that our dads would or could be sent away to serve in places where we could not go, separated for months at a time. Just like life itself for every person in the world, life was hard. Having said all of that I would not change a minute of my up binging. The people that I met and the friends that I made are still a part of my life.

Our fathers who served have almost all passed away. Their legacy is one of sacrifice to something greater than us. We miss them all. What they left us is the memory of lives of service and a special dedication to that service. For better or worse that idea has impacted me and my life and the lives of my friends. We can never fully honor the memory of our fathers, but we can live the best lives we can in the service of others, it is a big reason why I became a pastor. God bless America, enjoy the 4th! I am so proud to be your pastor.

Peace,

Pastor Bob