Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq and Afghanistan

by Jane Hampton Cook

  Prayer:

  Please continue your good work of drawing thousands more to faith in Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior, Fortress, and King.

  “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:8–11)

  November 7

  PUTTING CHRIST FIRST

  Cdr. Robert T. Garretson

  Even when I was home, I was consumed with work. While I thought I was doing a pretty good job of playing the action hero/tough guy, inside I was crashing. I felt lonely, stressed, depressed, and those who knew me best would later tell me they could see a shortness in my temper.

  Finally, while the squadron was away from home again on a training detachment and received the word that we were going to war again, I began to recognize that I was losing altitude fast. I literally fell to my knees and asked the Lord, “God, I need you in my life, what do I need to do to save myself?” The answer He gave me was to reengage my spiritual life and get back into the fight. It was time to apply many of the things I had learned flying jets to my faith.

  For example, I had to apply flight control corrections. To stop my descent, I had to take action and pull out of my dive. I had to actively accept and pursue a personal relationship with Christ

  I had to check my instruments. In the jet, if you’re out of control and only focus outside the cockpit, you fail to recognize what’s really happening. During these times, you have to get inside the cockpit and focus on your instruments. The instruments don’t lie, they give a true reading of our attitude and altitude. They let us see where we’re at and where we need to be. In my spiritual life, the instrument is God’s Word. I need to listen and apply God’s Word in my life and get into God’s Word through daily devotions as Chaplain Mike shared.

  I had to find my wingmen. In military aviation, the wingman is special. We trust our wingman with our life and he trusts us with his. In a time of crisis, he provides support from a detached but understanding point of view. At the same time we support him. Every one of us need to fly through life with wingmen who we can connect with, who are in the same stage of life someone to provide understanding and mutual support.

  Prayer:

  Please use the instrument of the Scriptures, Your Word, to give me a true reading of where I’m at and where I need to be spiritually. And please bring another wingman into my life, who will provide understanding and support through life’s ups and downs.

  “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20–21)

  November 8

  BECOMING A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER

  Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gary Hensley Command Chaplain, Combined Joint Task Force 101, Regional Command East, Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan (2008–2009)

  An old Chinese proverb says, “If you want five years of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people.”

  I believe leaders are both naturally gifted to lead and developed and mentored to lead. We must work to grow leaders for our future. To do this we will need a transformational leadership style. Transformational leadership requires one on one, knowledgeable investment in people. It finds ways to grow junior leaders for future challenges and demonstrates a vital personal connection between the leader and lead.

  Why is this important for us? To become a transformational leader takes an intentional, time-invested approach to developing subordinates. This is not easy. It is a challenge in the present, fast-paced operational environment. Much is required from our leaders during war. We must accomplish more with less. We must work within the system in which we operate.

  Let’s define leadership.

  In Army Field Manual (FM) 22-100, “Army Leadership: Competent, Confident, and Agile,” there is a process that could be simplified as “Be, Know, Do.” To quote from the field manual, “Leadership is influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization.”

  Harry Truman once said, “Leadership is the art of getting people to do what they don’t want to do and like it.”

  Napoleon was known to say, “Leaders are dealers in hope.”

  Even Attila the Hun understood the focus of leadership, “Chieftains who meet their Huns needs, even at their own expense, are honorable leaders.”

  Who is the one person who has most influenced your life? Was it your dad, teacher, coach, non-commissioned officer (NCO), commander, friend, or someone else?

  Jesus the Nazarene was a world-class leader. He provides the spiritual premise for true leadership. Mark 1:17 says, “Come, follow me! And I will make you fishers of men.” In 1 Corinthians 4:11, Paul wrote, “Follow me, as I follow Christ.”

  Jesus displayed all the attributes of a transformational leader. He developed his followers into leaders and role models for others to then follow. Leaders raise future leaders and invest themselves in those they are responsible for.

  Prayer:

  Dear God, please make me like Ezra, well versed in the Scriptures and bold to seek the favor of those in authority in order to do your will. By the power of Jesus Christ within me, please make me a transformational leader.

  “This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. Some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants, also came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.” (Ezra 7:6–7)

  November 9

  THE COMPONENTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

  Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gary Hensley Command Chaplain, Combined Joint Task Force 101, Regional Command East, Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan (2008–2009)

  Yesterday, we began talking about leadership that produces generations of leaders. The next two days I want to discuss the focus of transformational leadership. This is the leadership style that invests in subordinates to create others-focused leaders that our military and nation need.

  There are four components of transformational leadership: charisma, inspiration, being individually considerate, and intellectually stimulating. We’ll discuss the first two today.

  Transformational leaders are charismatic. Their followers seek to identify with their leaders and emulate them. This doesn’t happen by accident. Leaders model leadership. They lead by example. In a real sense they are excited and enthusiastic cheerleaders for their subordinates. They speak with words and act with deeds that are admirable, appreciated, and highly esteemed. The more selfless the act, the more charismatic they become. They use words and actions that encourage determination, persistence, and “stick-to-itiveness.” They speak and act with integrity that gains trust, confidence, as well as healthy dependence and reliance from their subordinates.

  Jesus asked his followers to follow him, learn from him, and emulate his actions. He instructed them to watch him and learn. He was the example of charisma.

  Transformational leaders are inspirational. Leaders inspire their followers with challenge and persuasion. They provide meaning and understanding. They build a sense of vision and purpose in their subordinates. When you are with your subordinates remember these keys to being inspirational:

  Be Enthusiastic—Get excited about what you are trying to accomplish. This is a contagious behavior even amidst difficult circumstance and fatigue.

  Be Optimisti
c—Find the positive in all things. Your subordinates will focus on your optimism when circumstances discourage them.

  Be Encouraging—Build up your people. Find the good and praise it.

  One of Jesus’ best known teachings focused on transforming the inner self. When he finished the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ (see Mathew chapters 5–7) it’s recorded that the people “marveled at him.” People long to be around transformational leaders. Their charisma and inspiration are rare in our society.

  Prayer:

  Dear God, please make me like Nehemiah, carefully assessing the situation and boldly calling others to follow me in doing the right thing. By the power of Jesus Christ within me, please make me an inspirational leader.

  “After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.’” (Nehemiah 4:14)

  November 10

  CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER

  Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gary Hensley Command Chaplain, Combined Joint Task Force 101, Regional Command East, Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan (2008–2009)

  Transformational leadership holds the key to growing great leaders for our military and our nation. Yesterday we looked at two attributes of these leaders, charisma and inspiration. Today we will look at the other two key components of this leadership style.

  Transformational leaders are individually considerate. They provide their followers with support and focus on individual needs. These leaders recognize that each subordinate is unique and requires individual attention to develop into a mature leader. The leader takes on the role of a mentor and a coach. How do they accomplish this?

  • FIND THE INDIVIDUAL’S STRENGTHS AND MAXIMIZE THEM

  • KNOW THEIR WEAK POINTS AND STRENGTHEN THEM

  • SEE EACH INDIVIDUAL AS UNIQUE, HAVING VALUE THAT CAN BE UTILIZED FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS

  Jesus found value in every person. He often focused on the weaker, less gifted in the crowd. Even those who were rejected by the crowd held value in his eyes. He empowered them to see that value and bless others.

  Transformational leaders are intellectually stimulating. They are able to expand the follower’s use of their own abilities. They find ways to stimulate their efforts to be innovative and creative. Whether by providing opportunity or challenge, their subordinates grow in their abilities and confidence. The following suggestions may help in this regard:

  Applaud creativity. Those who are able to cast a problem in a new light and re-frame circumstance to provide new perspective are truly creative.

  Ensure followers are included in the process. The leader is not always the answer provider. True leaders draw the answers out from their subordinates. A follower that feels they are apart of the solution is truly enabled.

  Restrict public criticism of mistakes or ideas. This not only works against the individual but the team as well. Criticize and correct in private.

  Jesus’ teaching was strong and demanding but he fostered a gentile approach to his disciples. He was approachable, and they identified with him.

  In conclusion, to become a transformational leader, you must be willing to change your thinking. You must be willing to change your behavior. You must be willing to change your model. Christ is the great agent of change. Not only can he make us new creatures, he can give us a new disposition.

  Prayer:

  Dear God, please make me like the prophet Joel, turning my heart toward you, confessing and repenting of any known sins, and seeking to follow you wholeheartedly. By the power of Jesus within me, please help me to seek a positive example for others to imitate.

  “Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2:13)

  November 11

  DO WHAT IS RIGHT

  Brig. General (ret) Paul Casinelli, MD

  My experience starts as a sense of duty. General Robert E. Lee said, “Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.” Andrew Jackson stated, “The brave man inattentive to his duty is worth little more to his country than the coward who deserts her in the hour of danger.”

  We have a duty to God our Creator to do what is right. If you believe in both the sovereignty and the providence of God, then he has you placed in positions and during times where you can see what that duty is. He opens your eyes so you can see what you need to do. It is one reason that I volunteered in the first place. It was very obvious to me that he had a very specific path for me to follow. My original reason for joining the guard was so that if I deploy I would be going with my hometown unit. I just didn’t know my hometown unit would be in Mississippi.

  I started on the ground floor, setting up the unit’s medical section incorporating my experiences from Desert Storm and Kosovo. I helped develop their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The commander, Colonel Brad McNealy, was outstanding. He was very supportive and simply told me to take care of his troops. The men and women of the 185th were professional citizen-soldiers. It was a great team to be a part of. The 185th Aviation Group was a great unit that shared my sense of duty.

  Prayer:

  Please strengthen my sense of duty to fear you, keep your commandments, and fulfill the duties you have called me to fulfill.

  Brig. General (ret) Paul Casinelli (MD) served as the command surgeon for Task Force 185 Aviation (a Mississippi National Guard Unit) in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. At that time he was a colonel and the state surgeon for the Connecticut Army National Guard.

  “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

  November 12

  FLYING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

  Brig. General (ret) Paul Casinelli, MD

  I flew over 190 combat hours during my deployment to Iraq. Besides the fact that flying is the fun part about being a flight surgeon, it is a requirement of the job. The physicals and sick call fill most days, but flying it’s what you love to do. It was exhilarating. Flying fifty feet above ground at 140 knots with the doors open was an experience of a lifetime and one very few people have the privilege of experiencing.

  I did not, however, fly in combat for the fun. Being the flight surgeon I was one of the sets of the eyes and ears of the commander. My job is to see, feel, and report on the stress experienced by the crews. The only way that I can know that is to be familiar with the stresses they experiencing by flying with them. I have to be on the internal communications system (ICS) so I can hear them communicate. There are also duties associated with flying as crew. I am an extra set of eyes looking for the enemy. I am an integral part of the crew when I fly.

  After a while when they get used to me being on the flight, they start talking to each other about certain things, but I understand they are not just talking about things to one another. They are communicating things to me because they know I’m listening. They might say the flying schedule is too grueling. Things they would not come to me and say. But they will know I’m listening. The chow hall doesn’t have a midnight ration. The way the flights are scheduled and the challenge scheduled we just missed supper. I can bring those things right to the commander. And that’s something he can do something about.

  My friends would ask why I flew so much. I didn’t fly because it was fun. I flew because it was a part of my duty. War does not have workweeks and weekends. We push soldiers to the limit. We have to make sure that they are not driven to go too far. Taking care of our soldiers is a part of waging war. It is a part of good leadership.

  Prayer:

  Dear God, please help me to listen to others, discern their needs, identify how certain needs can be met, an
d then take decisive action to help meet those needs.

  “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” (Proverbs 24:5–6)

  November 13

  ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRE

  Brig. General (ret) Paul Casinelli, MD

  Surface-to-air fire was a part of army aviation during the Iraq War. That was just another aspect of flying. There were times when small arms or rockets were used against us. A lot of the time the enemy was firing rockets blindly at the sound. I remember we were concerned early on about people shining headlights up at us.

  I do remember one episode about six miles south of Baghdad. We were flying south. It was a flight of two CH-47 Chinooks. I was in the trail bird. In the back of the lead bird there appeared to be a column of smoke. We looked down and it looked like there was someone firing a roman candle at us from the ground. And then all of a sudden it dawned on us that it was anti-aircraft fire, and then the streaks of light began coming at us. We just had never seen anti-craft fire before. The pilot did something with a helicopter I didn’t know the helicopter could do, and we began to move away. At the same time he started yelling over the intercom system to return fire. The first Chinook began to put down fire as well and within a few seconds the anti-aircraft fire stopped. There were never too many dull moments.

  War is not a safe environment, but to worry about the outcome of combat will only create an ineffective soldier. Whether by firefight or random indirect fire, life can end in a moment. If you thought about it too much you might wander at night whether you would wake up or not. The only way to be sane was to understand your faith is in the Lord and you would lie down in peace then whatever would happen would be his will. You had to accept that. And not so much that you had to accept it but that you needed to accept it with joy.