Return to Mogadishu
During the violent and dangerous events of Black Hawk Down, former U.S. Army Ranger, Jeff Struecker was certain he’d die. But in the very center of chaos, Jeff’s certainty of death […]
Challenges of Deployment
Case Study: Al and Marie are young newlyweds in the military who moved into the home next door a few months ago. Everything is new to this young couple–being away […]
Test of Faith
The incident in Mogadishu, Somalia, made famous by the book and movie, “Black Hawk Down,” changed my life. It all began after high school when I visited an army recruiter. […]
Deployment…
Life in Afghanistan was pretty boring–that is, for my first 72 hours. They choppered us about 12 clicks from our FOB and our mission was to walk back through several […]
Run to the Pain
I have always known, as has anyone who knows us, that Rick and I have very different in personalities. We clearly share the same faith, convictions and values, but the ways […]
Caring with Packages
For a number of years I sent care packages to the military personnel associated with members of my church – sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws. I tried to send […]
Where Was God?
U.S. Green Beret among those killed in Afghan attack Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) — Two Americans — one a Green Beret — were killed Monday when an assailant wearing an Afghan […]
Door Openers and Closers
Most people have good intentions when they reach out to a combat veteran and want to help and support. But sometimes they respond with questions or comments that should have […]
Where do we go from here?
The year was 1940. The French Army had just collapsed under Hitler’s onslaught. The Dutch had folded, overwhelmed by the Nazi regime. The Belgians had surrendered. And the British Army […]
The ABCs of Long Distance Parenting
“I’m not there! What can I do about it?” If you’ve ever heard those words from a deployed service member, you know the frustration they offer up to the one at home. So here are some thoughts to help—they’re so simple we call them the “ABCs” of long-distance parenting.