By Chaplain (Capt.) Russell Sanders Special to GUIDON Teammates, perhaps no one grasps the true meaning of our nation’s and her allies’ fight for freedom around the world as much as those who have had the honor to serve in the armed services. We feel a deep sense of connectedness today with all those gone before us who fought, and sometimes died, to defend of our nation and her … [Read more...] about Honoring sacrifice

By Chaplain (Maj.) Clark Sneed Special to GUIDON When I was growing up, my family did not pay much attention to Advent. It simply was not one of our traditions. We skipped straight to Christmas. The problem with ignoring Advent is that you trade the Christmas season for a single day. Dec. 26th becomes a day of buyer’s remorse and national mourning. But when you celebrate Christmas … [Read more...] about The season of Christmas

By Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremy Dunn Special to GUIDON “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:19-21 Mike Gundy makes $5 … [Read more...] about Choose wisely

By Martha Strong Special to GUIDON  I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving with family and friends this year, and that you took time to give thanks to the Lord who blesses us throughout the year. Giving thanks was the intent when the annual holiday was established more than 150 years ago by President Abraham Lincoln. The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time to be focused on … [Read more...] about Invest in others this Christmas

By Chaplain (Capt.) Matthew Ailstock Special to GUIDON “The anticipation is killing me.” Those words slipped out of my mouth at the same moment I realized I had lost all feeling in my hand; it went numb from the death grip that my wife had on it as she began to push for the third straight day. Not only was this our first child, we also didn’t know whether we were having a boy or a … [Read more...] about God hasn’t forgotten

By Chaplain (Capt.) Phillip Redden Special to GUIDON “The seed that fell among the thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” — Luke 8:14 On my last day off from work, I engaged in one of my favorite past times — yardwork. However, on this particular day I needed to clear away a few bushes … [Read more...] about False growth

By Chaplain (Maj.) Clark Sneed Special to GUIDON Our home here at Fort Leonard Wood is a technological wonder: three modern televisions, four computers, Alexa, smart bulbs, smartphones, iPads and even a sassy little robot named Mr. Piggles that cheerfully cleans the floor. But I still miss the ‘80s. Life seemed simpler. Phones had rotary dials with letters that had nothing to do with … [Read more...] about I miss the ‘80s

By Chaplain (Capt.) Ariel Castillo Special to GUIDON As we start the month of November, the holiday season is coming quickly upon us — the most wonderful time of the year. I get euphoric thoughts, even now, of turkeys roasting or frying, family and friends filled with a spirit of thanksgiving, kids singing “Jingle Bells” and everyone telling me to be of good cheer. But isn’t it odd … [Read more...] about Making this season a wonderful time

A minister in England saw a young boy come into his church one weekday, kneel at the altar and pray. The boy prayed so long that the minister wanted to know more about him. When the boy arose from his prayer, the minister asked, “Do you often come here to pray?” “I have been here four times in the last five days,” he replied. “Have you some loved one who is fighting in the war?” asked the … [Read more...] about Thankfulness

By Chaplain (Capt.) Christopher Dorsey Special to GUIDON As we move deeper into fall, the weather cools, the days shorten, and we approach the holiday season — a time of year many of us spend with family and friends. It is a time to share our stories and catch up with one another. While we get caught up in the “what have you been doing lately” mentality it is important to also look at, … [Read more...] about What’s your story?

By Chaplain (Capt.) Thomas Robinson Special to GUIDON From the evening of Oct. 8 to the evening of Oct. 9, 10 days after Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Jewish people around the globe observed Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement — a day of fasting, introspection and repentance. It is considered the most solemn holy day in the Jewish faith, which occurs once a year on the 10th day of … [Read more...] about What Yom Kippur can teach us

By Chaplain (Maj.) Joshua Metz Special to GUIDON This week’s reading — Luke 17:5-10 In the Gospel of Luke, we find a fascinating exchange between leader and led. The led, in this case, the future Apostles, make an unusual demand of their leader, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5). Their leader, Jesus, replies, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you may say to this sycamore … [Read more...] about Faith and leadership