Lake City Community Church Veteran's Day Sermon

Veteran’s Day

Lake City Community Church

Good morning!

Thank you for that kind introduction. And thank you so much for inviting me here today.

It’s an honor to be here to speak with you this morning. The fact that you took the time this weekend to remember our veterans, and their service to our Nation, means a lot.  As in many communities across America, we pause to celebrate those who have worn the cloth of our Nation and who served so proudly in the defense of the United States of America.

It certainly says a lot about all of you, as you show your appreciation for the men and women who, over the last 247 years, stood in the gap between that which threatened our Nation and the American people.

My name is Bob Caslen, and I am a Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and 43-year Army veteran. I graduated from West Point in 1975 with the absolute intent to serve my 5-year commitment, and then to go into business by myself. I got married 2 years after I graduated, and told my wife to hang in there for 3 years, and we’ll be getting out after my obligation is over. Little did I know how much I loved service to our Nation, and to lead America’s sons and daughters into the crucible of combat operations with the intent to accomplish our mission as soon as possible, and to bring them all home to their mom’s and dad’s. So, instead of getting out after 5 years, I was the longest serving member of my West Point class, serving for 43 years. I loved it, and I miss it even to this day.

I am sure many of you know the history of how Veteran’s Day came about in our country. But just to catch everyone up, since the end of World War One, our Nation has set aside this day to celebrate the men and women who served in the Armed Forces, defending our Country against “all enemies, foreign and domestic.” From the Revolutionary War to our most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, for more almost 240 years, these men and women have answered the call of duty and country and have carried out their duty with honor.

Even though it is veterans we honor on this day, I am mindful of the daily sacrifice the men and women of our first responders who every day to keep our communities great and safe. So, I want to acknowledge that and thank you on behalf of all our residents and communities, and applaud what you do every day.

Probably, as a veteran and former 43-year soldier, the one person in scriptures I can relate to more than the others is the Centurian. As I understand Roman rank and hierarchy, the Centurian translates to a hundred, which means the Centurian is a commander who commanded about 100 troops.  In modern day U.S. Army, the person who commands 100 troops is what we would call a “company commander”. I loved being a company commander.  When you told the troops to do something, they usually did it right there and right away. When I was a Division Commander of about 23,000 troops, when you told someone to do something, they would either try to talk me out of it, but by the time it got down to the troops, it would take a week or two and sometimes much longer.

The Centurian was also someone who lived within the community, and by being there at the grass roots level, he knew who the movers and shakers were.  So, when Jesus showed up, the Centurian is one who make it his business to be sure this guy was legit, and he would get to know him well. So, when he went to Jesus asking for him to work a miracle and heal his servant, it was not surprising to me anyway, that he went to the “mover and shaker” who was working miracles all over the place.

Of course, the Centurian is noted for his faith.  As Jesus said about him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found any one in Israel with such great faith.”

I know we’re celebrating Veteran’s Day, but it is really great to see a company commander with such a strong faith in Jesus Christ. I loved being a Christian commander, and although I was careful not to use my rank or position of authority to proselytize my troops, they all knew I was a Christian because I told them, and was careful to model a Christian life.  And nonetheless, all us former Soldiers eventually did leave the Army and became “veterans,” and I’m sure the Centurian, with such great faith, became a veteran himself.

Another group of men who stood out in war, are Aaron and Hur with Moses.  I’m sure you know the story, but the story is recorded in Exodus 17:8-13. Moses is leading Israel into the promised land, and enroute, the warriors of Amalek came to fight them. Moses tell Joshua, his senior warrior, to fight them, which he does. Moses climbs to the top of the hill to watch the battle, and whenever he had his arms held with the rod, the Israeli’s would prevail.  As he got tired and his arms dropped, Amalek prevailed. Recognizing the key to Israel’s success – Moses’ raised arms – 2 warriors – Aaron and Hur - went to Moses to help him hold up his arms – one on each arm. And Israel did prevail, and it was because of the faithful servants Aaron and Hur.

One of the great leaders of the 20th century and West Point graduate, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, once said, “The history of freedom is never really written by chance…but by choice.”

America’s choice of freedom manifests itself in its Constitution. “We the people” has always represented the ideals and principles of freedom. From the earliest days of our Republic to today, we remain a people committed to freedom, tolerance, and inclusion of all. As President Eisenhower alluded to, we have chosen this path of freedom.

But as you know, it’s not without costs. Our freedoms and values are defended and maintained at a steep price – secured only through the blood and sacrifice of the brave men and women willing to confront the dangers of the world to protect our values and our way of life.

These faceless heroes have selflessly and continuously laid their sacrifice on the altar of freedom to allow us to enjoy the fruits of that freedom. I know you recognize that and appreciate what they do and what they have done over the years, or you would not even be here today. And I’ll tell you, as a veteran, it is an honor to be able to stand with you today and talk about the incredible service and sacrifices over so many years.

If you ever have the opportunity to witness a veteran as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance, or face the flag during the Star-Spangled Banner, just watch them in the corner of your eye. The words are alive to them. The bond created between them and their country, represented by that flag, is indelible. They know something about the concept of selfless service to one’s nation, and to the principles which set it free and for which it stands – they know it...all too well.

President Ronald Reagan once said “Freedom is a fragile thing and it is never more than a generation from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly be each generation, for it only comers once to a people. Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again.”

If you tour our Nation’s capital, you can’t escape the tributes to generations past. Standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial is the beautiful Reflecting Pool and at the opposite end of the pool, is the World War II Memorial, built in honor of the “Greatest Generation”. Near the Lincoln Memorial, on one side you find the Korean War Memorial and on the other, the Vietnam War Memorial, honoring the service and sacrifice of the millions who served in those two conflicts.

Our veterans came from a full range of backgrounds and values, but they all shared a few things in common. Each had a love of freedom and the moral courage to safeguard it. Whether they were a career Soldier or a Citizen Soldier, all answered the call, and guarded our Nation in its darkest hours.  How great and noble was their sacrifice.

And I think that if we could ask each one what led him or her to serve, what drove them to continue to fight at times beyond their limits, each would reply, “Because my friends counted on me.” They fought for the love of freedom, for the love of their Country, and for their comrades. They recognized their duty to serve their Country when their nation needed them the most, and they responded.

Because of the shared hardships, where the next moment would mean either life of death, knowing some of their brothers and sisters in arms were never able to go back home, they created a bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that was stronger than the bond between their own blood brother or sister.

This reminds me of the love that existed between them. Jesus spoke of this love as recorded in John 15:12-13: “My command is this; love each other as I have loved you.  Great love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” This truly is one of the greatest verses in the Bible, and is really indicative of what our salvation is all about. But the one who knows this ‘up close and personal’ is the veteran, simply because the veteran has seen this up close and personal.

I know many of you have seen the movie “Saving Private Ryan.” Without a doubt, the film has left a lasting impression on this generation regarding the debt we owe to earlier generations.

The film opens with a harrowing view of the D-Day invasion of Normandy as seen through the eyes of a Captain John Miller (played by Tom Hanks). Through the rest of the film, Miller is given the mission to lead a search party to locate Private Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in action. The War Department has given Miller the mission to locate Ryan, who is now the only surviving son, so that he can be sent home to his grieving mother.

As the soldiers penetrate behind enemy lines, they open a Pandora’s box of moral questions. Chuck Colson, a Christian author asks some tough ethical questions. Why are these eight called to risk their lives to save one man? Don’t they have mothers too? Are they just pawns in some cynical PR maneuver by the War Department? How much is one man’s life worth?

There are no easy answers to such questions, but in the end, we see the only answer possible. Miller and most of his men have been mortally wounded. As the Captain dies, he gasps to Private Ryan, “Earn this. Live a good life. Earn this.”

In other words, men have died for you, now live a life worthy of such sacrifice. What a weight of moral duty to lie on one man’s shoulders! And yet, fifty years later, the former Private Ryan, now an old man, visits the soldiers’ graves at Normandy. As Ryan moves through the Normandy cemetery, he says, “I lived my life the best I could.” “I hope in your eyes I have earned what you have done for me.”

Today we celebrate the service and sacrifice of those who have served our Nation. Each veteran’s service is no less than what was laid on the altar of freedom by their predecessors. By raising their right hand to serve their country, each Veteran knows that there are some things worth dying for. Whether it is Country, whether it is Democracy, or Liberty, or the ability to worship as we chose without fear of prejudice or persecution, each knows the risks to our Nation and our citizens, and each of them knows the sacrifice necessary to preserve it.

Much like those generations past, today’s generation of young Americans understand the implications of what is at stake and have answered Freedom’s distress call. The so-called pundits that cite America as a declining power have not witnessed this generation in action. Rest assured – I have seen their courage, intelligence and determination first hand and can promise you that America’s future is in very good hands. The simple fact that America is able to produce such a magnificent and dynamic generation is proof positive that this country’s brightest days still lay ahead of it. When I hear those complain about what’s wrong with America, I invite them to reflect on this generation and who they really are.

Our service members today, sometimes referred to as the “9-11 generation” represent the very best of America. They are a generation of men and women that saw our nation brutally attacked, and yet they volunteered to serve – knowing full well that they would be sent into harm’s way to confront the enemies of our nation on obscure battlefields halfway around the world. Yet they never wavered or questioned; they quietly count themselves worthy to stand among the generations of Americans that have gone before them, quietly standing in the gap between the evils of the world and the values of our nation and our Constitution and the American people.

This generation of Americans is really a reflection of the people of the United States. They are an all-volunteer force, made up of citizens from all walks of life from all corners of our nation. They are a microcosm of our society, where all our country’s races, faiths or no faith, sexual orientations and creeds equally share in the task of defending our nation and its Constitution. They stand for the principles and values that you and our nation hold dear. This generation of American heroes is made up of your neighbors, friends and relatives – all of whom have answered America’s call to service during a time of war.

Many in this country don’t yet fully realize the incredible value and impact that this 9/11 generation is having, and will continue to have on our society. But that’s OK…they’d want it no other way, for they’re a humble, resilient and focused generation. President George H.W. Bush said “If anyone tells you that America’s best days are behind her, they’re looking the wrong way.” I truly believe that our nation’s best days are ahead of us – because of the incredible men and women of this generation who wear the cloth of our nation, who say every day “Send Me!”

They also represent our nation’s future. Among their ranks are the future leaders of our society – leaders of industries, leaders of our communities, and leaders of our nation.

And 50 years from now, their grandchildren will read in their history books about their truly selfless and humble service; a service that has protected the free world from tyranny and evil. For they have restored freedom and inspired hope where it did not exist. They have confronted and repulsed extremism, violence and exclusion in all corners of the world. Much like generations before them, they seek moderation, tolerance and inclusion for all humanity. They protect, defend and advocate for the downtrodden and defenseless. They are indeed a reflection of what America stands for.

Allow me to share a couple of stories of Soldiers that I believe epitomize what I’m talking about.

About 14 years ago, when I was a division commander in Iraq, on an Easter Sunday morning, I stood in the corner of the operating room of our combat support hospital at our base in northern Iraq, watching Private Brandon Marraco, a native of this great city from Staten Island, receive 56 pints of blood to keep his body alive. Brandon lost all four of his limbs when an IED hit him on the driver’s side of his vehicle, as well as two inches from the jugular vein in his neck. Soldiers were lined up all night, donating pint after pint of blood, just to save their buddy. We didn’t know if Brandon would make it. But six weeks later, during my R&R leave, I stopped by Walter Reed in Washington DC and saw him. There sat an energetic, spunky Brandon Marroco, surrounded by his family, telling me he was going to walk off the place to meet his platoon when they returned from Iraq. And sure enough, six months later, Brandon flew to Honolulu to join his unit in the welcome home celebrations. His platoon all had gate-side passes and greeted him when his plane arrived. After everyone else on the plane got off, down the ramp came Brandon Marroco with two prosthetic legs, walking into the cheering arms of his buddies in his platoon.

I also had the honor several years ago to meet Major Scotty Smiley, the first blind Soldier to remain on active duty. Scotty lost his eyesight in 2005 when a suicide car bomber exploded in front of his Stryker vehicle while he was standing in the commander’s hatch in Mosul, Iraq. Despite that, Scotty went on to command a company of Soldiers at West Point and taught a leadership class for cadets in his free time. He didn’t really have to teach it – all he really had to do was show up. Scotty was also selected as the Army Times’ Soldier of the Year, won an ESPY in 2008 as Best Outdoor Athlete, completed an MBA at Duke University, has spoken to motivate Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s Olympic Dream Team. He’s climbed Mount Rainer, surfed in Hawaii, and completed an Ironman Triathlon in Idaho.

Where do we find such men and women? Where does the nation find such selfless service and sacrifice? The fact is that we find them right among you – the great American people, in communities all across this great land.  You’ll find them, with a desire to serve, and to stand in the gap when their nation needs them the most.

The last scripture verse I want to leave with you, which is tied to one more war story – if you would forgive me for telling these stories.  But back in 1991 after Saddam invaded Kuwait, we transitioned from Desert Shield – which was the defense of Saudi Arabia, to Desert Storm.  I was with the 101st Division, and my mission was to fly 165 miles behind enemy lines to blow up a bridge over the Euphrates River along Highway 8.  Highway 8 was the route going back to Baghdad, but since the bridge was out, they did not have an expeditious route back home, and they all got clogged up along the Highway of Death.

I was the Battalion executive officer (or 2nd in charge for non-army folks), and I got to build the manifest roster of who was going on what helicopter.  Well, I picked my chaplain to fly with me all the way up there. He was a great chaplain, and we became very close through the rollercoaster ride of going to war, then not going, then going and finally gone.

But I’ll never forget. No sooner had we gone airborne for the very risky half hour ride, that he pulled out his Bible and read Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God will be with you no matter where you go.”  We’re both veterans now, but I wanted to highlight the strength and confidence and trust that a Chaplain brings to our troops in the midst of a crucible event. “For the Lord your God will be with you no matter where you go.”

I’d like to leave you with a brief thought, one that sums up the reason so many of us are gathered here today, and in ceremonies such as this throughout the United States. And that thought is this: our shared belief that America is the greatest country in the world. The reason for this belief is very simple – it is because of the blessings God has bestowed upon us, and because of the brave men and women God gave us, including many of you here today, that have stood up to be counted when freedom was threatened – sacrificing so much in the process.

In closing, I ask that we all remember all our service members and our first responders, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation, and their families. We are forever indebted to them for their service and sacrifice. May be always be worthy of their sacrifice, or to echo the words of Private Ryan: may we live a life worthy of their sacrifice.

May we also remember those that are, at this very moment, standing watch for us around the globe in the name of freedom and democracy.

May God bless each and every one of you here today, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Thank you.