For Such a Time as This: Diary and Devotions from 50 Years as a Navy Chaplain

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS Diary and Devotions from 50 Years as a Navy Chaplain

By The Reverend Dr. Herbert M. Goetz, Jr. Captain, Chaplain, United States Navy “…for such a time as this.”

Esther 4:14

Copyright Š 2014 by Herbert M. Goetz All rights reserved. Printed in China. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information or retrieval system, without written permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 978-0-9891204-0-1 Where specific illustrations, pictures, logo, and other visual material, and expressed views in this book represent and belong to the author and are not the views of the Department of the Navy. The views of ships and various logos fall within the fifty year time frame.

Many of the situations described in For Such A Time As This were recorded under extreme circumstances. Some were experienced in a traumatic encounter. For these reasons there may be some slight discrepancies between the actual events and my memory of forty-five years ago, but I have made every attempt to deliver to the reader the most accurate and consistent account of the events and prayers. —H.M.G

Cover and book design by

813 Rogers Court Ashland, Kentucky 41101 designs-on-you.net

Table of Contents Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Formal Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Chapter 1 First Assignment, Marines 3/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Chapter 2 Deployment Desron 24 Cruise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Chapter 3 Chapel • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Chapter 4 Midway Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Chapter 5 Naval Hospital • Great Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Chapter 6 Chief of Chaplains Office (BUPERS 9) • Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . .67 Chapter 7 USS John F. Kennedy CVA 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Chapter 8 Little Creek Amphib Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Chapter 9 Marine Air Group 36 • Okinawa, Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Chapter 10 Service School Command • Great Lakes, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . .92 Chapter 11 Comfairmed & NATO Headquarters • Naples, Italy . . . . . . . . . . .96 Chapter 12 Chief of Chaplains Staff, Naval Reserve Chaplains . . . . . . . . . . 112 Chapter 13 CINCUSNAVEUR • London, England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Chapter 14 Base Chaplain • Camp Lejeune, North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Chapter 15 The Ohio State University NROTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Chapter 16 Ruth Stafford Peale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Chapter 17 John Romonosky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Chapter 18 USNS Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Chapter 19 Navy League • Washington, D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Postscript . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

PREFACE Everything in my young life led me

to the Navy Chaplaincy, and over fifty years later the pieces have become the completed mosaic picture. Thirty years on Active Duty, ten years as a volunteer Chaplain at The Ohio State University NROTC, and currently in the Navy League as the National Chaplain has rounded out my career with the Naval Services. I can’t think of a more satisfying life journey. It has taken me around the world on many occasions, introducing me to various cultures. I have been exposed to many forms of food and no food at all. I have learned to appreciate my own country for the freedom that we often take for granted. My experiences have drawn me closer to my God and the gods of others. I have learned the importance of spirituality in times of loneliness. I have greater appreciated the importance of prayer and self-dedication. I have been able to see the many different clans of people created by the same Creator.

My perspective was broadened, and I developed a new understanding of consequence, forcing me to do what otherwise would not have been done. I was challenged to be more inclusive and tolerant of others.

This book is an accumulation of prayers and other religious expressions from fifty-two years as a pastor serving men and women in unique and unusual situations in maritime vocations. It also includes parallel narratives to explain the environments or surrounding events in which these

prayers were offered. These prayers were given in a variety of situations and locations throughout the world during both war and peace.

The text begins in my pre-seminary days in the sacredness of my parents’ home in Portsmouth, Ohio, and progresses through the educational opportunities of boyhood, into the world of academia, through commissioning, and into active duty in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps. This included extensive sea duty, the Vietnam conflict, Marine training in Korea, administrative positions in Washington, D.C., and throughout Europe which concluded thirty years of active duty with the Marine Corps, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

My civilian ministry was spent on the staff of the NROTC of The Ohio State University. Fifty years of professional service was completed with an appointment as National Chaplain of the Navy League.

There are many photographs and other images to offer a visual description of the written work.

This book, in essence, is an abridged version of my life in the Navy Chaplaincy. If you find inspiration, encouragement, or information inside, it’s my pleasure to share it with you.

FORMAL EDUCATION • Heidelberg College—Student • Ohio State University—B.S. • Eden Theological Seminary—Master of Divinity • University of Cambridge (England)— Graduate Student • Eden Theological Seminary—Doctor of Divinity

Full circle. Above at Eden Theological Seminary in 1939. I’m with my father, a graduate of the school. I later received my Masters of Divinity and my Doctor of Divinity degrees from Eden. The photo at right shows me with son Matthew in 2011.

He will graduate from Eden in 2014. (Quincy at bottom left.)

INTRODUCTION My journey began with a love of being near the sea and my parents and grandparents giving me a battleship model as a Christmas present in 1941, one year into this country’s involvement in WWII. All other boats I had seen up to that point were colorfully painted. This one was haze gray. Much to my surprise, my father knew that it was a Navy ship because he had seen one in the Bay of Miami while on a vacation several years prior.

My father was an Evangelical and Reformed pastor in an inland town in the southern part of Indiana right next to the Ohio River. The war seemed far away from us but with the call to duty, many men were in some branch of military service or the military industrial complex. If not in the active duty forces, many were in civil defense to fulfill their duty to our country.

With the onset of the war, my childhood battleship took on a bit more interest. Several men from our congregation were volunteering or being drafted into the military. Many of the women were employed in the numerous programs of civil defense.

Soon there was an obvious vacancy in our church congregation as men began leaving home to serve our country. This caused my dad to become more alert to the seriousness of the war. It was a tough

Christmas 1941. With my grandmother and brand new, haze gray battleship.

time for an ethnic German pastor who was now forbidden to preach in German—all liturgies were to

Families were being divided within the

be in English. He had to make a major adjustment

German culture, which had previously played an

within the congregation and discontinue much of

important part in the American migration west. All

what he had been doing since seminary graduation

Germans were suspect. German congregations were

ten years earlier.

being fragmented by three major events: the Great

at Anzio beachhead which is now the Memorial Cemetery Nettuno, south of Rome. He was severely wounded, losing a leg during some of the most strenuous and fierce landings as the U.S. forces moved into southern Germany, and was returned to Walter Reed Hospital. This increased my father’s feeling of guilt, as he continued to respond to his first calling of being a pastor. He tried to enter the Chaplain Corps, but was rejected for the third time.

I was deeply influenced by this family tragedy when Uncle Al was wounded and returned home.

In the fifth grade I wrote an English essay stating I wanted to be a minister to the military near the sea in honor of my uncle.

My maternal grandfather was extremely instrumental in mentoring my maturation and My parents, Herbert and Anna Goetz, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1950.

influencing me throughout my life.

He was with the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team for forty consecutive years as manager

Depression, the 1937 flood, and now the beginning of WWII. Our community, like so many

of Western Union communications “Play

by Play.” He was a traveling man with the Reds on road trips and during winter training.

others, was changing as we said goodbye to loved ones. My dad was too young to serve in WWI. Neither was he a candidate for active duty in WWII because of a serious asthmatic condition. He also had a 4D deferment for being a pastor. He was greatly disappointed and felt the only thing that he could do was to bring the war into our home with pictures and models. He became a Civil Defense Officer and did not miss a single black-and-white news film at our local movie theater. Every week or so he would give me a new ship model and help me build it. In those days before plastic, we used only balsa wood.

The Goetzes soon became a Blue Star family with my father’s younger brother serving in the Army. Uncle Al went on active duty and was sent to the Fifth Army to serve with General Mark Clark in the southern European Theatre of the war, landing

Grandpa Arbogast.

7

He never missed a game in forty years. He and Branch

another vacation near the sea. It was beautiful—big

Rickey, of the Brooklyn Dodgers, went through the

and gray with flags flying and sailors marching down

racial issues in 1943, the struggle with integration

the street in their blue jumpers and white Dixie®

and the conflict of accepting Jackie Robinson into

cup hats. I wanted to be a part of this organization

the “big league”—especially in Cincinnati in the

so, as soon as I turned sixteen, several of us went to

’40s.

the Naval Reserve Center in Portsmouth, Ohio, and My grandfather was very supportive of the

joined up. During that time in history it was called

military. I was proud of him and admired his

determination,

standing up for God and country. He was a solid patriot. In my collection, I have

the Sea Cadets. We

God is great and God is good and I thank Him for this food.

By His hands we all are fed, give us Lord our daily bread.

marched in all of the parades. I was in the Navy! All of the war movies in my earlier years which featured the Navy or ships or

many baseballs from this devoted man. He prayed for strength wisdom

Marines or military families caught my attention

and patience.

and took on a new meaning. Now I could identify

My years of education began to shape my life

with the Navy because I was in it!

and while still in grade school, I knew that sometime

Immediately after graduation from Ohio State

in the future I wanted to do what my dad could not

University with a BS in Education, I drove 100 miles

do—go into some form of military service—and

south to my hometown of Portsmouth. I returned

respond to another of God’s calling, that of being a

home for almost a year to be with my ailing father.

minister. I was sure even then that I wanted to be a minister.

Portsmouth is across the bridge that spans the scenic Ohio River into Greenup County and the

I grew up in a parsonage, but even beyond my

northern edge of Appalachia in Kentucky. My mom

parents’ home, throughout my entire life, I have had

said that she had read in the Portsmouth Times the

the opportunity to pray. As a matter of fact, I was

principal of McKell High School, Jesse Stuart, was

expected to pray before all meals, at bedtime each

looking for teachers but the “market” was rather

night, in worship services, and at Sunday school. It

slim. I said, “What the heck, I’ll drive over and try

became second nature and shyness dissipated. The

to get an appointment to talk with him and come

prayers began with the familiar “God is great and

right home.”

God is good and I thank Him for this food. By His

Jesse Stuart was a well-known author who

hands we all are fed, give us Lord our daily bread.”

had over twenty published books at that time. The

At bedtime it was, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I

current total is more than sixty.

pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before

My mother was encouraged that I might get

I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take.” The impact

a job. I put on a coat and tie, got in my old 1947

of this prayer was felt years later in combat with the

Ford and headed south to the bridge. Crossing the

Marine Corps in Vietnam.

Ohio River into Kentucky, I turned left and onto the

My next magical childhood encounter with the

8

drilled weekly and

Navy was seeing my first Navy ship at age twelve on

highway toward McKell High School.

It was on the right, several miles down the

road, immediately after the football field in all its

duck into the outer office with the black and gold

pride and glory. It was a yellow brick, two floor,

sign reading, Jesse Stuart, Principal.

impressive beacon of education in Greenup County, Kentucky. It was easy to find as it sat on a hill at

I was greeted by the efficient office assistant.

“May I help you?” she asked.

the bottom of a small mountain range. In front of

“Is Dr. Stuart in?” I asked.

the school was a semi-black, gravel top parking

“Yes he is—may I tell who is calling?”

area for the faculty. In the back was parking for

“Herb Goetz.”

the students—cars, horses, and a buggy or two.

In a loud voice from the inner office came, “Is

There were wildflowers blooming, the trees were

that another salesman?”

lush with green leaves, and a fox was heading

I spoke up, “No sir, I’m a teacher!”

over the hill by the band room. You could hear the

With a change of voice he came out of his office

band playing in preparation for the Kentucky State Music Competition.

There were plenty of places to park in the

and said, “Come on in! You’re a teacher?”

“Yes sir. I just graduated from Ohio State.”

“A high school teacher?”

back, but I drove around the building and parked in

“Yes sir.”

the front right next to the main door and went in. I

“When can you begin?”

turned right and entered the first office on the right.

I was startled. “Next week. Is that soon

It was as quiet as a tomb. The halls were empty

enough?” I replied with a quick response more than

and peaceful. The smell of lunch, cabbage and ham

an answer.

hocks, filled the first floor air. Then the bell rang and it seemed like a cataclysmic eruption. I managed to

“No,” he responded. “How about in ten minutes when classes resume?”

I stuttered and tried to gain composure. All sorts of reasons why I could not begin in ten minutes ran around my mind, but none seemed to work. If you knew Jesse Stuart, you knew when it came to education there were no excuses. The same office assistant/honor student who greeted me as I came in, took me to my first class which, fortunately, was English! And then came History and my first break.

(Thank goodness neither was Math!)

I was a teacher at McKell High School. My first teaching day began ten minutes after I applied for the job. The end of that day came after coaching girl’s basketball and track, and then attending a teacher’s meeting. It was almost dark when I got to go home.

The next day we talked about the salary!

Day two began earlier than the previous one,

Jesse in front of McKell High School. Courtesy of CourierJournal and Louisville Times.

with a meeting with the principal. “Well how did your first day go?”

9

I dared not say anything other than really well.

travel from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Portsmouth on a

We grew a close, trusting relationship

Greyhound bus. I went to the station to pick her up

immediately. He was my Type A personality kind

and while I was waiting on her bus, I watched other

of a teacher, mentor, and friend.

passengers unload. They were

By the following day, he

talking and I was listening. One

had identified me to the County

of them was speaking Spanish

School Board, sought permission

and carrying a lot of stuff. As

for my position to continue that

he stepped down the last step,

year, and continue into the next

I offered him my hand. He was

as his assistant. This was Jesse

short in stature; he accepted

Stuart, the renowned educator

my invitation, took my hand,

and prolific writer offering me

and made it to the ground.

a permanent position on his

Our

staff for the following year as

continued, he in Spanish, me in

an assistant principal, teacher,

English. I offered to buy him a

and coach. (You can read more

cup of coffee. My mother was

about our year together in his

obviously going to be late. He

book, Mr. Gallion’s School.)

acknowledged my offer and we

I was surprised. This was the man who had completed

conversation

found a table. “Totally black and strong,” was his coffee request.

writing twenty novels and short stories. He had

“Make that two, please.”

been featured nationally on the American Red

As the conversation continued, I asked him if

Cross Heart Attack Caution television program,

he had employment in Portsmouth. It appeared that

in the early days of television. He was a guest of

he had not had a job for some time. In Spanish he

the popular Ralph Edwards’ television exclusive

gave me the answer, then translated it into English.

program, This is Your Life, filmed in Hollywood,

“You’re just the man we need—how would you like

California. He had also flown to New York for the

to be a school teacher?”

making of a film of his life which was receiving

He was as dumbfounded as I had been in

much notoriety. Here we were in his office viewing

Jesse’s office at the beginning of the year, but I had

the program on a borrowed ten-inch black-and-

discovered our new Spanish teacher.

white television set. Jesse Stuart was a Naval officer, an educator, and had already become my friend.

I found him a place to sleep that night and told him that I would pick him up the following

I was now a part of an excellent “pick-up”

morning, bringing him a coat and tie to wear. His

staff of classroom teachers. There were some gaps

pants were dirty, but fine. His socks were a bit

in the curriculum faculty positions that needed to

odoriferous, but they would be sufficient.

be filled, but we all pulled together to make it work.

The next morning after a cup of black, black

We did our best in and out of the classroom to help

coffee, we were on our way. I thought Jesse would

the students as well as to find additional instructors.

be pleased and surprised—and he was. As a matter

One of the more interesting stories about

10

partial

that topic started when my mother had chosen to

of fact, he was elated and in complete disbelief.

I introduced Fujito Shanchez to Jesse Stuart

and almost instantly they struck up a sense of

“You were?” I responded. “Where?”

camaraderie. Jesse stopped everything that he was

“Washington, D.C.” he said.

doing and took Fujito, the new Spanish teacher, to

This added a whole new dimension to the

his second period Spanish class. The students were

situation that caused me to reconsider my decision.

happy to trade their student teacher for a real, live

After much conversation and prayer with people

Spanish-speaking person.

helping me contemplate my dilemma, I thanked

As the weeks went on, the trust in Jesse’s and

Jesse for his honest confidence in me, but explained

my relationship grew. During another meeting,

the Spiritual Call to ministry was too strong. “I will

he broached the subject once more about staying

be entering the seminary next year.”

with him the following year. My heart and mind

Jesse accepted my decision and supported me.

were both in agreement, and I asked myself, why

He became my strongest advocate for the remainder

not? The subsequent weeks were filled with painful

of his life.

discernment. I had made a decision that I announced at our next meeting.

“Jesse, my calling is to ministry in the church. I would love to stay with you, but I

“I will miss you, Herb. You were so good with our students, colleagues, and teachers. They all love you. You are the finest teacher I have ever had on my staff,” he told me as I left his office.

just can’t. I’m looking at the military and the

Jesse always wanted the best for everyone!

Chaplaincy in the Navy. With the way the world

The night of graduation, he summoned the faculty

is, that’s where I belong.”

to his office and inquired, “How many of you have

“Herb, very few know this, but I was a Lieutenant in the Navy myself.”

a hood for the academic procession?” Few had a baccalaureate degree. Even fewer had a Master’s, and even fewer had a hood!

Jesse took those without any degree into his office and unlocked his closet door. Inside was a stack of brown boxes. He handed one box to each teacher in the room. Inside were Jesse’s personal honorary degrees. There were enough so the entire teaching staff could wear one.

The teachers were so proud that Jesse would share his many academic accomplishments by loaning them his hoods. The students were amazed.

We had the most colorful high school processional in Kentucky!

During the weeks before graduation, it had been made very clear to the students there would be no graduation for those who owed money for lost library books, for other lost materials, or broken windows. The evening of graduation was a glorious one until parents revolted and charged

Lieutenant JG Jesse Hilton Stuart in his dress whites.

the principal’s office to get his signature on the

11

McKell High School Graduation Invocation

The everlasting words of Jesse Stuart are all that matters “for such a time as this:” I am firm in my belief that a teacher lives on and on through his/ her students. Good teaching is forever and the teacher is immortal.

—Jesse Stuart

“

O God, thank you for being here this evening for this very

important occasion—the graduation of these students, for this is a time to recognize their many accomplishments. Bless each one of them and their families who are so proud of them. It has not been an easy time—there have been many hardships. Just the travel to and from school has been a real challenge. We are so proud to be from this part of Appalachia, for all around us we see the beauty of mountains, the sky, the river, and everything that we often take for granted. Most importantly, we give you thanks for our families who have sacrificed to make this night so special.

For the teachers and staff who have been so patient with us and have been faithful in the classroom and for the insight and leadership of our principal, Jesse Stuart, for his faithfulness to education and commitment to make this a center for learning.

”

Thank you for this night for we pray all of in the name of Almighty God.

Herbert Goetz, Staff Teacher and Assistant to Dr. Jesse Stuart May 5, 1957

12

diplomas. Jesse Stuart refused to sign them until all

McKell High School, class of 1957. The principal,

outstanding bills were paid.

Jesse Stuart, asked me to be his assistant and

Finally school was over for the year. The lights

to assume many teaching positions and plan

were turned out. The parking lot was empty. It was

special school events. One such event for which

an amazing year at McKell High School, but the best

I was responsible was graduation in the McKell

part for me was the relationship I forged with Jesse

gymnasium. Stuart invited me to teach with him

Stuart. Throughout seminary, the early days in the

for a second year. I loved teaching, but the call to

Navy, many deployments into Vietnam, in Korea,

ministry was so strong that I could not waiver.

in all of my duty stations around the world, and for

The little known fact was that Jesse Stuart

the remainder of his life, he was my closest mentor,

himself was a lieutenant in the Navy from 1944 -

and a true lifelong friend.

1945. I remember distinctly when Jesse took me

• • •

in his office and said to me, “Well if you are not

With my new education degree I had the

going to stay with me next year and teach, being

opportunity to teach with Jesse Stuart in Greenup

a Naval Officer and a Chaplain is the best way to

County, Kentucky, at McKell High School. This is

serve God, country, and the youth of this country.

where this book of prayers begins—Senior

Herb, you will make a difference. You have my total

graduation

support as I sense that God had called you to both professional fields. I will certainly miss you next year. We are a great team and you are one of the finest teachers I have ever had work with me.” I reminded him that we had a great faculty at McKell High School and that I was just one of his teaching staff.

In the years following, Jesse followed my career in ministry through the many letters we exchanged. A deep and meaningful relationship was formed and we bonded. We made an effort to visit each other at every opportunity possible. His many letters encouraged me in my professional journey as a pastor, teacher, and Navy chaplain to military families.

Our last visit was at W-Hollow just weeks before his death.

There are influential people put in your life and you don’t know why. A relationship grew with Jesse Stuart who was my mentor, my spiritual encourager, my colleague, and my friend.

Thank you, Jesse.

13

14

(Above) Chaplain School, June 1960, Newport, Rhode Island. First row: Chaplain Floyd Dreith (second from left), flanked by his academic staff. Second row: (l to r) Gordon S. Cook, Harvey M. Tattelbaum, Herbert M. Goetz, William E. Bray, Cyrus Arfa, Howard L. Kummer, Carrol R. Spencer, George F. Bott. Third row: (l to r) Eli Takesian, Rufus B. Fink, Robert F. Banker, Harry C. Sorensen, Harry F. MacCall, Stephen L. Brandt, Reuben V. Watts, James LaFon, Robert S. Borden, Martin Siegel.

H.

(Right) The invitation to my 1960 graduation from the U.S. Naval School Officer Indoctrination, Chaplains.

King of Earth and Sea (Eternal Father)

Eternal Father, Strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bid’st the mighty Ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude And bid its angry tumult cease, And give for wild confusion, peace, O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea.

God who dost still the restless foam, Protect the ones we love at home.

Provide that they should always be By thine own grace both safe and free.

O Father, hear us when we pray For those we love so far away.

And when at length our course is run, Our work for home and country done, Of all the souls that are together here Let not one life in Thee have failed; But hear from heaven our sailor’s cry, And grant eternal life on high!

15

Chapter One

FIRST ASSIGNMENT • MARINES 3/2 Immediately after graduation from Eden Theological Seminary I left for Newport, Rhode Island, and Chaplain School. At the completion of the five months of curriculum, I was ordered to report to the home of the 3/2, Third Battalion Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Soon thereafter our Battalion deployed to Vieques, Puerto Rico for five months.

Uncertain as to what to expect, I talked with Colonel Reverdy M. Hall. He reassured me that it would be new, different, and challenging. We talked about leadership and goals for the battalion. He was very understanding with his young chaplain.

The religious program was very important to him and he supported his chaplain to the fullest. I soon grew to appreciate the ‘hard core’ leadership style of my Commanding Officer on this first assignment as a Navy Chaplain. He introduced me to the Executive Officer (XO) and Episcopal Lay Reader, Major Jim Reeder.

Lieutenant Colonel Reverdy M. Hall, Commanding Officer of 3/2. Official Marine Corps photo by 2d Marine Division, FMF

As a career Marine, Colonel Hall was outstanding. He optimized what I thought a combat

landing. Seminary was never like this—but it was

Marine to be. He was a terrific person and leader of

easier than studying Greek! We departed Camp

men. Going to the field with him and Major Ralph

Lejeune for Vieques.

Demeree, Training Officer and devoted Christian, was a treat and I felt very safe and comfortable.

I had three days left to prepare for Sunday Worship. Once I found the copy machine, I typed

Colonel Hall taught me a lot about being a

the bulletin, arranged for lay readers, rehearsed the

Marine. I learned quickly after my first four mile

choir, looked for my driver, and went to the beach for

hike the first day there. The following day we

a little while.

made three landings from water and dropped from

That first Sunday while deployed, we had a

three helicopters in a simulated attack on a beach

good attendance in Sunday worship in our huge,

newly erected tent. The little field pump organ was

cold lemonade my assistant acquired to distribute

ready to go, hymns were selected, the candles were

after worship that was the draw, or maybe it was

ready to light, the

the break in the

b u l l e t i n s w e re

training schedule,

printed and ready for distribution, and portable c h a i r s w e re i n

For little things like lemonade and a donut and for the rest of today, I give You thanks O God!

or perhaps it was to worship God. Only God knows but it was

straight rows. I

a blessing and

had six ushers

reassurance for

ready to show the attendees to their seats.

this Chaplain and his dutiful assistant.

My assistant was an eighteen-year-old

In the front row was the CO, Colonel Hall,

Marine, an enlisted man who went to church

Major Reeder, and the training officer, Major

back home in the Midwest and wanted to be a

Demeree. There were many prayers of thanksgiving

Chaplain’s assistant as his Military Occupational

for both the refreshments and the worship service.

Specialty (MOS). He hadn’t attended seminary,

The following day was Monday and we would

hadn’t attended college, and had just three years

be back to the field for more gunfire training in the

of high school, but he was an expert with his rifle

ninety-five degree weather, but “For little things

and an excellent Jeep driver. He was a person

like lemonade and a donut and for the rest of today

who would work when needed, day or night. His

I give You thanks O God!”

attitude was perfect. He was a man with a love of

While there our entire day was spent in firing

God and became the assistant religious educator.

exercises, gunfire support, and military invasion

What more could I want?

tactical maneuvers. At the conclusion of the day

Our first Sunday there, he told me we were

it was the Chaplain’s responsibility to set up

ready for church to begin. He brought a bell with

voluntary work projects with the men. This was

him from the chapel at Camp Lejeune. It was almost

called Operations Outreach.

10:30 so he rang the bell. I put on my robe and went

One such activity involved the Rose of Sharon

to the pulpit in our sanctuary—the tent. No one was

orphanage which included playing with the children

in the chapel which concerned me a bit. After all of

and giving them snacks at refreshment time in the

these preparations, no one had showed up!

ninety-five degree heat under our favorite palm

As it turned out, the Command Duty

tree. My chaplain’s clerk would always have a snack

Officer had scheduled a fire drill that morning

with the children and, in his best Spanish, offer a

not remembering the day was Sunday. As soon

prayer for our time together and our safe return.

as the Colonel reminded him that it was time for

Our time in Vieques was several cuts above

“Divine Worship,” he passed the word through the

Eagle Scout camping, but had some of the same

thunderous PA system and got everyone’s attention.

ingredients: sleeping in tents, toilet facilities in one

The one hundred chairs we had set up were

major tent, eating military rations, showering in a

not enough. It was a surprise to have so many at our

large waterproof tent, the heat of ninety-degree days,

first worship service.

an outdoor movie at night, and then “hit the rack”

Maybe it was because of the fresh donuts and

to write letters until taps. This routine would change

17

only when we would go to the weapons range and

born just a few hours earlier. She needed help and

fire, or we participated in some training element like

didn’t know where to turn. (Translating) “My little

landings with the assault amphibious ships.

baby just died. He was born this morning. I am

Each days’ events were so similar to each

a Christian and have no money and don’t have

other. Sunday was a real treat, and attending Chapel

anybody to pray over my baby. Will you? I can’t

seemed like “liberty call” for everyone—but the

afford to pay the church. I knew that the Marines

Chaplains. There was Roman Catholic Mass earlier

always had a chaplain.” She didn’t know her

than Protestant Divine Worship which was at 10:30.

priest, so she asked me to go with her to her cane

Then it was “swim call” and liberty in the small

hut home.

town of Isabel Zegunda. Not much was located

I was apprehensive, but I got dressed in my

there except a Roman Catholic Church, several bars,

uniform while my Chaplain’s Assistant got our

and a gift shop.

Jeep. Out to the jungle forest at this early hour, we

My weekends were long, but restful.

• • •

followed the direction of the woman to her home and the wake which was in process.

During that period of time, there came a

When I arrived, I became witness to a sight

knock on my tent door at 5:00 one morning. I was

I had never imagined. Candles were burning and

startled out of a deep sleep, and in total darkness, I

stretched out on a wooden slab was her baby,

answered the door of my tent.

covered by a thin white mosquito net, with no

Standing at the entrance was a Puerto Rican woman. She was small in stature, was missing all

sign of life. The family was softly chanting in a monotone sound.

her teeth, and had little knowledge of the English

“Please pray, Chaplain.”

language. Fortunately, my aide spoke Spanish.

We did the “Our Father.” I had a benediction,

The woman needed someone to come to her

blessed the family, and we left, taking the memory

home and help with the burial of her infant son

with us—to this day. We drove back to our tent,

Prayer Given for the Loss of a Child

“

Bless O God this infant, in the name of the Father, Son and

Holy Spirit.” (I anointed him with kitchen oil.) “You said ‘let the little children come unto Me’—and he did. Little Joseph is in your midst.

You have him now. Thank You for giving him a new home. Amen.

18

ready for the sun to come up and begin another day of training with the Marines.

This experience was an introduction to what a pastor is to do when asked for help: when a need occurs, no matter the location or circumstances, you respond as a pastor.

God will give you the strength to carry out what He’s called you to do—even if it’s in the middle of the night!

• • • When the Chaplain is mobilized

(Top) Sharing milk with friends, I’m on the left. Official Marine Corps photo by 2d Marine Division (Bottom) Rosarie’s birthday. Cake provided by the Marines, 3/2. Official Marine Corps photo by 2d Marine Division

19

20

with the Marines, there is an expectation that there will be some form of “People to People Program.” This was better known as an “Operation Handclasp,” which translates as a service project with some benevolent assistance.

In 3/2, we developed a milk distribution and playtime program between the crusty old Marines,

(Above) Playing London Bridge with friends at the Rose of Sharon Orphanage.

(Right) Directress of the Rose of Sharon Orphanage, Sally Olsen (wearing dress with jacket), February 1965.

Prayer at the Rose of Sharon Orphanage

“

O God, here we are again at our favorite home away from home, with

children we have grown to love as we have played with them for weeks now. They are like our little brothers and sisters back home. Thank you for all of them in this, our global community. War does not exist down here so we live in peace with each other and pray and play together. Amen.

21

sailors, and community children. Before the gift

available for Roman Catholic Mass and Divine

was given and the party began, we had a prayer.

worship for the Protestants. The Marine Chaplain

The Roman Catholic children and Marines would

is always encouraged to bring his “men and

cross themselves, we all held hands as a sign of

women” and to assist the resident chaplain in

love, thanks, and reverence.

the religious services. The prayers are always

The prayer which was generally used,

focused on the Marines as “guests” which helps

translated by one of our Spanish speaking Marines,

reduce their loneliness and restores a sense of

was the following:

togetherness.

O God, source of milk and giver of all gifts

The prayer that Captain Bill Noce, an Episcopal

we give You back our appreciation for all the food

Priest and Command Chaplain at the Naval Station

we eat and the friends with whom we play. Some

in San Juan, would pray was:

have no families, and are lonely and we especially

For our guests, the Marines from Camp

pray for them and give our love as we play together.

Lejeune, training in Vieques, we are thankful for

Thanks for these big guys who played with us today.

their attendance with our congregation. Bless them

May they come back real soon. Amen.

in their operations and training exercises. Help

• • • In San Juan the Navy Chapel was always

22

them through the stressful and arduous challenges they face and help strengthen them in all that they

Command Chaplain, Captain William Noce (left), Naval Station, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1961. Chaplain Goetz (right) assists the Protestant resident Senior Chaplain.

do with a safe return home. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

• • • Spending an entire month in Vieques passed quickly and the USS Wasp arrived to take us back to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, with many memories of our training and the children’s lives we touched. I certainly learned what it meant to be a Marine and I was proud to be with them. Semper Fi!

Captain Bill Noce, Episcopal Priest and Command Chaplain at the Naval Station in San Juan. He made us all feel welcome.

Naval Station Chapel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

23

Chapter Two

DEPLOYMENT DESRON 24 CRUISE In September, 1965, the Navy Department reported

Liberty Port was Hong Kong and then into Tokyo

to the Newport Daily News, Newport, Rhode

with a Port Visit.

Island, that Newport-based Destroyer Squadron

After several days there, we got underway for

24, supplemented with two other Norfolk based

Cochin, India, crossing the Indian Ocean, the equator,

destroyers, had been assigned to the Pacific Fleet

into the Suez Canal, and on to the Mediterranean Sea

and would be sent to the western Pacific.

with liberty ports in Italy, Sicily, and Spain. In each port we had a “People to People” service program

The squadron is scheduled to get underway from Pier 1 at 1000 hours today!

Unofficial word in Washington

with the indigenous population. Our ships’ choir sang in various port chapels and churches throughout the cruise and worked as volunteers with pastors

was that these destroyers were to beef up the Seventh Fleet

and missionaries in various

in a combat posture off the

countries we visited. DESRON

coast of Vietnam. More

24 returned 8 May 1966, a bit

than 1,500 officers and

earlier than expected.

enlisted men were aboard

I honor, thank, and

the destroyers that will leave

remember my shipmates who

for the Western Pacific. The

had to listen to my prayers

anticipated

deployment

time

will be twelve months. Over three thousand family and friends were on the pier to bid the personnel good-bye.

between 1965 and 1966 during our deployment to South East Asia with Destroyer Squadron 24 aboard the following ships: USS Ingraham DD 694

The deployment began in Newport, continued

USS Sperry DD 697

south to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, through the

USS Keppler DD 765

Panama Canal to San Diego, across the Pacific to

USS Vesole DD 878

Hawaii, on to Midway Island, over the International

USS Warrington DD 843

Date Line to Guam, then to Manila, Philippines,

USS Barry DD 933

and into the combat zone arriving in Vietnam on

USS Hawkins DD 873

21 December, remaining there until mid-March.

USS Perry DD 883

Following the time in the south China Sea, the first

• • •

25

Following the Navy tradition, prayers for

the believer’s persuasion and liturgical belief. It is

ships at sea is held at 2200 hours. This began the

a bit more difficult to always locate someone of the

Sunday prior to our lengthy deployment. We had

Islamic and Jewish faith traditions, but every effort

a Jewish farewell Service of Worship the previous

is made.

Friday to which the division ships’ personnel were

With the diversity of denominations, a military

all invited. For Squadron Worship experiences, all

chaplain will encounter the most interesting and

personnel were invited regardless of faith tradition.

stimulating ministries anyplace today.

The Navy Chaplains worked very well together

The farewell service for DESRON 24 was

during this deployment in facilitating ministry to

conducted on Pier 1, Naval Base Newport. We didn’t

most faith groups.

expect a large crowd, since this was the last Sunday.

In a publication written by Chaplain Russell

Those who were standing the watch did attend,

White, he states that when a Catholic sailor feels

including the Admiral. A very meaningful service

the need to go to confession, it is the responsibility

was conducted with a God’s Blessing send-off. I

of the Protestant chaplain to assist in locating a

had the privilege of having my father, Reverend

chaplain priest. When a Protestant is needed, it is

H.M. Goetz, Sr., deliver the morning sermon. The

the responsibility to locate a Protestant chaplain of

news article from the local paper read: Family Service of Worship Conducted.

Destroyer Squadron personnel and their dependents have been invited to attend family worship in an unusual setting.

Tomorrow on the fantail of the U.S.S. Barry berthed at Pier One, Roman Catholic

(Above) The day of departure.

Staff Officers, including me at the microphone.

(Right) Last worship service. A segment of the last Sunday Worship service prior to an around-the-world deployment to Vietnam in 1965, departing Newport, Rhode Island with Destroyer Division 24.

26

Just before the ships set sail on this long deployment, my mother and father came for a visit. It was a rare privilege to have my father at the invitation of his son, the Navy Chaplain, assist in the worship service aboard a combatant U.S. Navy ship and so, Herbert M. Goetz, Sr., from Portsmouth, Ohio, UCC brought the Farewell Message. The church pennant was flying, the lay reader was reading scripture, and my father was about to preach the Farewell Meditation. This was the first time ships from the East Coast had been deployed around the world to assist WestPac ships in the combat zone. You can see other ships in the distance preparing for the deployment while the service was conducted on this ship’s fantail. The congregation is in the foreground.

Mass will be said at 0830, Protestant Divine

of the families unable to be ashore the day before

Worship 1030. All personnel are invited to Mass

deployment.

and the Protestant Divine Worship services.

We were continually honored to be under

Ships will depart this week for a lengthy

the leadership of Captains Joe Berriman and B.V.

deployment.

Ajemian, USN, men of great faith, who led the first Naval unit to deploy on this navigation, pre-combat

Our last worship service was centered in God

cruise. Our goal was the coast of Vietnam in order to

and affirmed His safe passage and His protection

engage the enemy and provide gunfire support to

of the families left behind. The worship service

the U.S. Marines on the beach and in the jungles off

was primarily for the watch section and members

the waters of the South China Sea.

27

The Farewell Prayer

“

O God, we don’t know what the future holds, but we know that You hold

the future. Certainly be with us these next few months with your protective hand; this tough mission against an evil force, an enemy which ignores human dignity and Your creation. May we do that which is right in the protection of those core values which keep us a nation of freedom and self-respect. May we, as scriptures requires us, pray for our enemies, praying that they will respond to the cause for peace and brotherhood for the world and its inhabitants. Hold those we love in Your care as we depart, and comfort us in our loneliness,

”

and with a safe return we pray, blessing our crew and command. Amen.

It was to be an extensive trip, one that offered no guaranteed results. My prayer given the first night we were at sea was Gracious God, the unknown looms ahead, unknown for families and the deploying sailors. Many tears are being shed; many grieving moments we pray will be defused and loneliness will gradually be overcome with acceptance and relief. You, O God, are the only One who can fill this gap and bring meaning to a war which we don't fully understand.

Comfort all of us wherever we might be during the many days ahead and return us safely to those we love and miss already. May we hear Your voice when things get tough. May we all do that which is set before us to the betterment of our shipmates. For Your creation we give You thanks with a fair wind and following sea. In your Holy name we pray. Amen.

Not long into the DESRON 24 deployment, about 375 miles east of Cape Canaveral (renamed Cape Kennedy),

28

Captain Joseph C. Berriman, USN

Florida, the Hawkins and Vesole collided. Both ships were

Prayer After the Hawkins/Vesole Collision We don’t fully know why we had the mishap at sea, but we are thankful that no one was hurt. So we thank you God for the care of Your sailors. There is enough new to many of us, that any mistake causes us to be fearful of the unknown. Those words from Holy Scripture being

”

comfort that “You are with us always.” And for this we give thanks. Amen.

damaged, but no one was injured. The event delayed our transit and separated us from the remainder of the squadron.

• • •

One of the main functions of the Chaplain is to prepare and conduct worship services. I usually began the Worship Celebration with the Navy Hymn and a prayer. The beginning prayer which I often used was O God, we pray at the beginning of this new day for Your power and strength to sustain us while at sea, away from family and friends but in the majestic surroundings o f Yo u r c r e a t i o n .

Thank you God for the opportunity to worship with our shipmates, knowing that Your protective hands hold us in care and protection. For the Commanding officers and all of those in authority, we ask for Your help to give each of us peace when there is no peace, understanding when

Captain Baret V. Ajemian, USN

29

there is no understanding, and thanks when there appears not to be anyone who cares. May we pray the prayer taught by the one who really has concern for each of us. Then I would lead the worshippers in the Lord’s Prayer.

• • • The deployment included staff officers as well as those assigned to the various ships in the My first Holy Helo ride took place in 1964.

that we traveled with our patients and our congregation. When separated, in an emergency there was generally a helicopter to take us where we were needed. And when operating with a task force in which aircraft were embarked, at least one helicopter was usually available.

On Sundays or special occasions there was such a thing as the Holy Helo. I was picked up and suspended by cable to be delivered to whatever ship was my next destination. This wasn’t a typical circus helicopter ride. It was exciting to say the least! On the DESRON cruise, I would go to six or seven ships for Worship Services each Sunday by this method. In total I have over 150 such transfers in my flight log.

There was a common joke told in regard to this method of transport as both chaplains and mail were delivered by it. “Save the mail or save the Chaplain? Save the mail!”

30

Bill and I prayed many prayers when we were

The Holy Helo picking up Chaplain Goetz from one ship for delivery to another.

transferred this way. Dear God I put myself in your

squadron. The Medical Officer was LCDR William

will give the strength to carry out and obey. I hope!

Scott. He was an ophthalmologist. I was the

Another means of transferring the Doctor

Squadron Chaplain. Bill was from Iowa, and I was

or the Chaplain was by highline from one ship to

from Columbus, Ohio. There wasn’t enough room

another—while underway.

hands. What you have called me to do, that You

for both of us to ride the same ship, so one of us rode

A third was by small boat. Speed was reduced

one while the other rode another. We saw each other

to allow boarding the craft, and the process was

in port and compared notes and hung out together.

reversed upon arrival alongside our destination.

The uniqueness of our professions was

The fourth makes so much more sense and

(Above & right) Chaplain Goetz being transferred with communion supplies via highline, 1965.

(Left) The small boat, slowing down just enough to allow boarding the ship.

ship; he enjoyed Bible study while at sea. The second Commander, Capt. Ajemian, liked to play backgammon and so did I, so in our spare time, and after dinner most nights, the game would ensue.

As 2200 would roll around, I would make my way up to the Bridge, talk with the Captain and through the ship’s address system (1 MC) offer Evening Prayers throughout the ship. This Naval

is the one I much prefer:

tradition began as “Prayers at Sundown,” when

transfer to another ship

the bugle for hammocks was sounded. In 1906, Navy

while in port by walking over.

regulations said that “Prayers at evening hammocks

• • •

should be made explicitly uniform in all ships to

You already know the names

which chaplains are attached.” Today there remains

of the squadron ships. The chaplain

a vestige of this tradition called “Evening Prayers.”

rides all of the ships at some time or another

Imagine yourself on the bridge of a three-

during the cruise. This is by request or assignment

hundred-sixty-five foot destroyer, under the brilliant

by the Commodore. My first Commander, Capt.

ebony black sky penetrated by millions of brilliant

Berriman, always requested the Chaplain on his

stars. “Standby for Evening Prayers.” Some of the

31

Passage Through the Panama Canal Thank you God for a safe passage through the Panama Canal. As the pilot came aboard and guided our ship through the locks, we knew that we were in good hands. You, O God, are also the pilot we look toward in times of stress and pain. For that one sailor aboard who needs you at this moment, please touch his life and bring him some comfort. Thank you and good night. Amen.

from the hostile enemy waters off the coast of Vietnam.

I invite you to pray them once more in memory of the 58,220 American service deaths in Vietnam.

At Sea Almighty God and Lord, tonight at sea we seek Thy ship’s personnel are playing

many blessings for which we praise and give thanks

cards, others are watching a movie, some are

to Thee. But if we have failed Thee, forgive us. When

writing letters, many are on Watch, some are cooking,

we are in doubt, give us faith. Should we be fearful,

and others are asleep. But it is time for Evening Prayers

give us Thy peace. Help us, O God, to find and to keep

and silence is felt as the prayer begins.

moral strength and courage to walk as men in Thy

The remainder of this chapter includes some of my journal entries as well as several of the evening prayers (in bold italics) which were used throughout

32

sight. Protect and remain near those who are dear to us. We call upon Your name. Amen.

• • •

the cruise fifty years ago en route to South East

Hear O God, the voices of our people of

Asia, into the South China Sea, and returning

faith standing together in solidarity, providing

leadership, concern, and compassion through

shells and weapons of warfare. O God, we pray for

organizations who break down the walls of

peace and for our men and women entrenched on the

separation and engage with one another for the

beach. Amen.

• • •

common good for all. As brothers and sisters we share together in the allegiance of goodness as

“General Quarters” most of the day. We are

captured not only in our religious backgrounds but

getting close to the shoreline. We rearmed with

also in those core values of goodness, compassion,

ammunition—again!

and integrity. For the goodness found in each of us,

We are searching for a reason for this war.

we respond as magnets, supporting and upholding

Maybe when I get home I can get into some sort

each other for the common good of all. We thank you

of “peace program.” Bill and I discuss peace and

our harmonious spirit overlooking our differences

justice issues in our spare time.

• • •

to the common realities which bring humanity into one mind of service to others. This is our prayer and in this we give thanks. Amen.

• • •

Hear the calmness in the midst of gunfire, as shots are heard around the world and here we are in the midst of the action praying for peace with

O God, for being at the right place at the right

our enemy and can see them on the beach. The small

time, we thank You. We were able to save those men

boats are in the distance and we can see people who

who were swept into the sea by a mighty storm.

are our enemy, but they look almost like us. Give

Thanks for giving us the wisdom to proceed to their

us some understanding of the reason for killing

location and recover each of them. Blessings be

and forgive us for this act of hostility. Bless our

upon them as they recuperate from this trauma and

families back home and comfort them and us in our

bless us and protect us from such a fate. Thank you.

homesickness. In God’s holy name we pray. God

Goodnight, crew. Amen.

bless America and blessed Amen to each of you.

Thanksgiving O God, Thanksgiving is here and we are not

Amen.

So much carnage. Forgive us!

• • • A Roman Catholic Priest by the name of

there.

Bless my family as they have an empty chair this year, because I am not there.

Bless the meaning of this holiday; in so many ways, this is why we are here and not there.

Chaplain Jude Seniur came aboard. We renewed our friendship right away. We first met in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the command Chaplain, Captain Bill Noce in 1962, and here we are in the middle of

My family is so important to me, but I have

the South China Sea together.

a job to do! I give thanks for each blessing I have.

• • •

We pray that you hear our personal prayers. Amen.

Off the Coast of Vietnam

It’s 8 December, and once again we are going to refuel. We might receive some mail. Thank you, God, for those who have thought of us out there in

The enemy is in the jungle and we are at sea.

the South China Sea for so long now. We are on our

May that distance protect us and may we ever be

seventy-third consecutive day at sea. Gunfire has

reminded that there are Marines in that jungle, and

now stopped and the silence is beautiful. O God, we

we are remembering them amidst the exploding

give you thanks for the silence of today. We are all

33

34

tired but know that Your strength is always near.

Tomorrow is Sunday, and we will have a little break in our normal day. Maybe even a swim call.

We have to work so hard and long. Thank you God for some time of rest. Bless the Marines on the beach. May God bless each man aboard. There will be Mass on Mess Deck tomorrow. Good night, God Bless America, and Amen to each of you!

Mail call—thanks, God! Amen!

• • • This is God talking…not directly, but through the Chaplain to each of you. Have a restful night for it has been a tiring day, but the refueling was necessary and taking on stores was essential. Bless each one of you and goodnight.

Amen.

• • • It’s lonely out here with gunfire in the near distance—it is frightening but this is why we are here. Bless us this night at this time and quiet our voices as most of us fall asleep. Yet there are those on watch, those in the engine room spaces, and those on the bridge. Thank You for the safety of this ship because of their skills. It’s been a long day. Thank you, O God, for Your protective hand. Amen.

Christmas and Hanukkah Thank You, God, for the mail, which arrived this afternoon. For those we love and remember us, we give thanks. It has been another strenuous day of General Quarters. God, please bring us peace on earth, soon! Amen.

• • • O God, in this season of Advent and “Peace on Earth,” we have spent all day with gunfire support. Seems strange—so many of us don’t understand this war. Please give us peace, which passes all human understanding. Thank You, God. Good night shipmates. Amen.

35

Prayer Delivered on Christmas Day, 1965 O God, here we are on the holiest day of the Christian year. Peace on Earth and here we are shooting at one another. There has got to be a better way, but here we are with the might to bring this war to a close—give us the wisdom to make it happen. This night we are missing those we love.

We, in our racks or on watch, bring thoughts of our loved ones wherever they might be. Thank You for the knowledge that we are not alone but that You are with us always, even at this time. Goodnight, Merry Christmas, and God’s blessing upon each of us. Amen.

• • •

December 1965, a Christmas Eve Service will be

1MC Announcement 24 December 1965—

held on the Mess Decks. This service, during the

Friday Christmas Eve: “Beginning at 2400, 24

most holy time of the year, is being held to proclaim the common belief that Jesus Christ is truly the Prince of Peace. In keeping with this spirit, all men are invited to attend this ecumenical worship celebration.”

(We had 125 in attendance.)

Christmas Prayer On this Christmas Eve, we give You thanks, O God, that we might worship and celebrate in this place. While we would all love to be home with family and friends, we are here for a purpose even though we don’t always know what it is. Bless us and as we sing and read scripture and we pray that we remember what Christmas is all about and we share that joy with each

36

other. Have a very merry Christmas as we

share our blessings together with our brothers of the

We as a crew of two-hundred and sixty men

Hebrew tradition who are celebrating Hanukkah,

were with little fresh food for two months in the

recognizing the freedom they received long ago. Amen.

South China Sea.

• • •

• • •

Amid the many worship services that I

O God, please calm Your seas just a bit. We

conducted, flying from one ship to another on the

have been seasick all week. The South China Sea

Holy Helo, Santa was just behind me passing out

is a tough place to be. But we will soon be on our

gifts from the Jewish Welfare Board, Church World

way out of this combat area and for this we all give

Service, and the USO.

thanks! Tomorrow is Sunday and the Chaplain will

South China Sea Dear Creator God, we are so thankful for the

be here for worship. It will also be Mail Call. We give thanks for both! See you in Chapel! Amen.

• • •

transfer of new food to our ship. The food which

Hear our prayers O God, for this is the worst

we have been eating was getting rather old. We are

day at sea. It reminds me of the scripture of the

mindful of the gracious gifts that You provide us

winds and as the Bible states, “The winds were

and for this we give You thanks. Amen.

calmed by this man named Jesus.” I wish that

History records that rough waters, seasickness, and the fear of being washed overboard has always been a concern of sailors.

37

Ship’s choir, U.S.S. Vesole, October 10, 1965, Fort Gulick, Canal Zone, Panama.

He would be here now. We are all seasick and the

happy to be off the ship and sing at the Subic Bay

winds are tossing us about. We will thank You as

Chapel 2 January 1966.

the winds calm—which will be soon. This is our

The prayer before worship for us was (given by

ninety-fourth day at sea as we remember our family

one of our sailors): Dear God, thanks for providing

and friends and give thanks. Amen.

us a way of getting off the ship this morning to sing

I was very sick all day. The seas were gray

in a chapel. I would do anything to be on ground—

with white caps coming over the main deck. We

even sing in the choir. Amen.

took on waves that engulfed the ship. What a way

• • •

to end 1965…in my rack with saltine crackers all

We thank You, O God, for our ship’s choir and

day. It felt that death would have been better, but

the great contribution they made in our worship

it will subside soon. Tomorrow we will be in Subic

service this day. (This is also an invitation for

Bay for a day or so. That should be better.

others to join this group.) The music they provided brought joy to all our shipmates. It has been a full

The Ship’s Choir Arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, on the first day of January 1966. This will be our ninety-fifth day from home port. Tomorrow is Sunday and the ship’s choir will sing at the morning worship on the

38

beach. Thirteen members are in the choir. We will be

day, and as we go to sleep may our last thoughts be comforting ones, knowing that You are with us.

Amen.

Passover We were able to secure a Jewish Chaplain for

Ships’ sailors meeting with French Sea Scouts in Toulon, France. I’m on the far right.

Passover and the celebration of a Seder/Passover

away and different land helps us to understand that

meal on April 10, 1966. With all of the gifts sent to

You are God of all people, and that even as different

us from the Jewish Welfare Board we had more than

as we are, we are created by You. We give thanks for

enough for a party after worship—even with very

Your creation. Bless us as we are about to close our

heavy rolls at sea. It proved again that a worshipping

eyes and fall asleep awaiting a new day. Amen.

community can have fun. (Thanks, JWB!)

• • •

Baruch atah Adonai elohaynu melech ha’olam

Eternal God, Creator and Sustainer of the

and O God, thank You for the grain of the field and

universe, at the quietness of this moment we direct

the fish of the sea. We are Your creation, and for this

our thoughts toward Thee, praying that You will be

we give thanks. As we bless this food of which we

with us during the forthcoming days. We vividly

are about to partake, let it be a reminder of Your

remember those who remain in port, those loved

great and continual blessings. We will soon eat

ones who fill our homes with perfect peace and joy.

together with family and friends. Amen.

Quiet the endeavors of our mind…let the shadow

Underway Dear God, it has been a great day today with the guests we have had onboard and the service

of Your presence give us peaceful sleep for the night and Your spirit chart our course in the tomorrows ahead. Amen.

• • •

that we could give to them. We are reminded once

O God, it is getting more and more difficult

again how most people of the world are so much

to be away from those who we love. It has been

alike with the same basic needs and understanding

so long that what we remember about family and

of life! For that which we saw today in such a far

friends is a distant recollection. May we hear Your

39

voice and feel Your comfort ever more closely. Please lessen our pain of separation, for the “Lord is my shepherd.” I guess that I should not want, but it is really tough—we have been gone so long. Comfort us. Amen.

• • • Liberty tomorrow and off the ship after all of these days at sea. We certainly look forward to this break in our demanding schedule. Help us maintain safety—be responsible—and be respectful for those on the beach. This is their country and help us remember that. Thanks for a great day of work.

Good-night crew.

• • • The Daily News of Newport, Rhode Island, records: 3,000 Greet Squadron Home from Vietnam Stormy skies cleared as the squadron left in September and returned as the sun shone down on the ships as they tied-up at Pier 1 and Pier 2 at 1000 to the thousands of rousing cheers from relatives who gathered on the piers to welcome them home. Many churches, especially the United Congregational Church the Patriots Church, hailed the ships by ringing of the historic bells.

During this deployment these ships attacked “hard core” positions of the Viet Cong. These ships were a positive support to the efforts of the Pacific Fleet.

40

Almost Home!

O God, we are almost home, and for that alone we give You thanks.

There were anxious moments and fearful challenges, but we made it these ninety-three days at sea and in foreign ports, around the world, in combat and in liberty ports, in humanitarian service and on the gun line. Tomorrow we pull into our home port. May we find family members happy and pleased to see us and may we express our deepest appreciation to our spouses for the hardships endured in our absence. Thank You, God, for our safe return and thanks to those who will tie the lines of our ship so that we can get off! We had a successful combat tour in Vietnam. May this war come to a rapid conclusion, and may our being there help resolve the existing international tension. Amen.

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Chapter Three

CHAPEL PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA This was one of the most honored chapels in the

Each Sunday we would have visitors from all over

Navy. The historical Navy Yard in Philadelphia

America who were there visiting the historic city.

was the prestigious home of ship construction and

As the years passed, we grew together after many

shipyard for retired Naval vessels. In addition, the

compromises and concessions.

first Naval Hospital was built here. This is where I

The Chapel Council was always sensitive to

took my first flight in a Navy training aircraft; prayers

those worshipping with us. On occasion, the mayor

each Sunday were centered in Naval aviation and

dropped in with international guests to show off

training since this was a training support command.

the Chapel and the Naval Base. The Admiral was

Worship in the midst of our country’s history—

always in attendance with his aide and guests of

Philadelphia—always had an air of patriotism.

the Naval Yard. He had his own pew and the ushers

As the Senior Chaplain, there were many

knew it.

community demands constantly being made on my

Then there was John Fulgum, our paid soloist.

time and energy. There were dozens of traditions to

He had been on the music committee for the Chapel

follow, as well as people and organizations making

thirty-two years, singing many of the same songs he

requests of me for various functions in the greater

learned as a boy. He sang his first solo on the old Amos

Philadelphia area. In the chapel alone we conducted

’n’ Andy radio show as a young man. His commitment

a full program of parish ministry, and our music

to the Chapel at the Navy Yard numbered in the

program was second to none.

decades. He sang every Sunday morning, and it was

Emma Becker was the organist, and she had

a joy most of the time. The congregation came to

played for sixty-seven years. She was wonderful, but

expect some musical rendition weekly. His favorite

saying she was a traditionalist was an understatement.

gospel solo was “There are No Flies on Jesus.” Many

She was perfect for funerals, and it was always a

of our visitors were in attendance so they could hear

delightful surprise what beautiful music she could

John sing!

create with her tiny soft little fingers. However,

Sunday school was in a renovated storehouse.

in the late 1960s our long-established worship

The coffee hour after chapel was in the Narthex

service was dating the chapel, but to talk about a

until the Admiral’s wife took some interest, then

contemporary service would have been a liturgical

action, and had it moved into a new space in the

breach! Maintaining history is essential in an historic

headquarters building and had the Chapel Council

place of worship with a transient congregation.

assume the preparation and serving. (If the Admiral’s

wife wanted something, it usually happened, and the Chapel Committee followed with the preparation.)

My first military funeral was held in the chapel. The wife of one of our officers had a heart condition. She was in the shower and fell, acquiring a fatal concussion. It was a very sad day for our entire Navy Chapel: a very close military community.

Everyone wanted to participate in the Memorial Celebration and many prayers were offered.

It was here that I was honored with the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Award. I graciously accepted and was one of the first Active Duty Chaplains to receive this distinction.

During my ministry at the Chapel in Philadelphia, I had my first flight in a military jet. At that time there was an active runway for Navy The Navy Chapel at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Navy Chapel Choir. John Fulgum is fourth from the left in the back row.

Captain F.W. Miehe is in the middle of the back row.

Jets in a downtown Philadelphia complex. The Chairman of our Chapel Council, LCDR Bill Burke, was a Naval Aviator and wanted to take his Chaplain up for a training flight. He provided

an

orange

flight suit and a Navy flight helmet with the title Chaplain on the back.

We flew to Ohio so that he could get flight hours, then had lunch with my parents in Dayton before

returning

to

Philadelphia. This being my first Navy Flight, I spent most of my time

43

Sunday Prayer

I found rather quickly that my prayers were expected to consistently contain certain elements. A retired Naval dirigible pilot, Captain F.W. Miehe, who always wore his half wings to worship, would monitor the prayers each week. This led to conversation immediately after our Sunday service. The captain was a great weekly challenge.

The following prayer was prayed with some regularity. It passed!

“

O God, as we look to You and listen to those who charted the course of

human events in the preparation of those documents which have served as the foundation of our nation, we hear the echoes of voices of history makers.

Now we are part of that rousing chorus of freedom and justice for all as we welcome those looking for a spiritual home. We are reminded again of those freedoms as we see in the art glass of the windows of our chapel that which depicts our country’s historical struggle for freedom. We see the coat of arms of our nation’s heroes, those who sacrificed life itself so that we can know the freedom of worship practiced this day. We remember those who are taking to the world the desire for peace. May we strive to be ever mindful of the personal sacrifices endured by the men and women who are on the front lines of defense, protecting the freedoms which we all too often take for granted.

We thank you for this opportunity for worship and pray your blessing

”

upon each of us as we continually advocate peace for all peoples. Amen.

44

praying. When we returned, the back seat in which

climaxing with seats to the Army/Navy game just

I was sitting needed…refreshed—if you know what

outside the front gate of the Naval facility. (History

I mean?

is very essential in an historic place of worship!)

It was a great tour of duty in Philadelphia,

I loved this inclusive pastoral ministry!

I Was Introduced to “The Legend of the Four Chaplains” (The following text includes excerpts from

northeast through the ugly mid-winter swelling of the gray green ocean from New York to Greenland.

Its destination was the battlefields of Europe.

“The Legend of the Four Chaplains.”) No tradition

As the rickety old ship traversed the icy seas

in American Society is more characteristic of our

amid icebergs and the constant threat of German

culture than that of reaching voluntarily to another

submarines, the ships rolled and pitched, hatches

person in need. The Chapel of Four Chaplains, a

and portholes were closed. The soldiers felt sealed

national non-profit organization, is founded upon

in a giant floating coffin.

this cherished theme, service to others.

At a refueling stop in Newfoundland, the

It is a rich tradition based upon the World War

Dorchester and two merchant ships picked up an

II story of four chaplains, each from different faith

escort of three Coast Guard cutters. Two patrolled

groups, who were aboard the torpedoed sinking SS

the flanks and the third was 3,000 yards out in

Dorchester, a troop ship in the north Atlantic. They

front. They were charting a course through Torpedo

offered their life jackets to four young soldiers,

Junction, the nickname for the dangerous waters

saving their lives. The four chaplains, going to their

off Newfoundland where dozens of ships had been

death, linked arm in arm aboard this fateful ship as

sunk or damaged by German submarines.

it sank beneath the raging and frigid sea.

These four men had given away the only means of saving themselves in order to save others.

It was truly a heroic act!

As the ship steamed through the gale force winds, sonar detected the presence of a submarine astern in the convoy’s wake.

From this day on there would be repeated

It was 1943, and all four of these gifted

drills and alerts. The chaplains noted that

spiritual leaders left their civilian congregations

attendance at evening services picked up sharply.

and were commissioned by the United States Army:

Apprehension and fear began to mount as the ship

George Lansing Fox, a Methodist minister from

continued to proceed.

Vermont; Alexander David Goode, a Rabbi from

Tuesday 2 February 1943

Pennsylvania; Clark Poling, a pastor from the Dutch

Aboard the Dorchester, tension mounted to

Reformed Church in Michigan; John P. Washington,

the point that Captain Hans J. Danielson ordered

a Roman Catholic priest from New Jersey.

the men to sleep in their clothing with their life

Coming from different backgrounds and faith

jackets close at hand. By now, advancing at a very

groups, they reported aboard the troopship SS

slow pace, they were just off the coast of Greenland,

Dorchester, an old converted luxury cruise liner, now

150 miles from their destination. At daylight there

carrying 904 young soldiers into hazardous duty in

would be air cover from American planes to escort

the North Atlantic, an area filled with hostile naval

them safely into port.

forces, and surrounded by enemy Nazi submarines.

Wednesday 3 February 1943

Go back with me to the official ship’s log and

It was just after midnight and the soldiers

to those eventful moments as we set the stage for

were curled up in their bunks. Few were asleep and

the events which followed.

even fewer were wearing their clothing, despite the

Saturday 22 January 1943 The SS Dorchester joined a convoy—freighters, troop ships, tankers, naval escorts, all steaming

orders. Down in the engineering spaces of the ship it was too hot, so those not on watch were on the deck getting some fresh air.

45

John Garey finished his watch and went to the galley for a cup of coffee. He was there at 12:55 a.m. when the pursuing German submarine caught the SS Dorchester in its periscope and launched its deadly torpedo.

There was distant thump and the deck began to shake under his feet. “What’s going on?” he yelled. The cook, who had been through it before, said, “We’ve

Alexander D. Goode

Clark V. Poling

John P. Washington

been hit!” Men began running in all directions. It

and hope and faith.” With his last strength Bednar

was a direct hit. The Dorchester was taking on water

swam out from the sinking ship. As he heard their

rapidly and began listing to starboard.

prayers and voices he recalled, “It was their sounds

For all their practice alerts, nothing seemed to

which kept me going.”

go right. Without power, the radio was silenced. No

On the promenade deck the engineer saw the

one thought to send up a distress flare and the escort

chaplains handing out the remaining life jackets

vessel pushed on into the darkness, unaware that

from the locker until there were no more left. Then

the Dorchester was sinking. Overcrowded lifeboats

he watched in awe as they gave away their own.

capsized. Rafts drifted away before anyone could reach them.

As men milled around on the deck, fear and panic took hold. Those who could, came up from below decks but were without life jackets. All felt the arctic cold, knowing they had only minutes to live.

The testimony of survivors tells us that the

By now the deck was awash, and the last sight remembered by those survivors was the chaplains standing—on the sinking deck—arms linked, braced against the slanting rails.

Other men drew close. There were no more outcries, little panic, just words of prayer in Latin, Hebrew, English, all addressed to the same God.

picture portrayed was one of struggling men. The

Then the stern came high out of the water,

only fragment of hope was the scene of the four

and the SS Dorchester slid down into the sea, twenty

chaplains who suddenly appeared on the steeply

minutes from the time the torpedo hit the ship.

sloping deck. Calmly, they guided men to their

Of the 904 men aboard the troop ship, 605

boat stations. They opened a storage locker and

were lost at sea. “Those who lived will never forget

distributed life jackets. Then they coaxed men,

the chaplains’ heroism,” said John Ladd, one of the

frozen with fear, over the side and into the remaining

survivors. “It was the finest moment—giving their

lifeboats.

lives for others! I will never see an act of heroism

Pvt. William Bednar was floating in the oil

46

George L. Fox

like that again!”

slick of the icy water, surrounded by debris and

In 1951 The Chapel of the Four Chaplains, an

dead bodies. He said, “I could hear men crying,

interfaith shrine, was dedicated in Philadelphia,

pleading, swearing.

with President Harry S. Truman in attendance. By

“I could hear the chaplains speaking of courage

vote of Congress on January 18, 1961, a special medal

of heroism—the only one ever given—was posthumously awarded to the four chaplains.

Over seventy years later, the Legend of the Four Chaplains speaks to something deep in our hearts. Father Washington didn’t call out for a Catholic when he handed over his life jacket, nor Rabbi Goode for a Jew. They gave them to the next soldier in line and stood shoulder to shoulder in mutually supporting faith. This is the ideal of brotherhood. This is what we all want in America. This is what the four chaplains gave us and throughout my ministry, I have tried to live up to that ideal.

Prayer Offered at the Chapel of Four Chaplains Program, 2004 God, of those who have gone before us and our God, we thank You for the unity that the Dorchester chaplains demonstrated in life and death.

Unity that is not uniformity.

Unity that strengthens within each of us a worthy and faithful commitment of faith and practice.

Unity that transcends all our differences and makes us one in loyalty to our country and in service to You, our God. Grant us now Your abiding presence, and may we remain faithful to the spirit of these four men who, having learned to live and serve together, also learned to die and not be divided.

Bless each of us and infuse us with that spirit which echoes forth here today in this celebration of life and death. Amen.

47

Chapter Seven

USS JOHN F. KENNEDY CVA 67 A potential congregation of 5,200 sailors on a

34.5 tons of steel, and twenty-three stories tall was

United States Navy carrier—the John F. Kennedy

a bit more than I had ever been privileged to pastor

(CV67) the second newest carrier in the fleet—and

since ordained for ministry. However, it was still my

to be senior chaplain with the enormous amount of

pleasure when the Chief of Chaplains, Admiral John

responsibilities, caused me to ask the question of

O’Connor, made an official inspection.

God and the detailer (assignment officer), “Are you certain that you want me?”

The ship was in the Mediterranean when I relieved my predecessor who was ready to fly off and

This deployment to the Mediterranean was a

return to his home port of Norfolk. After landing, I

bit different from my early days aboard destroyers.

was met by the Assistant Chaplain on the gigantic

The 1,052 foot ship with 4.56 acres of flight deck,

flight deck and escorted by the Executive Officer to

At sea. The USS John F. Kennedy (CVA67) Aircraft Carrier.

the bridge to meet our CO, Captain, Bill Gurick.

helo flight on this cruise. Honestly, I was a bit

He gave me a very warm and genuine welcome.

apprehensive!

I found out the following Sunday that he never

“Ready to go chaplain?” What could I say?

missed Chapel, even with flight operations. “How

Within minutes I was aboard and we took off.

did the early service go today, Padre?”

We arrived at the “small boy” as any surface ship

“Fine, thank you Captain!”

smaller than a carrier is called. I was lowered down

“Did we hold flight ops long enough?”

and received my usual electric shock from touching

“Yes sir, Captain!”

the deck. Within half an hour worship began—

“Well, I appreciated the later service—the text

number five for the day.

was interesting I thought. Maybe we can talk about it over dinner this evening!”

Later, I had dinner with the Captain, offered evening prayers, and Sunday became history.

“Thank you, captain—I’ll be at your inport

In the middle of the night I received a

cabin at 1900. I have two more ships until my day is

communication that a sailor’s mother had died and

completed. Last week the two destroyers requested

the family had requested that a chaplain give the

worship services. I launch in one hour.”

sailor the message. I got up and went to my office

I went to my office, made final preparations

only to see the ship just as alive at 0300 as it was

and went up to the flight deck. I put on my flight

when I went to bed. Carriers never shut down; their

helmet and was ready to launch in my first holy

sailors eat 15,000 meals a day!

Admiral John O’Connor, Chief of Chaplains, (left) shakes hands with Captain Bill Gurick, CO of the Kennedy.

49

A carrier is a floating city with a pastor, a priest, and a chapel staff. A carrier also houses an actual chapel, as there are high expectations for a religious program. Worship celebrations, memorial services, and special occasion services are always expected with full support from the command usually. Onboard a deployed ship like the Kennedy, the chaplain has the responsibility for the American Red Cross message distribution and counseling associated with it.

It’s a Small World On March 8, 1975, the Portsmouth

Times

carried

the story of the “Reservists Together on Carrier” by Tom Sycamore (G. Sam Piatt’s pen name). It begins by saying, USS John F. Kennedy—it is a small world when serving in a United States ship at sea! The Naval reservists from Portsmouth and north Kentucky met aboard for training and was surprised that the Senior Chaplain was from Portsmouth and began his Naval Service at the Portsmouth Reserve Center years before. Names and a picture of those reservists is in this book.

Let us pray: As I have

50

been walking around the ship

today I have seen many happy people yet there are

people provides many unexpected varieties of

always many lines: lines for food, lines for returning

experiences. Opportunities for outreach ministry

dishes, lines for phones, lines for tours, lines for the

are the People in People program, an international

library, lines and more lines. We thank You for lines

social services program, and mission outreach work.

because it must be rewarding, enjoyable, something

A U.S. sovereign at sea has many wishing to come

which I will like—and standing in line merely gets

aboard. Some requests are permitted if the Captain

me there. I look forward to the line of getting off

considers their reasons legitimate ones. There are

the ship to see my wife and child which will just be

also times when State Department requests are

in five days. We say, “I love my ship,” but my real

made and permission is granted. One such time

love is my family and that’s why the anticipation.

occurred when the famed writer Herman Wouk

As always we pray for those who sleep tonight.

arrived.

Give them peaceful rest. And for those who work

One of the twentieth century’s most prolific

through the night we ask for their safety, strength,

writers, Wouk’s books include the best sellers

and endurance. Amen.

Marjorie Morningstar, This is My God, Don’t Stop the

Herman Wouk Ministry to a floating community of 5,300

Carnival, The Winds of War, Nature’s Way, and the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Caine Mutiny, first published in 1951 with over twenty additional

(Left to right) Herman Wouk and Herbert Goetz discussing Navy Operations.

51

printings. Based on Wouk’s experiences aboard

to me on April 2, 1997, he indicated how much he

two Clemson class destroyer-minesweepers during

enjoyed his stay abroad. Being a religiously Jewish

World War II, The Caine Mutiny was made into a

man, he alluded to the nightly prayers which had

movie starring Humphrey Bogart.

created a sense of calm as the day closed for some

He was the guest of Captain Gurick, but I was assigned to be his host during the at sea period. Since

and began for others.

Baruch

atah

Adonai

elohaynu

melech

I had just finished reading War and Remembrance, I

ha’olam. Blessed are You O God—O God even at

said that I would be honored, beginning with dinner

darken ship we gaze out at the horizon and see

in the Admiral’s Cabin.

Your glorious creation looking at every brilliant

For seven days in April 1975, Herman Wouk

star in the vast surrounding darkness. From the

was aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67),

bridge to the farthest most spaces of our ship, we

steaming in the Mediterranean waters. We had an

are certainly mindful of each man either sleeping,

excellent visit. He saw all of the spaces including

just going on duty, finishing the cooking, preparing

the flight deck, mess decks, living spaces, medical

flight ops, or working in the deepest engineering

facilities, navigational offices, chapel, and the

spaces. God, this is our family and each person

library. After he returned home, he sent the ship

matters, is important, and doing his best in order

autographed copies of all of his books. In a letter sent

for this city to remain afloat. Bless them as we give thanks to Herman Wouk as he departs our ship at first light. May he have a safe flight and thanks to the COD flight crew for their assistance.

We remember our families where they are tonight.

Good night sailors—rest well. Amen.

Cross and Floss Onboard the massive aircraft carrier, the dental officer and I, the chaplain, became very close friends.

After being together daily, working with many of the same sailors, and he being a Biblical scholar, we spent hours in conversation on the ship and going on liberty together. Plus he was a Buckeye fan!

We spent almost seven months working together. He was my assistant Lay Reader for the Protestant congregation.

In the Ward Room where the officer community ate all our meals, we soon became known as Cross and Floss. Before every meal the Captain would ask, “Whose going to pray the blessing for the meal, the cross or the floss?”

52

Cut the cake. Executive Officer, Captain Ed Williams, April 30, 1975.

I’m happy to say the dental officer and the chaplain set the prayerful and levity tone for the long hours

(Right) Caricature of the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine, commissioned in 1954.

(Below) Up periscope. I was allowed periscope privileges on a submarine in the fleet.

(Below right) Topside. Sailors enjoy some fresh air when their submarine surfaces.

at sea on a cruise with five thousand personnel aboard.

Oh God, we are grateful for friendships, people we may trust and with whom we may share life. For those tired men around these tables, may this food provide physical strength and be a spiritual source of support.

asked if I would like to help them out. “We’ll take

Amen.

a training mission helo and drop you off.” (I was

The USS Nautilus

always hesitant when a pilot used that phrase.)

To go aboard the first nuclear submarine was

The USS Nautilus 571, operating in the Aegean

quite an honor. Apprehensive a bit, excited a great

Sea, requested a Chaplain to have a prayer at the

deal, I was transported by helicopter to the first

decommissioning ceremony. The CO of Kennedy

nuclear submarine, commissioned in 1954.

53

Admiral Clyde (Bobby) Bell, Commander,

Help us to protect Your depths and the broadness

Submarine Group Eight (COMSUBGRUPEIGHT),

of Your earth and give us the strength to protect

was a very active chapel member and friend.

that which You have provided us to enjoy. May we

We “dove together” on several occasions. I was

express thanks to those who sailed this great ship

permitted to look through the scope and then have

in the past, protecting the seas which surround us.

an evening prayer throughout the boat at three

For the people of the world, may the reminder of

hundred plus feet.

the power and capabilities of this vessel serve as

Creator of all living creatures, those of the deep and those with whom we walk and talk, we are filled with awe at Your creation. Being at this depth, those words of Psalm 107 fill our minds

54

a reminder of our responsibility each of us has for our world and our global community. Amen.

Gideon New Testaments

“those who go down to the sea in ships, who

While at sea in the Caribbean during “Refresher

traverse the deep, they see the works of the Lord

Training Exercises,” one thousand New Testaments

and His wonders in the deep.” We pray to You

with Psalms and Proverbs were distributed to the

for the miracles of life and the technology which

officers and men aboard the aircraft carrier USS John

permits us to know and experience such gifts.

F. Kennedy (CV 67). These New Testaments were

New Testaments. Pictured here are several Kennedymen receiving their New Testaments from the Senior Chaplain, Commander H.M. Goetz (United Church of Christ). They were donated by The Gideons International. One man was presented a copy in connection with his reenlistment ceremony.

Typhoid Epidemic In 1975, a typhoid epidemic hit southern Italy. The request came to us from Casa Materna to assist in the healing process. Since we had worked so many hours in a variety of miscellaneous projects, it was felt that we could provide medical help. The accompanying letter was sent to the USS Kennedy, ATTENTION: Chaplain and Medical Officer. We accepted the challenge and responded with medical care. Our trip from the ship to the Evangelical Hospital was begun with prayer.

O God, Healer and Comfort Provider, we pray for strength as we care for these young children in their time of extreme need.

O u r G o d , Yo u know what is needed better than we. May we call upon You with the knowledge of Your care and healing as You will it for us. We are so weak, but not as much so as these little children. We petition your healing power, remembering Your words, “Let the little children come to Me and forbid them not.� Not our will but Your will be done.

Thank You, God, for Your compassion and love for all Your children the world over. Amen

55

provided to the ship free of charge by The Gideons

the ladder inside the infrastructure of the mighty

International, an association of Christian business

super structure.

and professional men, coordinated through its

Word over the intercom was, “The Belknap

Virginia Beach Camp and Commander Bryan R.

has hit us!” Because of the location of the split in

Anderson, a camp member and part of the ship’s

the hull of the Kennedy, our inboard tanks were

officer community.

ruptured and we were spraying Belknap with JP5

The New Testaments were well received by

jet fuel. It produced a conflagration of enormous

the Kennedy crew members. Many expressed their

proportions. A fire was raging on the Kennedy, the

appreciation at being remembered in this way. It is

Belknap was totally engulfed in flames, and sailors

believed that the moral and spiritual welfare of a

were in the sea; it was a tragedy!

significant portion of the crew was enhanced by this welcome gift.

As I began my assent, the ladder and space became engulfed in black smoke surrounded with

In addition to being used and distributed at

the taste and smell of intense oil fumes. It was

the worship service, berthing compartments, shops,

impossible to open my eyes. It was only by feeling

and passageways, the pocket size New Testaments

one rung after another that I could continue upward.

were offered to Kennedy personnel as they took

I was still not fully aware of what happened but

liberty going ashore in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

I knew it couldn’t be good. After taking a deep breath, I began going up to the Mess decks, four

The Collision It was a Saturday evening in the Aegean Sea

be it.” Because of the gaseous fumes, I couldn’t see

as the USS John F. Kennedy, an aircraft carrier, and

or breathe, and there was a burning sensation on all

the USS Belknap, a cruiser, were sailing northeast

the exposed parts of my body.

of the island of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. It

I needed to provide assistance for the members

was a cold, rainy, and extremely dark night at 2158

of the crew as well as save my own life. All around

hours on November 22, the anniversary of John F.

me was pitch darkness. I was in a very precarious

Kennedy’s death. Evening prayers had just been

and life threatening position. I had to keep moving

prayed over the 1MC aboard the massive ship of the

upward, my only means of survival. I stopped on

fleet. “Taps” had sounded.

several occasions for a few words of prayer. All

We were at darken ship, and the Belknap was

along I was reciting the Twenty-Third Psalm.

moving into plane guard formation. She began

Then I heard, “Chaplain to the Flight Deck

moving from the starboard of the Kennedy, crossing

immediately!” Only two more decks to go. I went as

the bow, taking up a position astern of the carrier. I

quickly as possible. By this time I was so dirty and

saw this evolution by watching the movement on

I kept thinking, “Where is the admiral and where

the monitor in Damage Control Center (DC Central).

does he want me to go?”

And then a collision occurred. All sailors have the greatest fear of a collision at sea.

56

stories above me. I thought to myself, “This could

Finally I could feel the handle of the hatch of the Mess decks. As I opened the hatch gradually, I fell

Immediately there was a sound no sailor wants

forward and out onto the passageway. Fortunately

to hear and that is the alarm for general quarters. I

there was a medical corpsman with a canister of

was in the central most part of the ship, four decks

oxygen who gave me one breath, then a towel, and

below the main deck, and the only way out was up

I was on my way.

The Admiral said, “Chaplain, we are going to the Belknap. I have a helo standing by.”

“Yes sir.” Hearing this summons I picked up my flight gear and did as ordered. In moments

The Roman Catholic bodies were anointed. The Commanding Officer and the officer of the deck were in shock. I went to their cabins and supported them in the crisis.

I was boarding a helicopter with the Admiral

As several of the crew gathered mid-ships for

and heading to the USS Belknap which was on

a prayer, the Admiral and I linked arm in arm with

fire, burning brilliant oranges flames against the

them as together we prayed:

darkness of night.

God of the day and night, of the clear skies and

In the morning we discovered the deaths of six

of the cloudy nights. We give You thanks that in our

sailors with an additional forty-six severely injured.

human error, more lives were not lost. But for those

The Admiral and I assisted in the recovery efforts,

who perished, we ask a blessing upon the men who

worked with the trauma of the crew, and assessed

souls now rest with You. Life is lived so quickly, help

the condition of the ship. I gathered the crew on the

us to realize the brevity that we might look to You for

fantail to talk with them, assist with the messages,

strength and compassion. Please be with the family

and have a prayer with each recovered casualty.

of Chief Kline who is being notified of his death as

57

we speak! Comfort the entire ship’s family as we all grieve these untimely deaths. Now the uncertainty for all of us becomes an unexpected reality.

We turn to You for comfort and compassion and thank You for reaching out to us. Amen.

USS John F. Kennedy. (Photo courtesy JFK photo lab archives)

58

Ecumenical memorial service on the Kennedy. (USN Photo, Photographer PH3 M.M. Rizza)

Homecoming Prayer

At the completion of this long cruise, which we all know so well, we would be amiss if we did not pause to give You recognition for Your protective care during the past seven months.

Yes, there have been personal problems—there were tragic deaths—there were hardships at home and at sea—yet the gift You give us all is the knowledge that amid all the difficulties of life, You are always there to bring comfort to those who are in pain.

We give You our deepest thanks as we lift up those spiritual values of life and plead with You to always remind us that when we are in need, You are always there. Go with us in our individual ways as we complete this cruise.

For those of the Wing, protect them on their homeward flight. For all who remain, overshadow us with your strength. For all, comfort and bless us daily.

Thank you God, for the knowledge that “if we make our beds in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall hand shall hold me!” we complete this

Thy hand lead me and Thy right God bless each of us as deployment. Amen.

After several hours,

of smoke inhalation. Two

the “holy helo” returned to

memorial worship services

the carrier only to find that one sailor on the Kennedy had died

were conducted the following day, one on each ship.

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Chapter Eight

LITTLE CREEK AMPHIB BASE Excluding the chapel at the Naval Academy, the

(Protestant Women of the Chapel) was alive and well.

newest and largest Navy Chapel throughout the

Our mission offerings supported mission stations.

maritime fleet is the at the Amphibious Base in Norfolk,

Practice rooms were made available to the School of

Virginia. It was built in 1972.

Music for private sessions. General Protestant education

As Senior Chaplain I was expected to have

leading to confirmation was available. It was a complete

younger, junior chaplains working with me. We are

Protestant ministry, even with pastoral care visitation.

such an ecumenical interfaith corps, the junior chaplain

The regular congregation attendance wasn’t huge:

could easily come from another denomination or faith

an average of about 500 weekly. And of those, we were

group. Our motto is cooperation without compromise, and

mostly very religious, liberal Protestants. In the front

it usually works rather well. Occasionally there might be a theological glitch or two, but for the most part we are a very compatible group of professional clergy in relationship to provide spiritual leadership and to cooperate with each other without ever compromising our individual beliefs. It’s my opinion that we are the most accommodating group of clergypersons the world has ever known, serving in all that we are called to do. Diversity is the hallmark of the Corps.

My religious tradition is from the United Church of Christ, but when I received a set of orders on a young, African American, Baptist Lieutenant, I was expected to work him into the leadership structure.

This meant taking turns preaching on Sunday, as well as participation in the lecture programs and all of the Chapel related ministries.

Over the course of years, many celebrated clergy preached from the pulpit. There were college and university choirs which performed and filled the sanctuary with those who loved sacred music. Sunday School thrived with children and adults, mission trips left for Italy, our choir performed concerts, PWOC

Lt. Gene Perry and myself in my office at Little Creek Amphib Base, 1978. (Official photograph U.S. Navy; by PH3 Ken Brewer)

• • • It was Sunday morning in the chapel when it occurred. I had invited my Junior Chaplain to preach and have the Pastoral Prayer in the 1100 Divine Worship services one Sunday morning. He was a little nervous as his religious denomination was a bit more fervent than our average member— and mine as well.

Naval Amphibious Base Chapel, Little Creek, Virginia serves all faiths. Dedicated to the Glory of God on October 11, 1972. Adjacent to the main chapel are education rooms, office spaces, and Devotional Chapel accommodating 200 worshippers.

His sermon was excellent.

He began the Pastoral Prayer in the conventional way with the petition of God to be affirmed in

row with his mother, General Al Gray never missed.

the Adoration. His prayer continued in confession,

Admiral Jones and his family were always there. The

thanksgiving, and sanctification. At the end of

Chief of Staff for Amphibious Squadron and his wife

the prayer he surprised the somewhat reserved

attended with regularity. The Director of the School

congregation and me when he made an altar call. This

of Music and his staff wanted to hear the wonderful

was something to which none of us were accustomed.

music during the worship service.

We weren’t even completely sure

They loved to sing! The remainder

how to respond.

of the worshipers comprised all

“We will all come to the altar

grades of military ranks and rates,

for prayer and confession! Kathy

civilian guests, and neighbors from

will you play the confessional

outside the gate. It was an active,

hymn one more time?” A few

spiritual center as any civilian

came forward. “One more time,

congregation community.

Kathy.” A few more came, but

There were many more

he was not satisfied. “Kathy, one

outside our gates who had always

more time!” About half began to

been welcome but had not made

move toward the altar. By this time

it their practice to be regular

the church members realized that

attendees. However, since a more

unless everyone responded, they

evangelical Baptist Chaplain was

might be there the remainder of

aboard, they began coming to the

the day. So they did.

10:00 Sunday Worship, knowing

When he saw nearly every

that he was going to participate

worshipper moving forward, he

and often preach. That was good

was completely startled! This

enough for them! We grew to over

newly ordained minister really

600 on any given Sunday.

General Al Gray

did not know how to continue. He

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Prayer for an Altar Call

In coming before the altar we affirm that we are making a personal statement by the move we have made. As we stand here before You, O God, we desire to be numbered with Your family and greeted with Your Spirit. May this be a personal moment between You and me, Lord. In so being I rededicate my life to You. Amen.

paused in the service, came over to me and asked,

various parts of the world, some north, others south,

“What do I do now?”

but all going someplace. Wherever we are called to

I replied, “It’s your altar call!”

serve we know that You will be there O God. Bless us

At which time the resourceful Junior Chaplain

now as the Gospel and Jesus leads the way, and the

said, “And now Captain Goetz will lead us in prayer!”

power of the Holy Spirit sustains us and goes with us.

• • •

In Jesus most precious name. Amen and Hallelujah!

I knew we had a bold, young chaplain and I was ready to work with him in his boldness. It was a

And then I said, “Thank you Jesus—let’s go home! Amen.”

great three years! I still have a copy of one of his prayers: O God, help us be bold in our faith, nothing making us fearful to express our faith. I might be new, but I am not afraid to say it as I see it! There are many traditions and I come from one where we kneel and ask God for forgiveness and grace. I thought that I should do this right away. Bless this congregation who are

62

standing ready to deploy to

The altar of the main chapel. Seating capacity 700.

Chapter Nine

MARINE AIR GROUP 36 OKINAWA, JAPAN One of the most brilliant Marine Corps combat helicopter pilots was Colonel Walter Ledbetter, Commanding Officer of Marine Air Group 36. He never missed worship either in the chapel or in one of his unit’s landing target areas. He was a bit shy, very humble, and extremely skilled in his flying ability.

He was a great man of faith who just happened to be a Marine. He was well respected and I was his everloyal Chaplain and spiritual advisor.

Colonel Ledbetter wanted “his” chaplains deployed with his men and women. He wanted chaplains in the combat area, flying in helicopters most of the time. When his troops/Marines were gone,

he

chaplains

desired

the

assigned

to

his Battalion to be at the Korean DMZ, especially on religious holidays and for other significant events.

He expected us to be with the troops in order to lessen homesickness,

to support

them, and to provide

Commanding Officer COL Walt Ledbetter USMC, MAG 36, First MAW, Okinawa, Japan, 1977

the best possible counseling

and

care

they

were

while away

from

family and friends.

O God of our pilgrim mothers and fathers and our parents who are so far from us, we

This was my prayer

remember the blessing of the first

on Thanksgiving Day, 1977.

Thanksgiving Day. We also remember

enemy, who would like to be with their families as well. May this distrust come to an end so that we can all return home and be with family and friends.

A Prayer for Colonel Walter Ledbetter

In the name of our Spiritual Parent. Amen.

Reciting prayers was commonplace to Col. Ledbetter. Before each launch, prayer was offered.

I never prayed so much in my life!

The motto of the Marine Corps applied to his spiritual life as well, “Always faithful!” I wrote a prayer for him which seemed to meet the needs of

O God as I enter your sky, I do so with some hesitation, I wasn’t made to fly! You created others with unique skills to craft equipment

that

made

it possible for us to fly.

Help us to be humble and cautious in our flight and not take it for granted.

Bless those who fly and may all of us do that which we are called to do and do that which is right for our country and the freedom we enjoy. Amen.

such a man of faith and allegiance.

MAG 36 There is something exciting and rewarding about being part of a Marine Helicopter Combat squadron in a front line unit of defense.

I really didn’t know what to expect, but soon found out when I met Colonel Walt Ledbetter, the Colonel of Marine Aircraft Group 36. A hero in his own right, he was a helicopter pilot, instructor, test pilot, inventor, and a marine warrior, as well as a great and sensitive guy. He was also as tough at believing and practicing Christianity as he was at being a Marine. He was my commanding officer for twelve months.

His first words to me went something like this: “Close the door, Chaplain. I really need a chaplain for my own spiritual life and for my men. Death is just a moment away. We are required to protect this part of Japan from North Korea. This is a tough command, living in the center of a Japanese community with all of their hostility against the Americans who they don’t want here in the first place, and we have 400 nineteen- and twenty-year-olds—see the problem? We can’t stay in the air all of the time, we have to land at some point.” I could see that my work was going to be both on the ground and in the air.

You on this special day away from the family we

the Bachelor Officers’ Quarters (BOQ). I began the

love.

64

The first day I was to unpack and move into

We pray for peace and tranquility from the

work of finding my office and taking a walk on

Tom’s first flight. Chaplain Ray Fullalove helping Roman Catholic Chaplain Tom Keenan board a combat Huey Aircraft as we are about to fly to the northern part of Japan for a staff meeting.

the flight-line to meet as many men as possible.

I went up to the border of North Korea on the next

Since we were deploying to Korea the next day, the

“chopper” and we flew all the rest of the day until

Chaplain had been assigned to a helo already.

nightfall.

The next morning it was still dark when we

There were two apprehensive Marines who

were aboard and ready to launch. The crew chief had

wanted me to contact their wives to see if their babies

been very helpful. As soon as my feet hit the ground,

had been born. I distributed Bibles to many of the

a Sergeant was there to squire me to the supply tent

men. This was very frightening for all of us especially

for my combat gear. I didn’t get a rifle, because of

since there were rumors that North Korea was going

my chaplain status, but I wanted to be certain my

to attack at the DMZ—right where we were. I had

chaplain’s aide had a good one—and was a good

several MREs (meals ready to eat) with the units,

marksman!

conducted five worship/communion services, and

While on board the helicopter, my orders were quickly changed. I was ordered to leave for patrol the next day. The Colonel thought that it would be a good idea for me to go with him and my aide.

spent most of the time in counseling before the chopper returned just before dark.

A Roman Catholic priest, another Protestant chaplain, a crewman, and I boarded the return helo

“All of the units at the DMZ (demilitarized

after a farewell to my new “congregation.” We headed

zone) have requested the chaplain,” said the marine

south to Japan, our home facility. Three hours later

pilot. “We will have seven stops, I will drop you off

we landed. A jeep met the plane to take me to my

at each one and come back within three hours. Does

BOQ and to bed. What a day! The rest of the year

that give you enough time?” What choice did I have?

continued much the same. The North Koreans did not

65

invade. We were thankful, but there were 300 more

provide for them in this crisis. I offered the prayer on

precaution flights. I flew almost every day with my

the following page in the Christian Memorial Service.

congregation.

One very painful day was when one of our

Air Group, but into this sad picture God introduced

helicopters had a navigational error and flew into

a deviation to partially take our minds off of this

Mt. Fuji in southern Japan, killing all on board. As I

tragic accident.

recall, there were eighteen marines. I was scheduled to be onboard, but because of a delay in my return from the DMZ, I didn’t make the flight.

66

It was a hard day and a hard week for the entire

Warren Spahn It was a sunny Sunday afternoon in Okinawa,

The memorial service for our fellow marines

Japan, and after worship on the US Marine Base in

was scheduled for the following Monday. Particularly

Futema where I was Chaplain for Marine Helicopter

difficult was the fact that several of them had families

Squadron Thirty-six, I walked downtown to watch

on the island. The priest and I had to notify them and

a baseball game. Two Japanese teams were playing:

Flying the Pacific with the Marines was truly a blessing. At the end of this tour, I cried when I left. I was presented my helmet, my orange flight suit, and a pair of modified Chaplain Flight Wings with a cross embroidered in the middle.

A Prayer with Baseball Pitcher Warren Spahn, Baseball Hall of Fame 1973

Heavenly Father I know that You are no stranger to Warren and this we affirm. We turn to You in our time of need and give You thanks for consolation and renewed strength. I will miss (Warren speaks) her so much and now there is a hole in my life after all of these years of being together and now I still have the road trips but nothing to come home to. (Chaplain speaks) Please, O God, in some way fill this void. What can we do other than seek Your comfort and offer these words bringing solace to reduce the pain and help to carry on. Thank you Lord. Amen.

towered over the other spectators—but I, too, cheered after the honors were rendered.

Since I was so far down front, the manager was able to hear my voice. I saw him peering out of the dugout. He looked, because of his stature, like an American as well. He motioned for me to come down. Without a moment’s hesitation I followed his invitation and entered the field. It was At the game. (Left to right) Don Blassingame, Warren Spahn, and me.

truly a “field of dreams.” I had been invited to sit with the team and coaching staff.

We introduced each other and I found that I was

the Tokyo Carps and the locals, the Okinawa City

sitting next to Warren Spahn and Don Blassingame,

Sharks. As I entered the stadium and made my way

both summer coaches for this Japanese team. As the

down front as far as possible in the second row on the

game proceeded, Warren asked what I was doing in

field, the national anthem of Japan was being played.

Japan. I responded and the game continued.

I stood silent in the center of the aisle—I obviously

Into the fifth inning, he leaned over and said,

67

“Chaplain, can we talk for a few moments about something else?”

“Certainly, as you desire. It’s your dugout.”

He began by asking for a prayer. I thought it would be for his team because they were down by five runs, but to my utter surprise it was for him and the recent loss of his wife. Here we were on the team bench in the dugout in Japan, almost total strangers—a Major League coach and a game spectator who at that moment became a Chaplain— praying for the coach’s deceased, loving wife who had just been buried in New York, halfway across the world.

For the remainder of that game and into the following game of a double header, our spiritual conversation continued until the final pitch.

His team won!

You never know when you will be asked to pray with Commander Chaplain Herbert M. Goetz.

a total stranger in a foreign land—with a different people

Christian Memorial Service Prayer Eternal Father we do not know why these things happen but as they do, we are together as a family to support each other and be Semper Fi, ‘always faithful.’ O God we are so sorry that lives are lost in the defense of our country and for the protection of those of our family, friends, and the ideas we continue to traditionally hold dear. For freedom is never free.

Thank you for those we love who will not be with us except in spirit and in love. Thank you for placing our beloved in our life’s journey and for the amount of time we had together for ‘love is never enough time.’ Comfort us, hold us, embrace us and encourage us to hold the memory of our fellow Marines in our heart now and forever. Amen.

68

and with indistinguishable words—but I know God heard our prayer.

The Pearl S. Buck Foundation ASIA One of our “People to People” programs supported the Pearl S. Buck Social Services adoption program of Amerasian children and the Special Olympics. Our responsibilities included setting up the program and facilitating the day. My committee made all of the PA sound system arrangements, set up the track, took care of the refreshments,

Betty Shaw, Director Pearl S. Buck Foundation, and Warren Spahn

found judges, provided First Aid, collected the entrance fees (in yen), and arranged the music.

I was down the track at the Marine Corps Air

An azure blue sky heralded a glorious day

Base and, through a translator, was talking with the

for everyone in attendance at this athletic event

children. I watched one small, eleven-year-old girl

for children of all ages with mental and physical

run the hurdle. She was having a lot of fun. I asked,

challenges. Spectators wore camos and straw hats.

“How is it that you have such a great time and win

We all enjoyed the Japanese folk music.

every race?”

The day began with the national anthems of

She looked me squarely in the eyes and said,

both countries, followed with prayer and spiritual

“Sir, the way I win is that I go to the finish line first,

recognition from major faith groups. And then, in

then the hurdles don’t look so high.”

both languages, the announcement was made, “Let the games begin!”

The wisdom of a special needs child offers a lesson for all of us throughout life’s journey!

Pearl S. Buck Award The medallion is about three inches in diameter, but is much larger in meaning to me. It is the honor member recognition coin from the Pearl S. Buck Foundation for service with Amerasian children in “both east and west.”

It was presented for outstanding and committed service to the displaced children throughout Asia.

“Red or yellow, black or white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

69

Chapter Eleven

COMFAIRMED & NATO HEADQUARTERS NAPLES, ITALY One of the most exciting billets I experienced was

aircraft and within three days the Chapel family

when I was assigned to be on the staff of Commander

coordinated the response, traveling to the epicenter,

Fleet Air Mediterranean (COMFAIRMED). We went

assisting the evacuation effort, and feeding those

to Italy with Orders to the Chapel in Naples. At our

unable to be transported. The Chapel community rose

arrival the senior command gave me the opportunity

to the occasion and with the help of CWS provided

to report to his staff as Command Chaplain for the

warm clothing, food, and medical supplies. This was

southern part of Europe and NATO. I accepted the

a “hands on” ministry in responding to major crisis.

change with appreciation for the demanding challenge.

Dear God we don’t understand why these things

This meant that I was to oversee all of the Religious

happen but we do know that we are called to service

Programs in seven commands, reaching from Greece

when events like these hit communities where lives

to Spain—as well as additional orders to serve on the

are endangered. Bless us as servants to our fellow

NATO staff with Admiral Bill Crowe.

man and those who suffered and are suffering from

We moved into the area, living on the Italian

the tragic situation. For those who were killed, may

economy and in the immediate area but not actually

they rest in Your eternal care. In love we care for our

on the military base. I was out of the Naples area for

brothers and sisters of the global community. Amen.

most of my time there. It was easy to travel with an aircraft at my disposal.

It didn’t take me long to realize

Two weeks before our arrival, the 1980 earthquake

that I must estab-

hit just six miles from the Naval Base. It didn’t attract

lish a working re-

much news but it was felt by the population of the

lationship with the

little mountain community just north of Castel del

religious leader of

Monte, built in 1240 by Emperor Frederick II. Our Navy

this parish area,

Chapel was the closest support facility for immediate

Pozzuoli. He was

assistance.

a Roman Catholic

We mobilized the Chapel community and set

Bishop named

up a Response Team to assist in the evacuation. We

Bishop Salvatore

contacted Church World Service (CWS) in America

Sorrentino, Vescovo

and managed to contact Lufthansa for an emergency

di Pozzuoli. Our as-

lift of medical and food supplies. They provided an

sociation became

Bishop Salvatore Vescovo di Pozzuoli

Sorrentino,

essential and as time went on we became very close friends and professional clergy colleagues.

Our unified prayer was: Heavenly Father, we pray for a sufficient portion of Your Holy Spirit that the injustices of the world cannot cloud our vision of You and Your promises! Amen.

The following year another emergency occurred

Prayer for Fellow Worshiper at Midnight Mass

with the capture of General James E. Dozier by the Red Brigade. This was the first event of a terrorist movement marked by numerous violent incidents, assassinations, and robberies. The kidnapping

Thank you Our God for

happened on a Sunday morning while we were all

this link with my Catholic

in Chapel. The announcement was made at a break in the worship service. The Chapel was vacated instantly

brother in the Faith. Bless this

and everyone took additional safety precautions since

our shared ministry to Your

most were in the NATO organization. Within an hour the NATO Admiral, William Crowe, requested that

people. God is good in bringing

we schedule a prayer service on Monday morning

us together and in this we were

23 December 1981 for General Dozier’s safety. We all

linked.

went on an Alert Cautious Status which lasted the remainder of the year.

Life in Naples took upon a new ethos. And it was just the beginning.

We

give

adoration

and thanks and bless this our brother in his suffering and bestow healing mercies. Amen.

Midnight Mass in Rome As Christmas rolled around the phone rang. It was the Bishop’s Aide inquiring if we would be papal guests at Midnight Mass in Rome and accept gold tickets to St. Peter’s Cathedral. With great anticipation

event. An elderly man, I would guess to be in his early

and appreciation we humbly received this gift from

80s, keeled over with an apparent heart attack. Mary

the Holy Father. Our friend the Bishop coordinated the

Ann, my wife, is a nurse and was immediately behind

visit. We invited our Navy friends to accompany us.

the Italian gentlemen. As he slowly fell to the marble

Christmas Eve came and we were excited to

floor, she sensed that he wasn’t well. Without hesitation

attend the ceremony. Not everyone has the opportunity

or regard for her carefully groomed appearance, she

to attend this service. Tickets are required and difficult

began to perform CPR. As he gradually regained

to obtain. Ours placed us in row three, to the right

consciousness he realized there was a woman sitting

of the High Altar.

on his frail chest, blowing into his mouth. What he

It was obvious that evening that many of the faithful were thrilled to be there, but in the row in front of us was some commotion unrelated to the holy

didn’t know was that his face and shirt were covered with red lipstick.

The frock-coated ushers carried him out, but

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Inspired by a Tuskegee Ariman

As Command Chaplain for COMFAIRMED, I had the occasion to meet many naval aviators. On one such occasion, NFO Admiral Ben Hacker, from Springfield, Ohio, introduced us to several Tuskegee Airmen. I will never forget the comment of one of them. “When I fly I feel so close to God for I am invading His space.”

Lord guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces in the sky.

Be with them always in the air, in darkening storms, or sunlight fair.

O hear us when we lift our prayer, for those in peril in the air.

For these past 100 plus years, men and women have been intrigued and challenged by flight. Your gifts of technology have advanced systems which have propelled us even in space

Rear Admiral Benjamin T. Hacker

by modern day pioneers who have risked their personal safety in order to advance decisive requirements for the innovated and cutting edge requirements imposed upon them.

As we have invaded Your space, now invade ours so that we might express our faith in the technology which you have provided, using our knowledge of flight to wage peace and stability to Your world and at the same time maintaining a strong national defense, preserving the earned entitlements and core values which have been the heart and soul of our Nations freedom. In the name of our God—Eternal Father and Creator of air, sea, and space. Amen.

72

COMFAIRMED staff accepting supplies to help in earthquake clean-up.

one could hear his wife saying, “Go ahead and take

would walk past the Flavian Amphitheater. Only the

him, but I’m not going. I’ve waited three years for

Roman Colosseum and the Capuan Amphitheater

these tickets! I’ll check with the hospital later!”

are larger.

The Flavian Amphitheater Living among antiquity was an everyday event

Its size provided cages for wild beasts used for fighting the Christians and games for Roman centurions versus the slaves.

in Pozzuoli, province of Naples, the landing port for

On several occasions I talked with the Catholic

the Apostle Paul as recorded in the 28th chapter, verse

Bishop whose jurisdiction included this ancient shrine.

13, of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. This area

History records only three previous occasions when a

was our home for the four wonderful years we resided

worship service had been held in this religious structure.

in Italy. On Saturdays, on the way to the market, we

To ask to hold an Ecumenical Peace Worship Service

Flavian Amphitheater. Christians worship where Christians were once martyred.

73

in this encrusted huge, stone facility seating over forty thousand spectators seemed rather presumptuous.

While I was Senior Chaplain at the Navy Chapel

Our friendship afforded me the opportunity to ask

in Naples, my office was located at the base of a small,

the question and the request was granted.

steaming crater of Solfatara de Pozzuoli. Much of my

Change of Command

ministry took place in my office with worship several times a week in the chapel.

The beginning of a new life of responsibilities

There was still time for outreach, and our

begins with a Change of Command. Because lives

youth group was very involved in mission projects

changed on the beautiful isle of Crete as the apostles

like helping the 1980 earthquake victims and the

lived, worked, prayed, and witnessed to their Christian

orphanage, Casa Materna.

faith—a faith in their Lord, Jesus—it seemed an

One of our many mission adventures was to

appropriate setting for the Change of Command

take the youth group and several parents to Greece

ceremony that took place in June 1981.

to study the growth of the Christian communities

To be on the island where the Apostle Paul was (Acts 27:7 forward) was a spiritual gift, and to bring

through Asia Minor. We rented a bus and were on our way for the four-day bus and ship trip.

a Christian gathering from our ship was an added

Another educational excursion was a ten-day

blessing. It was a spiritual gift to share this moment

religious pilgrimage to Jerusalem to experience the

with the Christian community in prayer:

sights and sounds of this most Holy Place. One of

O God, where the Apostle Paul preached we now

the historically spiritual sights we visited was the

stand (and some sit from being tired from walking

Jordan River. For those who were not baptized or

the island and following his footsteps). We give you

were requesting baptism reaffirmation, I offered

thanks for his witness so many years ago!

this opportunity in the same river where Jesus was

Continually be with us as we share in this outdoor worship in Souda Bay, Crete. May the history which surrounds us be a constant reminder of the history of our faith. We are thankful for the strength of individuals who have lasted these thousands of years and have perpetuated the church as leaders and disciples and apostles, called in every generation to witness to the faith. God bless each of them in their faith journey. Amen.

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To Greece with St. Paul

Souda Bay, Crete. (Left to right) Captain Bryan Anderson and Chaplain Goetz review the Change of Command ceremony.

baptized.

Sharon Jones, a young girl, was the first to step into the water, confess her faith, and be baptized.

YOUTH GROUP MINISTRIES. (Below) Our youth group helped out with the Casa Materna orphanage in Naples. Chaplain Goetz is pictured below visiting with one of the residents who had become hospitalized.

(Above) Departure from Naples to Greece to study the Apostle Paul. Forty-five chapel members went on this trip.

Memorial Day May 28, 1984

a personal epitaph of a life from a loving mother, a

As Chaplain for Commander Fleet Air

caring father, and a grateful country.

Mediterranean—COMFAIRMED—the many and

If we could but hear the echo of each voice

varied areas of ministry continued. The next was to

silenced, we would number ourselves today as part

go with the Admiral and conduct a memorial service

of that sentiment filled chorus.

at the North American Cemetery and Memorial at Nettuno, Italy, where over 4,000 men and women are buried.

It is located just south of Rome and is a remembrance of their strength and valor. To stand in the presence of the brave freedom fighters was an humbling moment that brought tears to our eyes, silence to our minds, and sadness to our souls as we began the service of celebration of life in honor of those buried there.

Amid the beauty of this solemn day we are surrounded by a saga of life stories in memory—each grave representing

The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial site near Nettuno, Italy, covers seventy-seven acres.

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(Left to right) Chief of Navy Chaplains Admiral John McNamara, Bishop Sorrentino, Mary Ann Goetz, Chaplain Ray Dressler, and Chaplain Herb Goetz in Gaeta, Italy.

Long may our land be bright

voices, and weapons of war now heralding voices of

With freedom’s holy light—

peace and brotherhood. May this be our continual

Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King!

hallmark. And as our flags fly side by side, may

Truly may we at this historical moment recall

we rededicate ourselves to the voice of freedom as

each voice, their valor, and their sacrifice. May we

we receive strength through peace, by placing our

thank You, O God, for those brave voices ready to lay

continual trust in You, our God. Amen.

down a life at that moment in history, for the cause of freedom, liberty, and righteousness. May we in the succeeding celebrations have this reminder, that they died not in vain.

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When the Pope was Shot Because of my position as Command Chaplain for U.S. Forces in Europe, I enjoyed certain perks that

Help us to emulate the loyalty of these heroic

would have been unlikely in any other field. Some

servants. May the nation which they helped to

of the most valuable memories I have include the

establish and maintain always be built upon that

several occasions we were invited to Vatican City by

enduring foundation of ideals and ideas for which

Pope John Paul II. Once inside, his gracious spirit was

their lives were given.

contagious as he walked through the aisles, into the

Memories on this hallowed ground…silenced

chancel, and through the nave, greeting the thousands

in attendance. “Buon giorno,” he would say as he gave them his papal blessing. His warm demeanor was felt by all as he circled the massive church, followed by his aides, clerks, Cardinals, and Bishops of the Catholic Church. His informal manner was in direct contrast to the pomp in this ceremonial venue.

May 13, 1981, seemed like any other day except we had plans to be at St. Peter’s Square in the afternoon for Pope John Paul II’s regular weekly

His Jeep made a swing through the crowd but soon

public audience. The brilliant blue sky followed us the

stopped. He picked from the throng a little blonde

one hundred miles up the Autostrada from Naples

girl and held her in his mighty arms. He kissed her

to Roma. We were five eager pilgrims in a Fiat as we

and was returning her to her father when the terrible

hit 120 Km/hour in excitement.

sound of pistol shots rang out and resounded through

A twenty-three year old student by the name

St. Peter’s Square.

Mehmet Ali Ağca was also attending. He traveled

The noise of sirens penetrated the solemn silence

by train from Milan. A Turkish Arab extremist with

while red and blue lights illuminated the darkening

a 9mm pistol, he entered from the opposite direction

skies. As helicopters flew overhead, the first thought

that we did. Likewise, his reasons for wanting to see

was that he was dead. The Italian news from our

the pope were in complete opposition to ours.

portable eight-inch radio encircled our little group

We were seated in the first row to the right of

and the only thing which was heard by us were the

the Papal Chair—among 20,000 - 30,000 others. These

Italian word Morto—he had been shot, and is dead.

were the best seats in the square.

St. Peter’s joy and euphoria transformed into despair

One in our group was going to be allowed to

and shock. Denial and anger were fused with doubt.

present the Holy Father with a gift from the American

We remained in silence and reverence as helicopters

Military.

circled overhead. The lifeless body continue to lie

At 11:00 a.m. the bells of St. Peter’s rang out

motionless and was taken to Gemelli Hospital.

and could be heard throughout Rome. Very shortly

The world was shocked by this senseless attack

thereafter the Vatican jeep started its fateful ride.

(and we were sorely disappointed not to be able

When the vehicle entered the colonnades, the square

to present the Holy Father a gift from the Chief of

ignited into shouts and applause. The crowd was

Chaplains in America). Moments after the shooting

beginning to strain their necks to get that first glance

Italian President Sandro Pertini raced to Gemelli

of the stately man in the white robe. “Papa! Papa!”

Clinic where Italian State television reported the

Pope John Paul stood in the rear, smiling, waving,

attack. Vatican Radio broadcast prayers in Italian. The

and blessing the people. The joy was overpowering.

five American Navy Chaplains led English speaking

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visitors in prayer in our native language. Those of us who were Christian Chaplains prayed aloud the Lord’s Prayer, prayed for the healing of this holy man, and said the 23 Psalm and priestly prayers for strength and the healing of the Holy Father.

The hospital announced that he was in surgery and was expected to recover from the three bullets which penetrated his chest and abdominal cavity.

Within one hundred days Pope John Paul II was back in the Vatican.

Offered in St. Peter’s Square Moments after the Pope was Shot

In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless, O God, Pope John Paul II in this, his special time of need as he is on the verge of death and being called by You to return home. A very special prayer for the medical staff that they might perform the skills needed to respond to the crisis before them.

May we carry with us a sense of thanksgiving for Pope John Paul’s life as the holy father. May we be in constant prayer that violence and discord in the world will be replaced with the peace of Christ. May we carry the unity of Christ in the body of Christ. In the spirit of those who gather here, carry his blessedness to their countries and around the world hungry for Christ’s love. May he heal quickly and completely as the shepherd to the flock!

May we all pray for the hundreds of delegations here in this place where seemingly millions have stood throughout history. May the sins of all of us be absolved and we be forgiven. May the person who did the dastardly act be held accountable for what he has done and forgiven in your sight. Amen.

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Castles in Beirut It was October 19, 1982, just months before the nearly 300 sleeping U.S. Marines were massacred in the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. These Marines were fulfilling a commitment made by our country. Being a “superpower” comes with great cost, and most of that expense is found in the lives of our young military personnel.

Marines are away from home for long periods of time with little or no reminders of the familiar—short of those precious letters from mom and dad, family members or loved ones— and loneliness can set in. The thoughtfulness of others, however, suggests that someone really does care about what the troops are doing for our country.

In Beirut, we had just finished a long and grueling establishment of the perimeter, which included digging “fox holes,” running barbed wire, and getting the gun placements in position, when the word was passed, “The Castles are here!”

Here they were, box after box of White Castle hamburgers. There must have been thousands (at least fifteen for each of the 300 Marines) taken to the USS Nashville LPD 13, our support ship docked off shore, and then flown to the beach. Sure enough, the White Castles were brought frozen from the states, defrosted, and heated in the many microwave ovens aboard ship and then transported by helicopter to the awaiting hungry Marines. What a day!

It was “chow-call.” Every Marine and Sailor stopped what he was doing and joined the rapidly growing line for his share of an American touch of home. What would have been just another day of anxious tension in a foreign land became a special day for these guys serving our country. They were being remembered and the proof of it was found in a small act of kindness covered with onions, mustard, and a pickle. I was there and had my share!

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NAVFORCES, Europe • London, England

world attention was the abduction of Brigadier General

Assignment on the staff of Commander

The most devastating was the assault on the

in Chief United States Naval Forces Europe

Marine headquarters in Beirut, killing 241 American

(CINCUSNAVEUR) and NATO during the early

servicemen (220 Marines, eighteen sailors, and three

1980s posed a challenge to our ministry. There were a

soldiers), along with sixty Americans injured on

number of threats on the NATO command buildings

Sunday, 23 October 1983. I had been there just two

and personnel throughout all of Italy. Caution was

weeks prior to the bombing, visiting the chaplains

always the name of the “game.”

and staying in the same barracks.

The first of these insidious attacks that garnered

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James Dozier in 1981.

It was Sunday morning and Chapel worship

had concluded when the Duty Officer came running into the chapel. “Is the Admiral here?”

“Which one?”

“The CINC.” “Yes, he is…he is in line to shake hands.” I shouted, “Admiral!”

Admiral Crowe left his wife, Shirley, and came to the chapel door. The Duty Officer pulled him aside and whispered in his ear.

“Admiral,” I asked, “something happened?”

“Yes, Chaplain. I need to talk to you right away.

Terrorists just blew up the barracks in Beirut, and we have dispatched several ships and aircraft to standby, and evacuate into the hospital in Germany. The estimate is about 200 killed and many wounded.”

“I’ll call the Chaplains in Andrews and alert them.”

“After you make the call, I want you to go to the airfield and meet the incoming MEDOFLTS. I think that some are coming to our hospital for triage.”

We went back into the chapel for prayer: Why does this happen? God, we need You as do these young men and women and their families. Guide those who fly the planes and those who heal the wounded and we will try to forgive those who committed this act of horrendous violence. Amen.

Many of us prayed many prayers over the next few days. The following is one I shared with my congregation.

O God, we don’t know why so many were attacked in the middle of the night and killed— young men and women, u n s u s p e c t i n g their demise while asleep.

Help us not to hate those who did this. If we ever needed an arm

BEIRUT BOMBING (Above) Military barracks.

(Right) Assessing the damage.

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Beirut Victims’ Memorial Service Prayer Dear God, I really can’t understand why you permitted this to happen—this is the worst form of terrorism. What have we done to have this happen? We are so sorry, angry that human spirits are broken and lives are lost. In spite of anger, please O God, comfort us, the Marine family, and help us forgive. We and their families will miss our fellow Marines and will need your help so that we remain ever faithful! Amen.

and a friend to lean on it is now, so we really need You O God. Sadness and grief and anger are all inside us and we don’t know what to do with it. Help us, Lord. O God, You claim to be such a loving God…now what? I guess we don’t know right now—maybe it will be answered in the future. O God, we will be listening! Amen.

Burned out bus in Beirut.

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Marines on site at Beirut—tents, sand, and American flags at half mast. Note the two ships out on the water.

Admiral William J. Crowe 2 January 1925 - 18 October 2007 He wore dolphins and four stars and a spiritual posture with an inviting and pleasing smile. The New York Times Magazine of August 1988 called him “The most powerful peacetime military officer in U.S. history.” I call him the finest military officer who practiced his faith and allegiance to his God in a very practical manner as a man of deep and abiding faith. Admiral and Shirley Crowe never missed a worship service. He said to me when we were going to put soft kneelers in the Chapel “I vote no because sometime during the week I need to kneel and feel a bit of pain Jesus felt.” The chapel still has no kneelers!

A great man of faith who expected his Chaplain to be in the Admiral’s office every Monday morning for prayer as the demanding work began. This was not mid-morning, but at 7:30 am right after his morning brief. His day began and ended in the dark. Being on his staff was both a challenge and a reward. All matters affecting the southern half of Europe landed on his plate including Italy, Great Britain, Turkey, Greece, and the United States.

The Admiral grew up in Oklahoma City, attended a local high school and, with a passion for the Navy, applied and was accepted at the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. After a strange range of ships for which he applied, he was accepted in the nuclear submarine program. Instead of continuing this most prestigious program, he applied and was accepted at Princeton University in a PhD program in political science. In those early days his career was very tenuous, but he overcame the criticism and his career was launched. His career was controversial. He was considered an iconoclast throughout the hallowed halls of the Naval service. The Navy sent him to the Pentagon as Political Affairs Officer. His sea duty was next and he was assigned to RivRon in Vietnam. It was a command shunned by most Naval Officers. In 1974 the impossible happened, the captain was selected for Flag Officer: the maverick had done the impossible!

His career skyrocketed and within ten years he commanded Modest Command, Pacific Command, and the European Command. At the height of the Cold War, the Admiral invited the Russian delegation to tour America over the objection of the Joint Chiefs.

All of it—the Oklahoma drawl, the ability to persuade the military, his collection of hats—may well have gotten him the highest position in all branches of the service, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Because of his unlikely career, we really do not know if he retired or not, but we think that he retired in 1989, returning home with his beloved wife to Oklahoma City.

I was a Chaplain on his staff as Commander in Chief in Naples, Italy. During that time in history it required so much prayer and I lost many of them.

His favorite was “The Lord’s Prayer.” He would say, “Jesus wrote a pretty good one, why write more?”

He’s got a point there.

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Casa Materna • Naples, Italy One of the Protestant Missions Centers which my family and I support with prayer and financial giving has been the 100-year-old Casa Materna mission center.

Begun in the mid 1800s as an orphanage for needy abandoned children from the streets of Naples, Italy, a pastor, a medical doctor, a lawyer, and a nurse, the Santi family reached into their hearts and responded to this very apparent need which surrounded them—children abandoned on the piers, left in the streets, dropped off on the bus lines.

Over the course of these 100 years, Casa Materna became the resident home for countless thousands of children who took up residence in this “home with a mother’s love.”

During the exciting life of this Christian institution, the mission’s zeal expanded to include six international European countries plus the United States. This mission center was available to all children needing a place to live.

During these many years, more than a half century of love, care, and assistance was forthcoming by way of financial support, volunteer “hands on” personnel, prayers, special leadership involvement. Soon an International Board of Directors was established and served to lead this committee, supporting the mission and responding to the needs of the evergrowing numbers and ages of children. U.S. Navy personnel from the local base assisted with work and financial gifts.

Soon the name Casa Materna mission became analogous with Naples. What was once a small operation had become an international social service agency with regular visits and accommodations, work projects, and a “hang out” when in Naples for those visitors desiring to make a difference while on vacation or traveling abroad.

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U.S. Naval ships brought support through their onboard religious programs through the various chaplains. The children were invited aboard for Padre Santo, Holy Father, parties. It was a win-win opportunity of cross Padre buono, Good Father, culture.

Casa Materna is now closed because Italian Questo cibo This food is Social Service philosophy has changed. The e’il tuo dono’. your gift.

Santi spirit yet remains and is expressed by a Da’na anche Give it also to newly developed after-school program named ai poverelli the poor people Imparare Giocando, Learning by Playing, under perche siamo because we are all the leadership of Rosaria Vincenzi, a child of tutti fratelli. brothers & sisters.

Casa Materna herself. Rosaria and I have worked Amen Amen together, prayed together, raised money together, communed together, played together, broken bread together, and worshipped together for over fifty years.

Inside of Rosaria’s heart, God planted and nurtured the seed of compassion, service, and love.

Throughout her life, this spirit of service was nurtured and was a great impact on the lives of many.

Rosaria’s love has shown throughout her life of service to God’s children. Through political unrest, financial stress and strain, religious differences, and family conflicts, she has remained faithful to her passion for the poor and needy.

She is loved by all and respected for her many years of dedication to the thousands to whom she has ministered. She was recognized by the International Committee of Casa Materna as Woman of the Year in Europe—A Servant to Humanity.

The prayers we’ve shared have been in English and Italian. One such prayer has been recorded here in honor of the leadership and the children who have passed through Casa Materna.

Please pray (in English or Italian) for the continuation of this mission outreach and check it out on our Website www.ItalianChildrensMission.org.

Dear God: For the mission of which we have embarked upon these many years, we add our names—our spirit—to this 100 year witness. We number ourselves with the Santi Spirit, with the thousands who have heard the “call” and responded with an out-stretched hand in service to those in need.

For the ministry many lives have provided, we give You thanks and pray that the next generation will set even higher goals with realized visions that will perpetuate this century old witness.

With thanksgiving for Your servant Rosaria—her hand and heart—may we continue reaching out in service to others Rosaria teaching at Imparare Giocando throughout the global community. Amen.

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Chapter Fifteen

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY NROTC The beginning of the next generation of the officer

ers. There was an average of eighteen in each of the

community begins at one of the Academies or in the

classes. I had such a great relationship with the stu-

NROTC (Reserve Officers Training Program) at a

dents over the eleven years. I performed ten wed-

major university. This four year program leads to the

dings, baptisms, recommended church membership,

commissioning as an Ensign in the Navy or a Second

as well as participating in all of the dances, parades,

Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

and formal and informal functions. I had a great time

The chaplain is the Staff Officer who provides pastoral

care,

gives

lectures,

offers

with these emerging generations of leaders.

spiritual

To be a part of this great organization included

guidance, officiates weddings, performs baptisms,

many benefits. One of the finest and most appreciated

offers prayers at most official functions, is available

gifts was that we always had a parking place for the

for counseling and academic direction, and is in a

OSU football games amid the 105,000 other attendees.

pastoral relationship with each of the midshipmen.

My time there kept me in good condition:

At one of the largest universities in America

running, walking, marching. My uniform was

with one of the most supported, funded, and well-

always clean, tailored, and pressed; my shoes and

regarded Naval Reserve Officers Training Center,

brass polished.

I was proud to be asked to be the Chaplain. Even

I proudly wore my scarlet and gray OSU

though there was no Chaplain’s Billet, there was the

NROTC name tag. It was a sad day when I said, “That’s

need…and I volunteered. I was honored to be there, my own university from years ago.

I made the commitment and didn’t miss a Thursday in eleven years. Nor did I miss one function from parade to drill to cleaning the stadium. My one day of volunteering developed into two days and then I was “on-call.” Finally I had to limit my time.

I was on the staff of five different commanding officers, which made it interesting to watch the different leadership styles. All five were Naval aviators. We met some of the finest and brightest future military lead-

My OSU NROTC name tag on my uniform…always clean, tailored, and pressed!

enough!” At the conclusion of my volunteering, I

• • •

was asked to speak at the Commissioning Ceremony,

A chaplain is often called on to perform

was presented a gold clock, and a self perpetuating

weddings, baptisms, or other celebrations in

OSU scholarship in my name. The rewards were

keeping with his/her liturgical traditions. In my

greater than one could believe.

career I have conducted more military weddings

It is never easy to leave what you love. I

than the average clergy. What makes a military

was able to minister to 3,000 people in an office

wedding is merely the Arch of Swords. All else is

environment, and an unknown number through a

the same as any other wedding.

ministry of presence.

The prayer used by me is as follows:

At my departure one midshipman said, “You

Gracious God, these two have found each

have been just like my dad and mom combined into

other, and in this, we, as friends and family,

one. I will miss both of you!”

celebrate with them. Bless this life, giving union and oneness as they venture out into the world together as one with their own unique differences. We love them and pray this blessing upon them as they are welcomed into the Navy/Marine Corps family

and

under

Your

protective hand. Amen.

• • • In this chapter you will find several prayers provided

(Above) Chaplain Goetz in the center, officiating at a military wedding, OSU Mirror Lake, 2003.

(Right) The Arch of Swords.

Ensign Alex and Mrs. Kaitlyn Rinaldi, June 12, 2009.

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for various functions within the NROTC program.

Each is associated with the activity as indicated.

There will be some duplications in words, phrases and nuances because there is only so much

the Statehouse should be wise enough to follow a nonsectarian approach without being warned by Speaker Jon A. Husted or by anyone else.

that can be said. Each prayer, however, was written

Husted, R-Kettering, is tired of policing the

with a particular midshipman or situation in mind

guidelines and says he’ll no longer censor the

therefore you will find some differences in each

prayers in advance. The House rules require that

prayer. This is true for all of the prayers regardless

the prayers be turned over to a clerk three days

of the program so indicated.

ahead of time. Husted received complaints about

Keeping Invocation at Statehouse Proper Ought to be Easy

censorship from certain lawmakers and members of the public.

Common sense should govern the clergy’s

(printed in The Columbus Dispatch, October 12, 2007)

messages. While most non-Christians aren’t likely

Conducting prayers before legislative sessions

to be offended by the mention of Jesus Christ,

just shouldn’t be this difficult. The Ohio House

promotion of Christianity or another faith poses

of Representatives’ guidelines are clear: The

obvious problems. So would the mention of

prayers should be non-denominational,

political issues.

nonsectarian, and noncontroversial,

The clergy should simply ask God to grant

avoiding political issues that are

wisdom to lawmakers, and let God take

facing the lawmakers.

What’s so hard about that?

Members of the clergy who work as chaplains for tax-funded departments know how to choose their words so that God’s blessings are invoked without preaching on behalf of a religion. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1983 provided the legal framework for prayers before Congress and state legislatures by saying invocations must not promote faith.

The issue came to a head in May after a Lima-based minister made multiple references to Jesus Christ, spoke in favor of church-sponsored schools, and mentioned the state regulation of strip clubs, an issue before the General Assembly. Two members walked out, objecting to

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Clergy members invited to give invocation at

“evangelical” messages.

it from there.

JONATHAN WATERS Director of The Ohio State University Marching & Athletic Bands Jon Waters was an Ohio State University freshman who aspired to become a member of the marching band. As is customary, he rehearsed and rehearsed. The downside was that he had to work during the summer months like most students pursuing higher education.

His good fortune was that he was working as resident recreation Director at Lakeside, The Chautauqua on Lake Erie (see next chapter).

We became good friends, and I became his pastor during the demanding months of working and preparing to audition for the band. He couldn’t seem to get the “Buckeye Fight Song” out of his mind! What to do?

I wanted to help him in some way, but since I was also working at Lakeside, there wasn’t much more than offering encouragement that I could do. So I did. We prayed for strength, tenacity, and will power to meet the challenge. We both knew that it would take a great deal of determination to pass the audition. He practiced daily, and then in the late afternoon he would drive the ninety-seven miles for Lakeside, Ohio, to Columbus and Ohio State for rehearsal with others competing for placement within the prestigious TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band In The Land).

Jon and I became the best of friends, meeting under adversity, new challenge, and discouragement. Practice throughout the summer continued as well as prayer—that shattered with disappointment. But the next summer rolled around and so did tryouts for the second time. He decided to give it another shot.

A repetition of the previous year began again: practice, work, drive, and prayer. By the end of the summer and auditions, we were all elated and thrilled. Finally, Jon made the band!

From there to the present? It is all great history. In addition to his skill, of course, Jon attributes his success to prayer and spirituality. The faith from his earliest days that God would see him through remains. He never lost that belief. In October 2012, Jon was introduced as Director of TBDBITL. By his own admission, his faith and prayers carried him through.

Congrats, Jon!

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At the American Legion Post Worthington, Ohio • September 11, 2003

We begin this ceremony by affirming that the face of America has changed since 9-11-2001, changed because Your prophetic word has gone unheeded and the global family which You created continues to be fragmented and filled with hatred, fear, and disobedience to Your word. Yet, Creator God, we pause once more and will continue to do so in recognizing that which You gave us, which we so often take for granted and don’t appreciate: freedom to gather and freedom to hallow Your name. We continue to give glory to You at the beginning of this memorial patriotic recognition and we invoke Your blessing upon that which we do here. Amen.

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NROTC Color Parade 13 May 2005—French Field House, The Ohio State University

With great pride and satisfaction we approach this afternoon. With the sense of near completion of the first year—or of several years—we are ready to move into the fleet or into the next stage of training.

We begin this ceremony in an ecstatic mood, standing at parade rest. These men and women before us are excited as classes are almost over, and there is a sense of a job well done by these who have achieved another step in the pursuit of academic excellence, professional skills, and leadership traits. We pause together in a solemn moment as we remember those who have gone before us—those who are waiting for us to join them in one of the great traditions of the Naval Service. But before we do, we would be remiss if we didn’t remember in this silent moment those who have given that last breath, reminding us that freedom is never free.

Then, O God, we continue in this ceremony as it marks a significant occasion in the development of our personal preparation, exemplifying the highest standards of service to our country as part of the Navy/Marine Corps family.

There have been many obstacles and detours throughout this journey thus far, but these men and women have persisted in spite of outside challenges, personal discouragement, and those human difficulties which would topple us if we lose our vision and our goals.

Amid the tumultuous upheavals throughout the world, as injustice encircles people on every continent, we would be remiss if we did not strive for peace in the midst of this time of war, strive for understanding of the sacredness of all humankind in the preservation of freedom, and strive to maintain those human values and the dignity of all people.

May each of us clearly hear our marching orders and, by example, lead others in defining what it means to live in the “land of the free and home of the brave.” Amen.

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Anchor and Chain Banquet

Eternal Father, strong to save / Whose arm hath bound the restless wave / Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep / Its own appointed limits keep / Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee / For those in peril on the sea: our shipmates this night. But for us, these words ring out this evening as we acknowledge your spiritual presence during this celebrated recognition of scholarship, pride, and determination, having completed a job well done, and by recalling those words that a full life is not determined by how long we live, but how well we have lived.

I have learned in my spiritual life, O God, that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to the best others can do, but the best You can do. Tonight we affirm the best that we have done! We have learned that nothing of value comes without effort. Thus we have dedicated ourselves in preparation for a life of service for the freedoms and human qualities which we are called upon to protect.

We invoke Your Holy Name upon our gathering here tonight. May we be strengthened in our commitment to the Naval services, as women and men called to put our learned skills and educational abilities to use for the betterment and preservation of the peoples of the world.

We look to You, our Creator God, as the Anchor and Chain, which connects us to one another in the Naval Services and to You who is the source of all strength. Bless us this night. Bless this food of which we are about to partake. Bless the NROTC Unit and her staff, and bless the United States of America. Amen.

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Commissioning of Midshipman The Ohio State University O God, what a memorable day, what an exciting weekend, what a glorious next few days as we celebrate a commissioning, a graduation, a marriage, moments of closure from the demands of our University and the reality of new beginnings with vision and hope. The journey of the cycle of life flashes before us, and we are eternally grateful.

Life is so precious but often taken for granted. We gather here in this ceremony to lay the mantle of responsibility, of skills, and of leadership upon these to be commissioned into the Naval services, an event not to be taken ill advised or lightly, but worthy of honor and esteem.

Continue to guide these candidates with wisdom, honesty, patience, and determination to carry out their many assigned tasks. They have come a long way to arrive at this point in their young life. They have persevered toward their goals and accomplished the requirements. They are now ready to step out and serve our country and the global community.

There will be times when they may feel lonely and have moments of despair; there will be experiences which will cause hesitation and fear; there will be times of uncertainty with decisions to be made and answers will not be readily available.

It is especially at those times, O God, when they will call upon You and need Your ever presence, support, and spiritual direction.

We give special thanks to the families and friends who have nurtured children and have led them to become the men and women we see before us today. And now through this auspicious moment of commissioning, they are ready to take place with those already numbered in the Navy/Marine Corps family. Bless them on their life’s voyage with Fair Winds and Following Seas, and Semper Fidelis!

It is in Your Eternal name that we offer this commissioning prayer Amen.

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Dining In Being associated with the Ohio State University affords the OSU NROTC the opportunity to walk through campus and pass the office of The John Glenn School of Public Affairs—maybe you will even see him!

On this particular night for our traditional Dining-In

Navy

tradition, he was invited to be the guest speaker.

I

had

the

opportunity and

Color guard, Naval ceremony at Columbus, Ohio.

privilege to be seated next to him at the banquet, as I was to have the Invocation. I was pleased to engage him in conversation throughout the dinner. In the course of conversation—and when he was not talking with his lovely wife, Annie—I asked him this question, “How would you define leadership, sir?”

He did not hesitate for a moment as he responded, “There are many definitions

of

leadership, but the best one for me is that I know it when I don’t see it.”

Thank you Senator John Glenn!

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(Left to right) Senator John Glenn, Mary Ann Goetz, Herbert Goetz, Annie Glenn.

Dining In

Eternal God, we pause for these few moments to focus upon that which is eternal—that in the midst of the levity of the evening we might use this silence to invoke Your blessing upon us as we offer words of thanksgiving for bringing us to this place of celebration, fun, laughter, and a new realization of one of the rich traditions of the Naval Service.

For this is a time when we can be together as shipmates, colleagues, students, and staff and celebrate the binding unity of leadership in our Navy and Marine Corps Family.

Be present with us this night. Bless our time together. Bless our speaker [John Glenn] and the festivities which we enjoy. Bless this food which will bring physical nourishment. Bless the good-natured remarks which will challenge us to respond, and bless the spirit of our gathering this night.

And bless, O God, this new leadership who are about to embark upon the seas of the world in the midst of the global community, joining with those already in service in our great country.

In all of this we give thanks to You our gracious and ever Eternal Father.

Amen.

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Change of Command

Eternal Father, strong to save, we petition You in this early morning hour to help us recognize what we are doing here. That it is more than a ceremonious exercise, but rather a heartfelt expression of joy, praise, accomplishments, and challenges with new leadership, vitality, and excitement.

Create in each of us, we pray, the wisdom and commitment to accept these newly appointed men and women who are being set apart as living examples to others with the skills, knowledge, and compassion required to be the best of the best.

Make them this day aware of the great responsibilities being placed upon their shoulders. May all our people in positions of authority be sensitive to the demands entrusted to them and the people they serve.

We honor every member of this Battalion and this staff as each continues to be clear, strong, and committed to the cause of freedom in the United States Naval Services, the United States of America, and the people of the world.

For those relinquishing their positions of leadership in this NROTC Unit, bless them with wisdom and courage as they move into their next level of responsibility with clarity of mind, vision of purpose, and confidence in all demands. In God’s Holy Name we pray. Amen.

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OSU NROTC Commissioning Service 11 June 2006

For those who are commissioned today and venture onto the seas of life, may their navigation be true and You, O God, go with them in their mission for the global community. And with thanksgiving for this institution from which we graduate in this ceremony. Amen.

Senator John McCain autographing my copy of Faith of My Fathers. He was the guest speaker at the Ohio State University NROTC commissioning ceremony, 2006.

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Remembrance Park Dedication May 22, 2008

Eternal God, Source of Strength in times of need, we humbly pause to bring honor to You at this time of remembrance of the living memories in honor of which this park is created. As a sacred place, it is dedicated as a living memorial. It is consecrated as a shrine. It is set apart in this great university campus. Students will run and play on it, bands will march on it, athletes will cross it, military personnel will drill on it, life in the fullest will be lived on it.

Yet respect will always be embedded in the foundation of its purpose, meaning, and dedication to those who have died to protect each of us and those who will use this park for the living of our own lives fully.

Omar Torres was one such person, as he, too, walked these walkways and marched on this sacred soil in life—and now in memory. He is one of the many who died so that we might continue to be free and traverse this sacred space. It is him and others like him who have given so much that we might benefit from their valiant lives, honored dedication to our beloved country, and thanksgiving for this our educational institution. We reaffirm that there is a “joy which only death can still� and the seasons do come and the seasons do go, but time and change will surely show how firm our friendships, in life and in death, Ohio.

We salute Omar Torres and the countless others who have given that last breath of life so that we might breathe more freely, more deeply, and with a new hope and vision as we prepare for a greater tomorrow. Amen.

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Midshipman Quarterdeck Ball Columbus, Ohio 2009

We pause at the beginning of the night of festivities for the NROTC of The Ohio State University, a night of transforming this Quarterdeck Ball into yet another of the many inauguration activities. We celebrate with our new President, our Commanderin-Chief, to whom we all have an allegiance and an enormous challenge to perfect the values of our nation and rebuild our image throughout the world.

We are reminded once more that we are the future Navy/Marine Corps officers committed to the Oath of Office to protect and defend those values we claim for this, our nation, with a new hope for a better tomorrow within the global community. We need always to ask ourselves what can I do as a person of worth seeking justice, equality, and dignity for all people?

Tonight, O God, is special to us. It is a time of mid-year celebration. We have said “yes we can” and now we must say “yes we will” to the completion of those educational commitments in preparation to serve as leaders for our country in peace and in battle. We remember our shipmates who are serving our country right now, ready for us to step up to the plate and take our rightful place along side them.

May we bless our new Commander-in-Chief, the command leadership within this unit, our fellow shipmates, and those special people as our guests this evening.

May we ever be appreciative of the food and beverage which will nourish us physically, our guest speaker who will challenge us intellectually, and the social festivities which will bring us closer together in a common goal within the military family.

We pray all of this to a God with many faces and many voices, a God personally unique to each of us, affirming our God in patriotism and devotion to our country. Amen.

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POW/MIA Ceremony

of our beloved country. The rose also reminds us of

(Portions rewritten by Chaplain H.M. Goetz)

the family and friends of our missing comrades who

Those who have served and those currently serving the uniformed services of the United States

The yellow ribbon on the vase represents the

are ever mindful that the blessedness of enduring

yellow ribbon worn on the lapels of the thousands

peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of

who demand, with unyielding determination, a

personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget

proper accounting of our comrades who are not

that while we enjoy our pleasures, there are those

among us tonight.

who have suffered—and may still be suffering—the agonies of pain, deprivation, and internment. As we begin our program this evening it is fitting to pause and recognize our POWs and MIAs as well as those of our military family who are unable to be with us this evening.

We call your attention to this small table which occupies a place

The slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate.

The salt sprinkled on the plate signifies the countless fallen tears of families as they wait patiently.

The glass is inverted; they cannot toast with us this night.

The chair is empty; they are not here to fill it.

The candle is reminiscent of

of dignity and honor among us. It is

the light of hope, which lives in

set for one, yet symbolizes the fact

our hearts to illuminate the

that members of our five armed forces

way home, away from their

are missing from our ranks. They are

captors, to the open arms

referred to as POWs and MIAs.

of a grateful nation.

We call them comrades, shipmates,

Let us pray that all of

friends, sons, and daughters. They

those held captive will soon return to

are unable to be with their loved

our ranks. Let us remember and never forget

ones and families tonight so we join

their many sacrifices. May You, Eternal

together to offer our humble tribute to

Father, watch over them and their families.

them and bear witness to their continued absence.

And at this moment let us remember our shipmates who are deployed. They, too, are in harm’s

The table, set for one, yet with the five

way with the eminent dangers of war, always seeking

covers—one from each of or five military branches—

peace and freedom, yet continually prepared to defend

symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner alone against

those human values we hold dear.

his or her suppressors.

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keep the faith while awaiting their return.

This night with festive moments may we

The tablecloth is white as a reminder of the

enjoy our colleagues, shipmates, midshipman, and

purity of the intention to respond to one’s country’s

friends as we recognize and celebrate the individual

call to arms.

leadership in this, our Navy Family. We invoke Your

The single red rose in the vase denotes the blood

blessing upon our guest speaker, upon this meal, and

that has been shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom

our time shared together. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Armed Forces Day 2011

Almighty God, Creator and Lord, we stand before You as marked people amid the carnage and culture of our day. We stand before You as those who have served or are serving our country in peace and in war. When the call sounded, we took up the mantle of commitment, often times in harm’s way. We were engaged in battles on land and sea, in the air, beneath the waters. We are marked men and women. We are the survivors of engagements and battles throughout the globe. We are those who have returned to tell our stories. We are the Armed Forces: we are veterans.

We have taken risks on behalf of others. We have experienced loneliness and fear and separation from those we love. We have willingly assumed the challenge of the world’s reckless who have inflicted pain on others. We are the Armed Forces: we are veterans.

We have walked in the midst of danger, not knowing the outcome but knowing the common cause and ultimate goal. We are the Armed Forces: we are veterans.

We now carry with us a rich legacy which is sometimes an ominous heritage, maintaining that balance between price and regret, between liberty and honor* as we have responded when our nation needed us. We are the Armed Forces: we are veterans.

And O God, this is where You come in. Help us to be humble, to be insightful, to be responsible, to be thankful that we can continue to be that positive influence in the global community. We are the Armed Forces: we are veterans of this noble land that You created.

Bless now this meal and our gathering as together we share our camaraderie for we are the Armed Forces: we are veterans and we, in this, we give thanks. Amen.

*(John McCain, Faith of My Fathers)

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The Rock Ceremony Invocation Prayer

May we quiet ourselves for a moment, recognizing our faith diversity, yet joined together as one University, a people of faith, honoring the men and women who have pledged their sacred trust in the values of this country.

“Time and change will surely show, how firm thy friendships, O-HI-O!” We gather here to honor those who have shared our Alma Mater and have given their last breath for the cause of freedom for our great land. While we don’t know them by name, nor would we recognize them crossing The Oval, we know that at their time in history they were ready to step forward and pay the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we hold dear for human kind within the global community.

We would pause and seek greater wisdom so as to avoid the futility of wars.

Help us find new ways and open minds to combat the powers of evil which are often forced upon us. May we always seek to face the struggles of this world with the knowledge of a Supreme Being, a God, ready and willing to stand with us in times of adversity, suffering, and pain, and to be there when solutions are sought for the betterment of human worth and dignity of all people.

Let this day be a day of commemoration and honor to those whose lives we remember, “for the seasons [do] pass, the years will roll.” May their memories never be forgotten. We say thank you for their sacrifices of duty, honor, and courage in their distinguished service to our country. Amen.

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Graduation Invocation Eternal Father: for a mind, for a thought, for a memory, for a shared joy, at the beginning of this ceremony, we honor Your Holy Name and petition You with our deepest feelings of gratitude.

Gratitude for those whom we honor at this graduation. We share with them their belief— or temporary disbelief—that this day has finally arrived and that the course has been completed in the fulfillment of a long awaited dream.

Gratitude for those parents whom we acknowledge as a source of financial and emotional commitment. We are indeed thankful for their patience and support during the stressful and sometimes doubtful years as they now breathe a sigh of relief.

Gratitude for those of the dedicated faculty who once again experience an empty classroom. May they have the feeling of satisfaction as another class takes a part of each of them into a variety of vocational fields with professional competence.

Gratitude, O God, that from your Holy Word you have revealed the importance of academic excellence in such challenging words: “happy is the person who findeth wisdom and receiveth understanding” and “for in much wisdom is much grief—those that increase in knowledge realize what they know not.”

Gratitude for the opportunity and privilege to continually search throughout the shuffle of our modern world, to be sensitive to the many educational opportunities given in this struggle for personal and corporate knowledge and to maintain dignity and human worth.

God, cause us not to lose sight of the fact that You are our God and we are your people, as in gratitude we invoke Your name and blessing upon this ceremony. Amen.

Graduation Benediction And now unto those here witnessing this ceremony and to you the honored graduates, may God’s ever present blessing be upon you, remembering that if we don’t do our own thinking, someone else will do it for us.

And may almighty God sustain you as you seek to know the truth and may that truth keep us free.

And with personal congratulations to each of you, depart in peace with a challenge to live for the betterment of all people.

And in the spirit of this festive occasion of joy and celebration, receiving these diplomas, we can rightfully say, with God’s blessing, Go Bucks! Amen.

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September 11, 2001 It was a Tuesday and we had just taken off from Rome, Italy, after having been there for four days, filming a mission project at the orphanage named Casa Materna. Our flight took the cameraman, Randy Rocke, and me out over the Atlantic. There is a difference of six hours between Europe and the USA. By this time it was about 1100 hours (GMT). We were well past the continent of Europe and over the Atlantic, three hours into our flight from Italy. Inside the cabin of our 747, people were served a glass of either tomato or orange juice. It was too early for an alcoholic beverage for most people. Some were sleeping. Some were reading. Others were watching the first of two movies to be shown on the flight. Small children had fallen asleep or were ready for their milk.

It was generally quiet except for the hum of the four jets and the movie on the small screen in the back of the seats. The film was a James Bond flick with all of the excitement one could want. All of a sudden the silence was shattered with the voice of the captain. “This is the captain speaking. I have just received a message that two commercial planes flew into the Twin Towers in downtown Manhattan. There is no sign of life and the casualties are unknown at this time. I will keep you informed as we receive more information.”The entire cabin was in disbelief. Silence was broken with chatter, shock, and denial. Instantly the captain came over the sound system. “This is the captain again, we just received another message. The President of the United States has closed all air space over and approaching the East Coast. We have been directed to return to the nearest airport and remain there awaiting further instructions.” For us, the nearest airport was Schiphol “Skippo” in Amsterdam, three hours west.

The confusion and noise level in the plane’s cabin began to increase, and everyone aboard exhibited fright and fear; answers were not available. Many questions were heard from each row and now from the captain himself. What happened? “This is the captain speaking, we will be landing in just a few minutes, Fasten your seatbelts. We are at Skippo Airport in Amsterdam, Holland.”

As we approached the gate, passengers were peering out of the windows seeing all of the diverted planes on the tarmac—planes from all over the world. Tails with so many different logos and colors and countries, we knew that this was not a game. I immediately got the picture that this was going to be a long wait. The pilot got on the PA again. “As you can see we are just one of the many planes which have been diverted. When we receive a departure time we will have you go to the ticket desk and get your new boarding pass. As of now, you will all need to get a new seat assignment. Further information can be gotten from the one of the wall monitors. Proceed to the gate on the screen.” I asked my companion, “Think we ought to get a room and come back to the airport tomorrow?”

“Let’s go to the desk first and see if we can get any information!”

There must have been 10,000 or more people stranded in the terminal, moving and pushing.

Thanks to the Red Cross and Red Crescent, blankets were distributed. People were placing them on the floor, staking out their spot for the night. The Red Cross brought in water, sandwiches,

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apples, and bars of candy. It was getting late and still no actual information. Finally we left the airport and hailed a taxi after putting our names on the list for a hotel room. By this time, it was dark. The terminal had quieted to a hush. Babies were asleep. People from various faith groups were praying; some were singing while others were softly reading scripture—the Bible, the Koran, the Hebrew scriptures, or other spiritual texts. After a time, the English speaking Christian group I had become a part of asked me to pray as we sat on the cold floor. At that moment it seemed that quietness settled in and my prayer could be heard by those English groups around us. I recalled the story in the Book of Acts when those of many tongues came together and they understood.

Soon all of the native English speaking folks were quiet as we prayed in English surrounded by many different countries, unique dialects, and cultural differences.

All seemed quiet in the terminal except for the hymns and prayers from our group. We were all taking our turns and quietly in the background the masses were singing “God Bless America.”

There were still hundreds within earshot of our devotional. I will never forget the prayer of one African individual from our group.

Why O God, why? Dear God, my God. I am scared that my kids and me will never get home. We have now missed all of our flights into Angola, and the girls are tired, and I promised dem (them) their own straw mat to sleep on tonight and here we are on a cold marble floor in Amsterdam. But it could be worse.

At least we are safe here. Thank You, God, I know that our faith is being tested and we are safe. For others from all nations we are really a community of Your creation. Good-night God—see You in the morning!

The words were plainly understood, and the reading from the Book of Acts immediately took on a new meaning. Prayer was the direct means of communication because as we uttered words the transformation into soul searching compassion and embracing could be felt.

I will never forget where I was on 9/11. We were three days in Amsterdam. We returned home on the fourth—safe, tired, and with no money left. Thank you to all who helped us!

I’ve often wondered what happened to that family from Angola who just wanted to sleep on their own straw mats.

The Twin Towers in New York City before they were destroyed in the 9/11 attack.

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Chapter Sixteen

RUTH STAFFORD PEALE A fter thirty years of Navy Chaplaincy and at my

through this Your servant [name] as pastor to us. In

transition into the civilian ministry, I was privileged

thanksgiving we praise Your holy name.

to return to Columbus, Ohio, and join the multi-staff

One of the last persons to hear this prayer was

at First Community Church, United Church of Christ, as Executive Minister under the leadership of Senior Pastor, the dynamic preacher Dr. Barry Johnson. For five years, Barry and I endeavored to provide pastoral care to a congregation of 4,000 with a weekly television ministry. In addition, I was invited by the Head Football Coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, John Cooper, to be his team Chaplain. For the remainder of his tenure I served in that capacity with a trip to Michigan to “play that team up north.� We lost, but it was a great prayer!

Following the years at First Community Church, I accepted the position of Director of Religion and Education at Lakeside Chautauqua, Ohio. There I met, and prayed with many noted clergy. The beginning invocation was prayed in these or similar words: Ever mindful God, as we begin another week of rest, relaxation, and renewal, we greet You with thanksgiving for this oasis in the wilderness on the shores of Lake Erie, home of memories of generation after generation in this tranquil setting. For our speaker of the day/ week we ask Your blessing as scripture depth in Your word is revealed and a message is used for transformation and spiritual growth as we open our hearts and minds to the revelation of Your message for us. Bless Your voice revealed to us

Ruth and me. Ruth Peale and I have our photo taken during her visit to Lakeside, Ohio.

from New York Marble Collegiate Church, the widow

Marble Collegiate Church on Fifth Avenue in New

of the world-renowned pastor and prolific writer,

York City for many years.

Norman Vincent Peale. His widow Ruth became a Lakeside spiritual contributor.

August 29, 1999

As a vigorous disciple of the Lord, her ministry included speaking, preaching, and witnessing to the sick and the infirmed.

Watching her sign a picture that she subsequently

What a treat to pray with Mrs. Norman Vincent

gave to me was a very special moment. She inscribed,

Peale at Lakeside, Ohio! Ruth was a guest Chaplain

“To Herb from Ruth Stafford Peale.” What made it an

during the 1999 season. Her warm and radiant

even more delightful evening after her presentation,

personality, in conjunction with the positive power

was sharing a peach ice cream sundae—her favorite!

of God interwoven into her being, made her a loving

We ended the day with a prayer for continued

Lakeside guest.

strength and dedication, expressing love to her Lord

Her husband, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, was

Jesus Christ.

the author of thirty-five books, the most noted of which is The Power of Positive Thinking. He was also the pastor of

Prayer with Ruth Peale

Loving God, I come to you with deep gratitude for being with Ruth this evening and throughout the day. Bless her in her ministry and remember her beloved husband, Norman, and the world that each touched. We pray to be stewards of their ministry as we proclaim the gospel as You would have all of us do with the positive spirit of the love of Christ in our hearts. Amen.

Ruth Stafford Peale. The autographed picture Ruth gave to me.

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POSTSCRIPT M y life of prayer and dedication to those whom I

book, Prayers at Sea, published by the United States

have served in times of great challenge has caused me

Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland.

to recognize that my strength for service has been a gift from God—and to God be the Glory.

The prayers and devotional references found within the pages of this book have been written specifically with

In retrospect, this book is the reflection of my

the concerns of a maritime culture, but no circumstances

family and their understanding of prayer which has

are too mundane, complex, or simple to keep us from

resonated throughout my life, has been nurtured in

praying.

informal experiences, has been formally strengthened

To keep our prayers fresh and relevant we need to

in education, and has been perpetuated in and through

listen to that “still small” voice of God because it will

my professional “call” to ministry.

always be there. God is always standing the watch…

As N. Graham Standish writes in his forward to

“FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”

the book Let Us Pray, “each generation cries out to God in a new and different voice, and to insist on offering only prayers of the ages-gone-by, ends up turning those words into a false idol’s voice with little understanding or application.” Frequently and sadly, the “Lord’s Prayer” falls in that category.

The closest we have come to recognize as meaningful words and thoughts in the Chaplaincy, were written

by The Reverend Dr. James Parker in his 1956 Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Straits of Gibraltar at sunset.

Amen and Amen

Captain Herbert Goetz Chaplain Corps United States Navy (Retired) NROTC Staff Voluntary Chaplain • The Ohio State University Captain Herbert Goetz has served in a variety of assignments during his thirty years as an Active Duty Chaplain and continued nineteen years as a clergyman throughout Central Ohio. He was ordained in 1960 by the United Church of Christ. He entered the Naval Service directly from graduate school at Eden Theological Seminary and was sent to the Chaplain School in Newport, Rhode Island, a professional preparation course as part of the Naval education and training command. Upon completion, he was ordered to Camp Lejeune where he served as chaplain for Third Battalion Second Marines. Soon thereafter he was deployed to Vieques, Puerto Rico, for Marine training exercises. Following this assignment, Chaplain Goetz was sent to Commander Destroyer Squadron 24 based in Newport, Rhode Island, and deployed to Vietnam.

He remained with the Atlantic fleet until he was ordered as Command Chaplain to the historic Naval Station Philadelphia Chapel. Following this assignment, he was sent to Midway Island as Senior Chaplain in support of transiting ships to Vietnam. He returned to CONUS as Command Chaplain at Naval Hospital Great Lakes, completing Clinical Pastoral Education at Mendota State Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin.

Following this assignment, Chaplain Goetz, was ordered to the Chief of Chaplain’s Office, Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, DC, as detailer for the Chaplain Corps. His next assignment was to the Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy (CVA67) as Command Chaplain. After this four year period, he was assigned as Senior Chaplain at the Amphibious Base Chapel, Little Creek, Virginia.

At the conclusion of this position he was ordered to the Marine Air Group 36, First Marine Air Wing, Japan. His next assignment was Command Chaplain Great Lakes Naval Service School Command as a Chaplain/Instructor. He was next ordered to report to the staff of Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean/ NATO Command, Naples, Italy. He remained in Italy for four years before returning to the Chief of Chaplain’s Office as Director of the Naval Reserve Chaplain’s Personnel/Program, Washington, DC. Following this assignment, he assumed the position as Command Chaplain NAVEUR and NATO Chaplain, London, England, and attended Cambridge University. He retired from active duty after his final assignment as Marine Corps Base Chaplain at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Captain Goetz’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Combat Service, four Sea Service Decorations, and thirteen other Navy/ Marine decorations. In addition, he is the recipient of the South East Asia Outstanding Service Award, the International USO World Board of Governor’s Distinguished Service Award, The Chapel of the Four Chaplains Honor Award, The Southeast Asian Pearl Buck Humanitarian Service Award, and Special Olympics Award of Excellence.

Since his retirement from the Chaplain Corps in 1990, he has served as Executive Minister at First Community Church, Columbus, Ohio, and interim pastor of ten area churches. In addition, he served five years as adjunct faculty at the Methodist Theological School of Ohio. Since his military retirement he has served eleven years as a chaplain on the NROTC Staff at the Ohio State University and, in 2002, numerous interim positions in the leadership of the church. He served as Director of Education/Religion at Lakeside Chautauqua for nine years.

He received a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

Presently he serves as National Chaplain for the Navy League. He and his wife Mary Ann are the parents of four young adults. Their son Matt is a graduate of The Ohio State University NROTC and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is presently a third-year student at Eden Theological Seminary. Matt is also a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve.

MINISTRY, POST CHAPLAINCY Authorized Civilian Ministry after completion of 30 years active duty Chaplaincy, United States Navy • First Community UCC—Columbus, Ohio • St. Paul’s UCC—Columbus, Ohio (2) • First Congregational UCC—Marysville, Ohio • First Congregational UCC—Columbus, Ohio • First Evangelical UCC—Portsmouth, Ohio • Trinity UCC—Thornville, Ohio • St. Michael’s UCC—Baltimore, Ohio • Methodist Theological School of Ohio, Adjunct • Grace UCC—Columbus, Ohio (2) Professor

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