“And he [David] said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”
2 Samuel 22:2-3
Life in the Military is dangerous, even if you never see combat. Training exercises used to train sailors and soldiers are made as real as possible in order to train the men and women to act and react as they would in combat. According to Ritchie, “In all branches of the armed forces, at least 56 service members have been killed or injured in non-combat incidents since the beginning of June, according to an analysis by the Military Times.”[1]
Accidents occur on ships, on shore, and even while doing your routine military job. The leadership tries to minimize these incidents through safety training, but the military is a dangerous occupation. Our sailors and soldiers are not required to face these dangers, but volunteer. They volunteer to serve their nation and the citizens of our nation of their own free will. That exemplifies Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
For instance, according to Seck, 15 Marines were on a training mission this year when their AAV (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) burst into flames.[2] Eight of the Marines were treated for burns, and according to Ritchie, one died.
I’ve been in an AAV. It’s very cramped quarters, especially with full gear. The AAV dove off the stern gate of the USS Gunston Hall, and we traveled in a serpentine course all the way to shore. Many were seasick, and the constant smell of diesel fumes just made it worse. There are no windows, and if you’re a passenger, you have no idea where you are in relation to the ship and the shore. As we approached shore the wave action intensified and then we finally drove ashore onto the beach. It was a grueling 20-30 minute trip. This is just one tiny example of what military personnel go through.
If you’re a veteran like me, I honor you today. Thank you for serving this country and the citizens of this country voluntarily, with your honor, courage, and your commitment to our nation. May God bless you and keep you throughout your lives.
David praised God for His provision and protection from his enemy King Saul, who was trying to kill him. If you’re a veteran, trust in God’s provision and protection. If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you always have his provision and protection. If you trust in Him, even if you die in combat, training, or your daily routine, you can trust that He has a place prepared for you in Heaven for eternity. Praise his Holy Name! Happy Veterans Day!
[1] Ritchie, Ericka I. "Military Injuries and Deaths Off the Battlefield Are Increasing." Military.com. Last modified October 15, 2017. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/10/15/military-injuries-and-deaths-off-the-battlefield-are-increasing.html.
[2] Seck, Hope H. "Five Marines in Critical Condition After AAV Catches Fire." Military.com. Last modified September 13, 2017. http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/09/13/15-marines-treated-burns-amphibious-vehicle-catches-fire.html.