Honoring a Hero

Yesterday Jacob, Beverly and I had the privilege of attending the dedication of a new dorm at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. The building has been named for Kathyrn Nordman's father who was killed in action in 1965 as he flew air defense in dangerous weather for ground troops in Viet Nam. Even after his plane caught fire, he still delivered his payload before crashing.

I felt so honored to be there. It is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility. I know Kathryn and her family must be so proud of the tribute given to her father and the legacy he has left.

I was never in the military. Maybe I missed my calling to some degree, because I am SO impressed by most anything military. I have had the privilege of serving at funerals of veterans who were buried at the National Cemetery in Arlington, Texas. I get goose bumps as "taps" is played. And watching the color guard as they fold the flag and present it to the fallen's relative. I am moved when I hear a 21-gun salute, or hear fighter planes fly over. I'm captivated by the precision and discipline that goes into every move that is made.

I am also impressed by the way soldiers are trained to care about the fallen -- to leave no one behind. So much of the self-discipline of soldiers would work well in our churches, too. But I don't want to stretch that analogy too far.

Blessings on the Mattis family (Kathryn's maiden name). And thanks for letting me share in your special day yesterday.