military - SE Members Blog post - syndication express2024-03-28T18:54:57Zhttps://syndicationexpress.ning.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/militaryChristian Perspectives on Veteran's Day 2015https://syndicationexpress.ning.com/profiles/blogs/christian-perspectives-on-veteran-s-day-20152015-11-11T18:25:30.000Z2015-11-11T18:25:30.000ZRev. Robert A. Crutchfieldhttps://syndicationexpress.ning.com/members/RevRobertACrutchfield<div><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><font style="font-size:11pt;" size="2">By Rev. Robert A. Crutchfield, Founder and Editor, <a href="http://www.faithinspires.org" target="_blank">FaithInspires.Org</a><br /></font></font></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><font style="font-size:11pt;" size="2">In Acts Chapter 10 we find the story of Cornelius the centurion. A man who was not just a soldier but a man who commanded 100 soldiers in battle after battle. Verse 2 tells us, “ He and his whole household were pious,Gentle God worshipers. He gave generously to those in need among the Jewish prayed to God constantly.” Later in Verse 22 his messengers said of him, “ … a centurion and righteous man, a God worshiper who is well-respected by all Jewish people.” Acts Chapter 10 even tells us of God sending angels to talk to Cornelius. From this we can tell that God is concerned about those who serve in the military. They flourish under God's care just as we all do.</font></font></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><font style="font-size:11pt;" size="2">In considering the responsibility of a member of the military from a Christian faith perspective we look at Ezekiel 33:6 where it says “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone's life, that person's life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.” What we learn here is that while God hates war, he understands that in this imperfect world war happens. Knowing this he provides us with men and women endowed with the necessary gifts to defend us when needed. God holds those charged with our defense accountable for our safety. This same need is echoed from our American History in the words of George Washington, "To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace." God not only prepares us for war when it must happen, He also prepares those who defend us, through his relationship with them. We saw this with Cornelius where scripture tells us he “prayed to God constantly.” I know first hand that many of our military members do this even today. So while we very much be very grateful to every individual who has ever worn our nations uniform, as Christians we should also be grateful to God for providing us with such amazing unique individuals for our defense in the first place.</font></font></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><font style="font-size:11pt;" size="2">I served in the Texas State Guard many years ago. I also served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary along active and reserve Coast Guard members. I am a life member of the Navy League of the United States, and a former local board member with the U.S. Selective Service System. So I have been lucky to observe and be around members of our military from a variety of perspectives. So when I tell you that on Veteran's Day that those who serve to protect us deserve our enduring gratitude. I speak from first hand experience, up close. One of the best ways we as Christians can thank our veterans is to pray for them. Many bear emotional scars years after the battle that the rest of us cannot even imagine. Some of them have suffered financially because of their service. Some have lost arms or legs, or have suffered head injuries that have caused many difficulties. The cost of our defense can be high to those who are charged with our defense. God's comfort, strength, and companionship can be critical to them. You may not think you even know any veterans. As in all things, this does not restrict your prayer. God knows the names, God knows the needs. No sincere prayer will ever go unneeded or unheeded..</font></font></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><font style="font-size:11pt;" size="2">When I was in uniform I was blessed to not see combat. But I served, and as one who served I want to extend my prayers, and my enduring gratitude to every single person who has ever honorably worn our nation's uniform. Thank you for giving me the right, and opportunity to say Happy Veteran's Day, and God bless you for your service !</font></font></p></div>New to Veterans Affairs? Learn More Here!https://syndicationexpress.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-to-veterans-affairs-learn-more-here2014-02-26T12:08:58.000Z2014-02-26T12:08:58.000ZJames Hunterhttps://syndicationexpress.ning.com/members/JamesHunter<div><p>Chances are you found this article here because you were searching for more information online about <u><strong>Veterans Affairs.</strong></u> Whether or not you already know the history probably doesn’t matter at this point. One of the first things you should hear is “Welcome to Veterans Affairs”. If you didn’t, let me be the first to say it!</p><p>I realize that while you are new to this and things are changing in your life, there isn’t anything to be afraid of. You have served our country well and now it’s time for us to take care of you. I can remember the day I retired from the military and feeling as though I was in limbo. It’s a whole new world when it comes to a screeching halt!</p><p>However, that doesn’t mean that your life won’t be fulfilling or that you’ll lose your passion for serving your country. Even if you are a disabled veteran you have the chance to spread hope to so many even if you don’t feel that way right now. However, I am going to share with you some basic information about Veterans Affairs, and how you can get plugged in easily and stress free!</p><h2><u><strong>Your Introduction to Veteran’s Affairs</strong></u></h2><p>One of the ways that you can learn more about <i>Veteran’s Affairs</i> is by looking for information online. The website, <a href="http://www.va.gov">www.va.gov</a> is the best place to start to learn more about what the department is for and how it functions. Naturally, the department is to serve veterans and their families.</p><p>However, most veterans that are new to the system don’t know how big of a help this department can really be. You’ll find a ton of information on:</p><ol><li> Benefits and services available</li><li> Eligibility for VA benefits</li><li> How to apply for VA benefits</li><li> Pre-discharge programs</li><li> How you can apply at local offices</li><li> How the Veterans Administration is structured in order to help you best</li></ol><p>It’s not always easy, but it’s a great start to at least know what you can find through the website and what you can expect in terms of benefits and more. Whether you are currently active duty, a surviving spouse or dependent child there is help for you here online and offline.</p><p>Benefit information is generally where most veterans start because they are now starting their new life and need to fully understand how they can get medical care as well as how they can receive their monthly pay.</p><p>Be sure to read through all of the sections on compensation, whether you were exposed to Agent Orange or anything related to that you’ll need to read carefully through what is required to get care. There are sections on each area that is covered, so be sure to focus on what makes you eligible for the coverage.</p><h3><u><strong>Other Things to Learn About the Veterans Affairss</strong></u></h3><p>Now that you have some idea of why veterans would need compensation and medical coverage, keep in mind there are several more concerns for our men and women.</p><p>These could refer to you now or maybe later including benefits for:</p><ul><li>Education and training</li><li>Vocational rehab and employment</li><li>Home loans</li><li>Life insurance</li><li>Pension</li><li>Special groups</li></ul><p>There are still many other areas in which you can get help and direction. I hope that this introduction to Veterans Affairs has given you some welcome relief in your mind so that you can get what you need to start your new life and get the coverage and benefits you need for your family. </p><p>Share with other vets</p><p>James</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="http://www.empowernetwork.com/commissionloophole?id=jameshunter">Empowering Others</a></span></strong></p><p>P.S.</p><p>Make Today Count</p></div>