On To The Next Phase…..
By · CommentsWe got through with PT a few minutes early this morning, so I wanted to catch you up on how I am doing and what I have been doing. Believe it or not, I have been here for a month now. I am by no means an expert on the Army at this point, but to use a football phrase, “the game is slowing down for me.” I’ve been immersed in the culture for long enough now to feel like I’m getting a good grasp on Army culture, decorum, lingo, and operations. God has graciously provided some opportunities to stretch and grow my leadership skills, and I continue to lean on Him daily for strength and wisdom.
This past Friday, we graduated from the CIMT portion of the course. I had an absolute blast taking part in some of the Field Training exercises from CIMT. In the span of a week, here’s some things we got to do:
Victory Tower: Victory Tower is a tower that stands somewhere between 50 and 70 feet tall. The cadre taught us how to rappel down the wall. I really caught on to the motion/rhythm about halfway down the wall, and would have loved to have done it again! Here’s on lonelin picture I found of Victory Tower.
Land Navigation: We got to do this both during the day and at night. They gave us a lane with THICK underbrush for the night nav course, but both times were really a lot of fun. My squad had some guys that were very gifted at land nav (shooting the azimuth, grid coordinates, pacing off klicks, etc.), so it was a great example of how teamwork is crucial.
NIC at Night: This is the fond nickname for the Night Infiltration Course. For simplicities sake, it’s a huge sand pit with obstacles. You have to low crawl across the course with live fire over your head, explosions, and flares. It was physically demanding, but probably my favorite event so far. I found a youtube video of the NIC at Night course, just to give you an idea.
This week, we’re really dialing in to Army doctrine and leadership. As a person who always enjoyed leadership courses in college and seminary, I’ve really apprecited the effort the Army expends to produce high capacity leaders.
This is way shorter thann I wanted it to be, but class is calling……I’lll update again when I can. Thank you for all the encouraging emails and letters. Your encouragement means more than you know!
A Long Overdue Update
By · CommentsFirst of all, I just want to say THANK YOU for all the text messages, emails, and facebook messages letting me know that you are praying for me. I am very thankful and humbled that so many of you go to the Lord on my behalf daily. Before I went to CHBOLC, my intent was to update my blog daily. However, our days start early, are high speed, and we have a great deal of classwork to complete every night. We’ve already turned in 2 tests and 1 paper, and we have many more assignments floating out there. One prayer point that you can add to your list is praying that I stay mentally alert and driven. By the time that I get back to my room and eat dinner every night, the temptation is to pack it in for the evening and procrastinate on the course work. Pray that I will be disciplined to pace myself and work hard every night. Here’s a few brief bits about my experience so far:
- I feel like I’m starting to get my legs underneath me on the “military” part of the experience. Since I have no prior military experience, I’ve had to learn saluting, marching, uniform wear, decorum, etc. on an accelerated pace. I definitely don’t have it down pat yet, but I feel light years ahead of where I was last week.
- I want to give God glory for providing great friends. It is incredible to think that some people who were complete strangers a few weeks ago have now become some of my closest friends. We are able to pray for each other, encourage each other during tough patches, and also laugh together. A lot. Did I mention that we laugh a lot?
- There are around 88 chaplains and chaplain candidates in this class. Our class is broken down into 3 platoons with around 30 chaplains each. I’m in the 2nd platoon, and we’ve been designated 25th Infantry Division. We’ve had to learn their song, their history, etc. I love military history, so this has been fascinating for me. If you want to learn more about the 25th ID, CLICK HERE.
- Today was a pretty high speed day. We did PT early this morning, had radio transmission training in the morning, and CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Training) in the afternoon. The capstone of the day was going to the gas chamber. Long story short, we had to don a gas mask and enter the gas chamber. After a few exercises, we had to break the seal, give the instructor some information, and re-seal and clear the mask. After everyone did that, we had to take our masks completely off and experience the joys of CS gas for a few moments. It makes your eyes water and, to put it nicely, cleanses the sinuses. There were plenty of cadre at the exit of the building, so I know there’s some really great pictures of me floating around somewhere. When I get a copy of one, I’ll post it so that you can have a good laugh at my expense.
- Here’s a video I found on Youtube that was actually filmed at Ft. Jackson to give you a better idea of what today looked like.
- I am really enjoying Army life. God is using this experience to grow me mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. God is affirming His presence and His calling in my life daily, and each day I’m resting more and more on his grace. His grace truly is sufficient!
Quick Blurb: Day Five
By · CommentsJust wanted to let everyone know that I am indeed still alive. Very busy, but loving every second. I am humbled that so many of you are praying for me and humbled that I get the opportunity to serve the sons and daughters of this country. I’ll update more this weekend. -Chad
Day One: In The Books
By · CommentsWell, it’s late, so this post will be brief. Today was the official start if CHBOLC (Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course). Today, we had a good bit of in-processing to do regarding our documentation. The best part of the day was the introduction of the cadre (the grouping of officers and NCO’s that train us) of our class. I can tell these men and women have a lot of wisdom and skill, and I’m looking forward to learning all that I can from them. I’ve been placed in the 2nd Platoon, so add the fine men and women of the 2nd Platoon to your prayer list. Below are a few pictures of the Chaplain School from today:
Me at the entrance to the school.
A beautiful memorial at the school.
On post at Ft. Jackson!
By · CommentsIt’s 10:15 p.m. (guess I need to say 22:15) and I’ve finally got everything unpacked. It’s been a long day, for sure! This morning the Cottle crew got up and my awesome wife made some incredible homemade cheese danishes (thank you for the idea, Pintrest!). We drove into town, went to Wal-Mart, and ate a farewell lunch at Chick-Fil-A. It was really hard saying goodbye to my family…there’s nothing our family likes better than being together. But being apart is part of this journey, and we know God’s grace is sufficient! I left LaGrange about 1:45 and made it to Ft. Jackson about 5 hours later. During the check-in process, I had the chance to meet several more chaplains. We recognized each other from the CHBOLC facebook page. I’m really looking forward to getting to know my fellow chaplains. I’m staying at Dozier Hall, and my room is really nice. Here are some pictures so you can see my home away from home for the next 12 weeks:
My kitchen. I can’t wait to delight you with stories of the “man meals” I’ll be making. Expect lots of poptarts and protein bars.
I’ve got a nice living area. I’ve got my computer and printer set up, so I’m ready to get to work!
My bedroom.
After unpacking, I had the chance to Skype with Katie for a few minutes. All of our in-processing starts tomorrow, so pray that I completed all the paperwork correctly. Thank you for all you prayers, encouraging emails, and encouraging facebook messages. My family and I are so grateful for them! I’ll post again tomorrow and let you know about Day One.
Geared Up
By · CommentsAfter a year of prayer and preparation, my journey as a chaplain in the United States Army begins tomorrow. I will head to Ft. Jackson tomorrow (Columbia, SC) for the CIMT phase of CH-BOLC (Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course). I have a lot of emotions swirling around- I’m excited to start doing what God has called me to do, a little anxious about having my paperwork in order correctly and learning a new language and culture, and sad I won’t be with my family every day. But God’s grace is sufficient, and we trust that he will provide everything I and my family need. As 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful.”
One of the “different” things you may not know about going into the Army as a chaplain is that I have to show up with a lot of my own gear. I won’t be staying at a traditional barracks- I’ll have my own room, so I’m taking some food, powerade, etc. for my kitchenette. I have to bring my laptop, printer, etc. to be able to do “homework” type assignments at night. I also have to bring my own “Army” gear, so I’ve been checking and re-checking my lists. Between food, computers, printers, and Army gear, I have stuff strewn all over the house. Here’s a few pictures of some of the Army gear I have to bring. If everything goes smoothly, I’ll try to post again tomorrow evening- pray for safe travels!
An “aerial view” of my stuff.
My field jacket and camelback.
My laptop case.
My patrol cap, beret, and ACU’s.
Boots, socks, and flashlight.
My fleece and backpack.
Winter PT uniforms.
Summer PT uniforms, gloves, and my duffel bag.
Change Your Mind
By · CommentsThis past Sunday, we wrapped up the final week of our series named, “Don’t Waste Your Life.” I preached in our 8:30 and 11:00 services- here’s the video if you missed it.
You’ll Be Missed, Larry Munson
By · CommentsI was saddened to hear the news late last night that a legend had passed away. Larry Munson was a legend, not just among the Bulldog nation, but also in sports broadcasting as a whole. He had an unmistakable gravelly voice, was usually pessimistic about our chances, and seemed to live and die on every single snap the DAWGS took. There’s a long list of calls that will live on in Bulldog lore. I’ll save my favorite for the end. But famous calls such as:
1. Florida in a stand-up five, they may or may not blitz, they won’t. Buck back. Third down on the 8. In trouble. Got a block behind him…..Run, Lindsay…..Lindsay Scott, Lindsay Scott, Lindsay Scott!
2. Oh you Herschel Walker!……Driving and running with those big thighs….my God, a freshman!
3. We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose….we just crushed their face.
4. Our hearts they were torn out and bleeding, we picked it up and we stuck it back inside. I can’t believe this. We won 27-24, and at the end we had no business winning this game.
5. Oh, look at the sugar falling out of the sky!
6. Ol’ lady luck just laughed out loud right there.
7. The stadium is worse than bonkers!
But perhaps my favorite Munson call is one of the many I got to experience in person. In the style of Munson, “get the picture.” It’s 2002, and a young Mark Richt has the DAWGS in a position to win the SEC East for the first time ever and contend for the SEC Championship for the first time since 1982. All we have to do is beat Auburn. My brother and I are at the game. It’s 4th and 19 with a little over a minute left. We’re down 21-17. If we score, we win and go to the SEC title game. If we don’t score, we go home. The DAWGS’ quarterback, David Greene, straightens up and floats one to the back of the endzone. At this point, I’m sitting in the opposite endzone. The student section literally collapses on top of me. I didn’t ever actually see Michael Johnson come down with the pass. Luckily, I had Munson on my earphones, and I heard him go crazy (and at the angle my head is at on the bottom of the pile, I see our bench going nuts). Here’s the video of the play with Munson’s call:
Three years later, Munson is doing an autograph signing in the mall in Douglasville, where I was living at the time. It was great to meet him, albeit for a few short moments. I got in line with two prints, one for my brother and one for myself. He asked what I wanted on my “12th Man” print, and in remembrance of the ’02 Auburn call, and ’01 Tennessee call (the infamous “hobnail boot” call) I got him to write: “My God, A Touchdown.” I’ve put a picture of the print below.
Although our current radio announcers are good, I have not listened to radio broadcasts since Munson retired. Nobody will ever be able to do it like him. We’ll miss you, Larry Munson.
This past Sunday was a very special Sunday as my church commissioned me to serve in the Army as an active duty chaplain. I was blessed to have Chaplain (Maj.) Darren Chester from Fort Benning travel to my church and preach the commissioning message. Chaplain Chester did a great job. Several people either missed the message, or wanted to see it again, so here’s the video.
Pictures From Charlie’s First Trip To Athens
By · CommentsThis past Saturday was a very special day for Charlie and me. We got to experience our first game as a father and son in Sanford Stadium. I’ve dreamed about taking my son to his first Georgia game ever since I first stepped foot on campus in 1998. Charlie has watched several (well, EVERY) Georgia football game with me over the past 5 years. We felt like he was finally old enough to handle the trip, and he was so excited. He was a soldier all day long. I got him up early (6:30) so we could leave our house by 7:00. We wanted to make it Athens in time to take in the Dawgwalk. He loved seeing the players come into the stadium, was thrilled to see Russ (and get his picture made with him), and ecstatic to see Hairy Dawg. We saw a historic game in Sanford Stadium as the Dawgs thumped New Mexico State 63-16. The DAWGS set the team record for points scored in a single quarter during the second quarter. We saw Aaron Murray throw 5 touchdown passes, 9 different players score, and the most offensive output (627 yards) since UGA beat Southern Miss in 1993. We ate popcorn, drank cokes, made pictures, screamed our lungs out, and basically had a perfect day. I love spending time with my son, and I hope he remembers his first trip to Athens forever. I know I will. Here’s a few pictures from our trip:
Charlie and I with a big bulldog outside one of the off campus book stores.
Charlie at the Dawgwalk (with Russ in the background).
Charlie and me, “between the hedges.”
Charlie was happy when we finally made it to our seats. Time for some popcorn!
On the bridge at Sanford Stadium.
A picture with “big Uga” at the Tate Center.
What better way to end a day full of football than with the funny face pancake at IHOP?
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