Dear Partner,
Dear Partner,
On this Armed Forces Day, I hope we will pause and reflect upon the 250 years that Armed Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen have volunteered or been forced by drafts to defend our nation to the death. I hope these are currently in our minds.
Countless mothers, fathers, families, wives and children have endured sad farewell only to never see that loved one again. All these experienced life-altering adjustments. Let's remember them as well as the ones who went to war and those who are currently serving.
The West family has had family members in uniform from the First World War to the present. A little West history: my Father was in the army preparing to go overseas in the First World War, my sister was in the Navy Waves in the 2nd World War, my brother was in the Army Air Corps immediately after the 2nd World War, I was in the Air Force during the latter days of the Korean Conflict, my son was career Air Force during Desert Storm and my grandson is now serving in the Air Force in England.
The military has been forced by politicians to function in ways never intended. Their function is to protect the nation's people against imminent enemies. It is not to protect enemies of foreign countries. Our military's job is not to pile sandbags for hurricane protection, put down riots, police the border or stop lawlessness on foreign seas.
We can see how little politicians respect our military by such phrases as "boots on the ground." In those boots are our sons, daughters and loved ones. Politicians have been numbed by plush chairs, delicious meals, pampering and endless meetings. It is doubtful that the military will ever return to its original purpose. The country's elected leaders are ignorant and incompetent. Our current President is vigorously attempting to rectify much of these ills. Today, at our house, we are flying the American flag and the Christian flag as a reminder to those who pass by. There is still hope.
We, of Rapha, must keep cool heads, engaged with spiritual tenacity and anticipate the coming kingdom. The Church must be the defender of right and truth.
My blessings,
Dr. Lee