Light Brings Salt
Volume 2, Issue 26 July 04, 2004
Dedicated to the
Systematic Exposition of the Word of God
No
Insignificance Here
Today
is July 4th a day of national remembrance of our founding as a
nation. Many down through the years have given their lives so that we as a
nation not only became a free people but also so that we can maintain that freedom and liberty
that once was so cherished. I say once was cherished by most but seems today to
be taken for granted to the extent that somehow it’s a right that they're owed
but never have to earn. A very hedonistic
self centered focus which dominates much of our culture today.
There
are many of our finest young men serving faithfully in harms way so that we can
maintain the freedom we have enjoyed in this nation. There are many great
accounts of the heroism of these men one of which I include here this morning
to stimulate some appreciation on your part of what these guys are doing and to
get a feel for the character of these men.
There is within this account a very good doctrinal principle for us as
believers in the Christ who are members of the church.
This account is by
Paul "Devil Dolphin"
Since arriving in
A few months had passed and MSgt Adams found
himself on a trip from Al Asad to Taqaddum
(TQ),
The situation had slightly shifted in the
tent. Through the opening in the curtain, Marines in their body armor paced to
and fro. The sound of incoming casualties began to fill the air. MSgt Adams
knew that constant clashes with insurgents were all too common for Marines
located at Fallujah, and he began to sense that there
were Marines that needed much more medical attention that he did. Suddenly, the
faint sound of a medical officer’s voice asked a young Marine “what is your
name?” The Marine replied LCpl Phillips sir.” Next came a series of questions and answers that could only
describe a far too common sight.
First, the doctor asked the LCpl Phillips how he sustained a deep burn on his lower
back. The young leatherneck replied that he and his team were receiving small
arms fire, when a rocket impacted the area close to his and a piece of hot
shrapnel became lodged under his body armor which cut and burned him.
Unfortunately, the doctor was not done.
The second question inquired about the LCpl’s
broken arm. Again, the young Marine told his story. “After having recovered
from the 1st impact, another rocket came zooming in and killed a buddy to the
left and knocked me to the ground.” By this time Master Sergeant Adams was
feeling pretty selfish. The “Top” completely expected a General Patton type of
Marine to walk into “his field hospital” and kick him out saying that his
hospital is for fighting Marines, not Marines with a runny nose! As the MSgt
was preparing to walk out, the doctor asked about LCpl
Phillip’s third injury.
Continuing with his description, Phillips
exclaimed “after the corpsman patched me up and put my arm in a sling, another rocket
or rocket propelled grenade (RPG) impacted near me and killed another buddy and
projected shrapnel into my hand. Finally, MSgt Adams, filled with guilt, then
got up and started to make his way for the hatch. Just at that moment a Navy
Lieutenant greeted him and he asked, “Where are you going MSgt?” MSgt Adams
then explained to him that there were Marines here that needed his attention
much more. The lieutenant then told him to sit down so he could have a look.
The lieutenant quickly went through the examination
of the MSgt’s ears, nose and throat, and just to be sure, they went outside
away from the noisy generator so he could get a listen to his lungs. The doctor
confirmed a bronchial infection and that required medication. The lieutenant
quickly returned with medication, while MSgt Adams humbly thanked him and
exited the cubicle. While departing, the MSgt caught a glimpse of LCpl Phillips laying with his arm
in a sling with a 6” wide bandage around his mid-section, and another on his
hand.
MSgt Adams soon had his gear on and headed out
of the tent when he suddenly stopped, turned around, walked quickly back to the
injured LCpl’s cubicle. The MSgt stuck his head in
and startled him slightly. When the LCpl Phillips
made eye contact, he attempted to dismount his gurney and stand up. The MSgt
told him to relax and that he just couldn’t help over hearing the incredible
account of the actions from the previous night. The young Marine went on to
give a few other horrific details that left the MSgt again shaking his head in
utter disbelief. At a loss for words, MSgt Adams said that he just wanted to
thank him for what he does and for the bravery he displayed. After a well
deserved “Semper Fi” and
good luck, again the MSgt attempted to leave the area.
LCpl Phillips then stopped
him in his tracks asking “MSgt, what do you do?” After hearing his story,
followed by seeing and talking to this young man, his response was simply
“nothing.” That day the MSgt felt insignificant compared to this Marine and his
ordeal. Then the young Marine inquired again, “No, really MSgt, what do you
do?” MSgt Adams then explained that he
was an Aviation Supply Chief. LCpl Phillips went on
to ask if the MSgt had anything to do with making sure that the Cobras (AH-1W)
fly and have ordnance?
The MSgt replied “the Marines that I work with
issue parts to the squadrons, and the ordnance Marines issue and load rockets
onto the Cobras.” It was then that the young LCpl
could have stopped time with his profound statement. He stated, “if it were not for the Cobra helicopter that zoomed in about
10 minutes after the third impact, I would probably not be here.” He went on to
say that two helicopters wiped out a bunch of the “bad guys” that were
encroaching upon them as well. LCpl Phillips then
thanked the MSgt and shook his hand. As the MSgt Adams left the tent he was
amazed, shocked, and proud all at the same time. He could only think and be
reminded of what a great institution the Marine Corps is and of every Marine it
took to put that Cobra Helicopter on target. His thoughts ring an anthem of our
Corps ethos.
There is nothing like a true story to get our
attention. Just a few days ago, the words and actions, respectively, of MSgt
Adams and LCpl Phillips solidified and confirmed
every Marine’s worth to the institution, and more so, to each other. In this
case, an account like this brings us all back to reality and tell us to “bloom
where we are planted” and sustain our individual link in the chain. From the
“last Marine in the last squad” to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, our
collective importance cannot be underestimated. In a Corps where every Marine
must contribute, let today’s anecdote guide your conscience and “keep your mind
right.” Take the time this week and remember to stay focused on being the best
Marine you can be, whatever task you’re given. Your action equals reaction that
will prove to be significant; I guarantee it. Please continue to drive on. Your Country,
your Corps and your fellow Marines and
sailors thank you. Semper Fi.
The principle of doctrine here is
related to the body metaphor that Paul uses to illustrate the operation of the
church. Each believer is represented as a part of the body and each one is
important in the proper function of the body not one is insignificant,
there is no insignificance in the body of Christ for the believer with
doctrine.
We as believers
living in this country are doubly blessed in that we have and enjoy freedom as
few other nations but even more important we have the freedom in Christ that
gives us a capacity to relate to Him and to enjoy life to a degree unknown by
the unbeliever.