From the Pulpit: No greater love

As many families in the Brandon area know, last September nearly 180 men and women from the South Dakota Air National Guard deployed overseas to the Middle East for a six-month deployment. Most of the men and women returned to the United States in April of this year. The Brandon community was well represented in this selfless act of love for our nation. Mothers deployed leaving husbands in charge of the household and getting kids to and from school and other activities. That is quite a charge and no easy task, especially if Dads are not used to being the local taxi service. Young high school graduates delayed a year of college or technical schools in response to the needs of the Guard unit and their nation. There were Fathers having to forgo their children’s senior year festivities in person, only to watch them online in the middle of the night, or missing the birth of their first child. There is no greater love than to be willing to serve a cause that is greater than oneself and in defense of others.  

Throughout the deployment there was much interest from our local community as to what we were doing at our “undisclosed location”, which to this day, is not able to be publicly revealed. We did have an address, though, which so many in this local community supported through care packages, letters, cards of encouragement and prayers. Gifts were even sent from perfect strangers and I am told our wonderful Post Office had the address on speed dial. Thank you! People want to support those who serve since there always seems to be an intrigue for the members who choose to make this sacrifice, despite the challenges and hardships to ensure a safer and more peaceful world. Those sacrifices, though, are shared by not only those who deploy but for the families that remain to continue the day-to-day regime on the home front. Those among our ranks missing from their usual lives also impact daily operations in Brandon. Without the support of a dear priest friend of mine, Chuck Cimpl, Risen Savior could have seriously struggled as a faith community. The local community’s outreach in providing prayers, support and maybe even popcorn balls in the mail to be distributed to Airmen, goes a long way. It truly is a community mission.

I had the privilege of deploying with these men and women from the Brandon area as their Chaplain to support them with their spiritual needs. Chaplains in the military have a unique role since we all come from a very specific denomination, as for instance, I am a Catholic priest. In my role I would provide services to the Catholic service members throughout the week and on the weekends or to anyone who might want to come and worship. Other Chaplains on our deployed team provided services to support the needs of other congregations in their worship tradition. Every day, though, chaplains are there to support, encourage and uplift those that choose this path of service. It truly is a humbling experience to be surrounded by such faithful service members who are willing to do whatever it takes, even to lay down their lives, for a cause that is just.

One of the highlights for many of us from Brandon was being connected to the children and youth, even participating in the 2024 Veteran’s Day service at the Brandon Valley High School over Zoom. Service to others – our neighbor, our nation, and to people unknown to us in countries around the world – is instilled in our youth, particularly at our schools. Praise God that the members of this community are able to look beyond their own self-interest and seek the good of the other. Pray that this willingness to serve others, especially in the armed forces, continues to be a value that our community not only nurtures but also cherishes well into the future. There truly is “No Greater Love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” - John 15:13