Welcome to our Chapel
Frederick “Rick” L Browne, Sr
Class of 68-69
Photo submitted by Rick Browne
As we watched each other’s backs in Nam there was a higher power that watched over all of us. Most of us have found ourselves seeking help from that higher power at least once in our lives. In Vietnam, where death awaited us at almost every turn, we afterwards needed to reflect upon the greater picture and our role. This page is for the prayers, and helpful links where troopers might get needed spiritual information and or guidance.
From L-R: Chaplain Erbach, Brad Jimerson
Taken at Wake Island Dec 67
Photo courtesy of Brad Jimerson
“On a sweep near Hue, Chaplain (Capt) William W. Erbach showed courage typical of chaplaincy. He was bent over helping a wounded man when a bullet passed through his midsection. Denying his pain, he continued to aid the wounded and accompanied them by helicopter to a field hospital at nearby Camp Evans. ‘No one even knew he was injured,’ said Sfc. Donald W. Lester, medical platoon sergeant at the hospital. ‘He came in as cheerful as ever, talked to the wounded and helped them relax.’ Finally, after everyone else had been cared for, Erbach showed the medics where the bullet had penetrated his abdomen and asked, ‘What about me?’ ‘It’s no wonder the men like to have the chaplain along,’ commented a hospital medic. ‘The chaplain gives them a sense of home, security, something they can rely on.'”
~From Rendezvous With Destiny Magazine, 1968
Scripture Card courtesy of Gene Fry
There are many of our guys who have a spiritual connection with God who would be willing to pray about any problems you may be encountering or offer guidance should you need it. To start, you can contact Brad Jimerson or John “Doc” Marks. If you would like to add your name to this list as one who is willing to help your brothers in time of spiritual need, contact the webmaster.
CO Chaplain 1968 and 1969
(Photo taken from newspaper clipping 27 Nov 73)
Corbin Cherry
(Photo on right taken from newspaper clipping Memorial Day 2002)
Photo submitted by Tim Gould
Written by Chaplain Danny Presswood, 1991.
Heavenly father, hear my call, For through the sky I will soon fall. Stand up, hook up, shuffle to the door, I pray for your will, nothing less, nothing more. One thousand, two thousand, three thousand, four… My canopy fill ‘fore I count any more. Give me courage, in the midst of my fear, to enjoy your world’s beauty from way up here. From jumpers and obstacles float me clear, and safely to the drop zone help me steer. Feet ‘n knees together, preparing myself to land, never more aware that I’m secure within your hand. Guide and help me lord, as I get quickly to my feet, to conquer every obstacle ’til the mission is complete. In our Lord’s name I shall forever pray, ’cause I’m “AIRBORNE” and “PRAYER BORNE” GERONIMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!
Paratrooper Prayer
Source: LTC Pat Hash, Division Chaplain
Dear God, your ancient prophet has told us that, “…they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” (Is 40:31)
Flying on the wings of eagles is exhilarating. It is the running and the walking that are difficult. Teach us to wait upon you so that we might yet run the race of life, and walk the path of faith in true service to you and all humanity.
Paratrooper Prayer
Source: LTC Douglas Carver, 101st Abn
O Lord our God, thou who art powerful, thou who strengthens the righteous person with courage and faith, who blesses the humble and lowly, I confess O Lord my fears and my sins before thee. O Lord, be merciful and loving to me thy servant. Be with me, my God, and give me wings like eagles so I can run and not be weary, walk and not faint. We are approaching the time that we “Stand at the Door.” Give me the wisdom to know and the courage to believe that thou art always with me and so I have no fear. I ask these things in all humility in your holy name.
Soldiers Prayer
Written for the 11th Airborne 1991 reunion.
O Loving God, Creator and Sustainer of Life, I am grateful that you have permitted me to live in the autumn of life, I remember when I was one of the young, the strong and the brave. Even then you were the winds beneath our wings. You were the medicine for our fears.
Do for me now, O God, what I cannot do for myself. When sickness and pain come as an unwelcome guest to me, or someone I love or the skies turn gray because I can’t do everything I once did; or sorrow knocks at my door; or taps are sounded for a loved one; or an old trooper friend; or when I grow impatient and discouraged with myself, and the world, then O God…
Save me from the inertia or futility. Remind me how you answered my prayers in combat, when I was alone and afraid. Grant that my trust may not walk on weak knees. Give me the Power of your spirit that I may be strong again. Put a friendly guard detail around my loneliness, reminding me that there are loyal friends and Airborne buddies, near and far, who still remember and care. Give me the Faith to love one day at a time.
Create in an unfaltering faith in you as an unfailing God.And Grant me the Divine Light to see beyond the present, no matter how dark it may be, and into the Great Forever.
For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory. And I am Yours. In Your Holy Name.
Paratrooper’s Prayer
Source: www.173rdairborne.com
Kind Heavenly Father, our Great God who invites – “FOLLOW ME”, May we with stalwart hearts declare Thee Lord of all. We ask Thy Holy blessing to rest upon all paratroopers who are on the path to secure and sustain peace.
May we be ready at all times to boldly stand up for thy truth and ways and be steadfastly hooked up to Thy Law and Gospel.
May a primary part of our equipment be a confident faith in Thee as we stand in the door of all missions in life. May the canopy of Thy love shield and keep us now and forever.
We go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Recommended LINKS for SPIRITUAL guidance:
Point Man International Ministries
National Conference of Vietnam Veteran Ministers