I have Known Chuck Akeley for several years now, he is such a Man of God! I asked him to share his thoughts on Veterans Day 2018. God Bless you Chuck for sharing!
Veterans Day 2018
When I was asked to share some thoughts about Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day), which falls on November 11 each year, I was immediately struck with the honor of it all, yet, also how difficult it might be, as the veteran deserves only the most thoughtful commentary. See, there is no underestimating this contribution nor the honor owed to all who served, as well as those currently serving.
Whether the veteran served in the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard or the Merchant Marine [12/7/1941 to 8/15/1945], and whether his or her service happened decades ago or very recently, there are certain experiences unique to all veterans. For example, unless you’ve experienced getting off the bus and standing in front of your first drill sergeant, and being told very pointedly that yes, you ARE sorry (and so is your mother!), it’s hard to describe to others the depth of the commitment and the seriousness of the situation. These men and women no longer own their lives, they belong, nowadays voluntarily, to the government. There is no quitting simply because it is “hard” or one’s feelings have been hurt!
More importantly, veterans learned very quickly to serve each other; trust each other; believe in goals much greater than their own selfish desires; give preference to one another; lay down their lives for each other (if necessary) for a greater cause; be thankful for what they have; understand what it means to operate in great integrity – even when avoiding trouble or shading the truth might be easier; and perhaps most remarkably, to live daily as one under authority, willingly.
As a follower of Jesus, I hope the foregoing brings to mind our Lord, Jesus Christ, who demonstrated that He could be fully trusted and did not lie; who willingly served others (though none were deserving); who led mankind to a goal greater than we can imagine, eternal life and residency in the kingdom of God; who gave preference to others, staying low, despite being God in the flesh; who was thankful for each day, giving thanks to the Father routinely; who never sinned, exemplifying the very nature of integrity; and who demonstrated at the cross and in His interactions with the disciples and others, how to walk as one under authority and how (or when) to accept another’s authority. I am reminded of Matthew 8:5-10, in which Jesus, referring to the Centurion, commends the Centurion for his understanding of authority and his faith, by stating “[a]ssuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
While I’m not suggesting an equity between veterans and our Lord, we can hopefully agree as to how special it is to be a veteran. There is something I believe the Lord has put on my heart recently. It would seem rather awkward to wish someone a “happy Veterans Day” or “merry Veterans Day” and for good reason. Military service changes everyone and some have experienced things which are just too difficult to speak about, but even those who weren’t in the heat of battle may be suffering deeply, on the inside. There is an inherent internal conflict with the pride of doing a great job and the reality of what that job entailed. The comradery established in military relationships is almost impossible to recreate in civilian life. Bottom line…there are lonely veterans among us, who need your love and His love, not judgement. As you go about enjoying this weekend, by all means, give honor to our veterans, but please keep your spiritual eyes and ears open for those who simply need a hug and some companionship. Thank you all!
Chuck Akeley, USAF, 11 ½ years, Bandsman (7 years) and AFOSI Special Agent (4 ½ years), 11/10/2018