Coming Home

ARTICLES WRITTEN FOR THE GLASGOW DAILY TIMES BY PASTOR MIKE PADGETT

Coming Home… 623rd

Commitment is a hard word in our vocabulary. It is a word that most of us do not like or really understand these days. Tom Brokaw in his book The Greatest Generation wrote about our parents and grandparents and their clear comprehension of commitment.

The last few months have changed a lot of opinions in a lot of sectors of our society concerning the commitment level of our present generation of 18-40 year olds. We have observed first hand by live telecommunications the commitment level of our American youth.

At no time in our history have we been able to be so sure of the capabilities of our up and coming leaders of our nation. No one can deny the courage, bravery, audacity, tenacity, and commitment of our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From Desert Storm to Iraqi Freedom, we have learned to appreciate a new generation of Americans. The “welcome home” for the military personal has been overwhelmingly positive for many of the soldiers, sailors, aviators and marines. Our nation is thankful and showing our appreciation for individuals that would lay down their lives to protect our homeland and preserve our American dream.

Our own 623rd Army National Guard Unit is back home. They were mobilized and many of us watched them roll out of Glasgow a few months ago. They were and are fully prepared to go anywhere the Commander and Chief needs them.

Fortunately for the 623rd the war in Iraq came to an end before they were needed. They spent their time at Fort Campbell training and making ready to be shipped out. They were among the ready willing and able that were and are at the disposal of our county to protect and defend.

Coming Home… what a relief for a soldier. Coming Home… how do we thank them? May I suggest you join me at Glasgow Bible Church on Sunday May 25 at 10:00 am for a special “Welcome Home Service”?

On this day we will express our appreciation to our own for their willingness to be committed to the cause of freedom. Mayor Darrell Pickett will be on hand to give a welcome and a prayer to the troops and their families. Major Allen Boone, Detailed Inspector General of the Kentucky National Guard, Desert Storm Veteran and former member of the 623rd will be the principal speaker for the day.

You are cordially invited on this Memorial Day Weekend to come and express your appreciation for the service of these soldiers and thereby symbolically thank the thousands around the globe that are standing ready at this moment to protect us. Special moments will be dedicated to those who have served in the military in the past and the thousands who have died serving their country.

For more information about the day or the church, go to: www.GlasgowBible.org.



Pastor Mike Padgett
E-mail: mpadgett@glasgow-ky.com
Church Web Site: www.GlasgowBible.org
Phone: 270-678-5972