Sent out to Serve the Nation and the Lord. on POINT

FALL 2019 Vol. 68 • No. 2 • $5.00

SPIRITUAL COMMISSIONING Sent out to serve the nation and the Lord. ON POINT

76 years and counting...

hat an amazing year it has been, to be able to reflect on God’s lavish goodness over the past 75 years to W and through the ministry of Officers’ Christian Fellowship. I enjoyed being able to COMMEMORATE what He has done, CELEBRATE what He is doing, and most importantly, COMMIT to what He wants to continue doing through OCF to the military!

I am grateful to those on whose shoulders we stand their lives and make a positive impact on the military on today, those great cloud of witnesses who were community. Personal Transformation is the critical obedient to the Lord’s calling to establish an Officers’ discovery of our personal identity in Christ. That Christian Union in the U.S. on 31 December 1943, and identity is at the core of who we are, what we believe, in doing so, paved the way for all of us today. Consider how we act, and how we interact with the world around our founders’ intent, as stated in the “Certificate of us. Let’s now take a look at the IF Project’s three other Incorporation,” of “utilizing the Spiritual Force of the modules of integrating Faith & Profession, Faith & union (fellowship) to help all ranks, grades and ratings Family, and Faith & Community. DAVID to come to an increasing knowledge of Jesus Christ, Faith & Profession: The key thought here is to be WARNER our Lord, who to know is life eternal, and to this end the same person with the same motivations in every to stimulate and encourage members in definite and aspect of our lives. It is seen in our lifestyle, our words, Executive regular prayer, Bible study, and Christian witness, for our social awareness, our relationships and other Director their mutual improvement and growth in grace.” influences, and the strength of our commitments. As COL Mike Tesdahl, USA (Ret.), OCF’s Interim It’s a wholeness characterized by servant leadership, Executive director wrote in OCF’s CONNECTED selfless service, compassion, and love for all, with newsletter (July 2010), “our founders deliberately our witness being primarily through our professional determined that the truths of God could best be excellence. manifested to the military through peer relationships Faith & Family: Our greatest calling card is how we live among its leaders because of their unique impact on our lives for Christ, and our families can be guideposts the institution.” OCF was “a unique call by God to to others on what a Christian family looks like. I recently provide ministry structure to the timeless truth that had the privilege of doing daily devotions with 2 of my Christians are to be ‘ambassadors for Christ’ in their grandchildren while visiting them on vacation. The spheres of influence”—the military society. first words out of their mouths as they burst into the Tesdahl summarized, “We are not missionaries room every morning were, “Can we do the devotion?” to the military, as if we were outsiders exercising Mealtimes began with our 2 grandchildren singing a our military skills in some kind of tent-making prayer they learned in Hawaiian. At night before bed, ministry that affords us opportunities to witness. my grandson brought his favorite book for me to read We are members of the profession of arms who are to him—a children’s Bible. Our hearts were filled with Christians. ‘Christian’ is the adjective; our Christianity gratitude to God to see how faith was integrated into modifies how we live and lead, and yet we are wholly every part of their day! committed to our military vocation and oath of office.” Faith & Community: As Christians, we are charged What a charge this is to us, especially in today’s with making a difference in the places where the environment! While the culture has changed, the Lord has planted us. As OCF members, united freedom to express our faith is challenged, and the by our Christian heritage and charged by God to knowledge of Scripture continues a downward spiral, make something happen (Acts 1:8), we expect this I believe our founders’ intent rings truer than ever! community to be dynamic—a change agent, active, It’s now our privilege, opportunity, and charge to motivating—a force to be reckoned with! carry this banner forward as we move ahead to the As OCF members, we COMMIT ourselves to next 75 years. what the Lord continues to call us toward “engaging In the last issue of COMMAND, I discussed the first military leaders in biblical fellowship and growth to of four modules of OCF’s Integrated Faith Project (IF equip them for Christlike service at the intersection of Project)—Personal Transformation. The IF Project is faith, family, and profession.” OCF will have a positive an online resource, created to achieve OCF’s God-given impact for Christ throughout the military society by vision and mission of sending out Christlike leaders our Christlike leaders who integrate their faith into who successfully integrate their faith into all aspects of all aspect of their lives.

2 COMMAND | Fall 2019 FIELD REPORT

USCGA OCF photo USCGA OCF The cadet leadership team is motivated for the Lord this year unlike any other year. All the leaders came and made it a priority to be there instead of an obligation preventing them from going off with their firsty friends. After four years, there is a strong community across all the classes, who want to encourage one another and serve one another. God has done some neat things in the hearts of these leaders. Jesus set himself apart primarily to invest in the lives of his 12 disciples, not the masses. We need to be listening for our 12.

Carl & Christy Crabtree // OCF Field Staff

Maxwell-Gunter OCF begin to describe how deep this podcast Fort Leavenworth OCF went for me, not only having flown the Tim & Kim Tormey // OCF Field Staff Jim & Christina Harbridge // OCF Field Staff MV-22, but how God is using you. I am This is from a new CV-22 pilot, who convicted at how nothing I’ve done or It has been busy as Christina and I tran- wrote me, “I am sorry that it’s been almost where I am is to my credit or strength. I sitioned from retirement right into “Bring a month since we connected and you was convicted of how much pride I have In” activities. Our first big event was the shared your podcast (OCF Crosspoint: A that needs to be replaced with God and Neighborhood Bible Study Kick-Off Con- Difficult Story of God’s Goodness, Episode humility towards him. I just really wanted ference to encourage interested fami- 33, https://www.ocfusa.org/2019/04/ to say thank you. I am amazed at God’s lies to help establish, host, or lead Bible difficult-story-033) and testimony of God’s goodness to you and your faith in Him, studies, by giving them practical tools for faithfulness in your life. What a blessing and I desire that in my own life.” praying for their neighborhoods, inviting to meet you and your family. I cannot even Continued on Next Page 1

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 3 FIELD REPORT

others, and leading a study. Ten couples review the “play sheet,” a two-page vision- to get to know them better. We even had attended the 2-1/2 hour workshop. We casting document to help small group a few upper class show up to say hello to spend a great deal of time laughing at my leaders understand the intent of the min- these Class of 2023ers. continual struggles doing all of these over istry efforts. The small group leaders have the years. In the end, it was definitely the authority to lead their groups as they USAFA OCF successful—all but one couple agreed to wish to meet the needs of those the Holy serve in some fashion. We participated Spirit brings to them. Each small group is Steve & Rita Wade // OCF Field Staff in the Spouses Club Super Sign Up, PAIR different, just as it is in the broader OCF. Day, and The Protestant Chapel Commu- Special thanks to COL Jason Musteen, So much is happening here. At the nity Bring-In Celebration. These events CPT Josh Bowen, and CPT James Beebe first SPIRE meeting, we had 143 folks— are important to show that we are a part for leading the three breakout groups standing room only. The OCF upper class of the community and offered unique during our training session. The minis- cadets are excited to reach out and faith- opportunities to meet and develop a re- try team and cadet leaders have done an fully, lovingly invite and bring their friends lationship with a ministry partner here in excellent job getting the year off and run- and squadron mates. The USAFA Ministry the community. Protestant Women of the ning. Team couples are so engaged with their Chapel graciously invited me to speak at classes. Their care, mentoring, teaching, their first meeting. I had the pleasure to encouraging in the Lord is mighty and ef- USNA OCF explain what OCF is and how we support fective. Matt and Karen Brandt (and a lot them here at Leavenworth and beyond. James & Juli Baca // OCF Field Staff of cadet help) renovated their barn into a It was awesome and a little intimidating meeting space. Cadets love to get away speaking to about 160 strong Christian This month marked the to the barn. Every time we all come back women, but it produced a new family to recommissioning of 21 Maryland Avenue, together—joy fills the air. We do have a participate in one of our off-post neighbor- a/k/a Maranatha Mansion (see page 17). sweet fellowship in this body of Christ. hood Bible studies. It was a great event and even better to And at a first time event organized by see so many supporters and midshipmen Paul and Cindy VanderWeide, who pro- there. Thanks to all of the support from vided all the food and games, 115 cadets USMA OCF so many! ENS Kevin and ENS Lisa Urness, had a great time relaxing, fellowshipping, Colin & Amy Wooten // OCF Field Staff USN, who were temporarily assigned to playing some yard games, and hearing USNA after graduation, devoted so much the Word of God taught. All in the beauti- Pray, Discover, Obey sessions informed time to fixing up the house, including ful creation of Colorado. What could be our approach to kicking off the year with painting the new fence which Blaine better? Praise the Lord for all the people ministry team and cadet small group Fletcher built (also Class of 2019) perfect at USAFA OCF who give so much! Keep training. With time always a constraint at shades of Navy Blue and Gold. At the end them and their families in your prayers! USMA, we kept the training, which con- of September, we had several plebes over sisted of vision casting and sharing best for dinner. It was an opportunity for them practices/collaboration, to two hours. We to get to know each other a bit and for us

WEDDINGS USAF, 4 August 2019. Their home is USN (Ret.), Littleton, CO. COL William Pinson, USA (Ret.), Las Vegas, NV. 12 August 2019, husband of Helen 1st Lt Jennifer Cutler, USAF, LtCol Robert Marshall, USMC, Pinson, Fayetteville, NC. married LT Stephen Cresswell, TAPS 20 April 2019, husband of Jana USCG, 4 August 2019. Their home Marshall, Owens Cross Roads, AL. LTC John Richards, USA (Ret.), 7 is San Pedro, CA. Louisa Buxton, 14 June 2019, January 2019, husband of Rosa Lakewood, CO. Louisa was the Barbara Pensyl, 22 August 2019, Richards, New London, NH. LT Bradley Davis, USCG, married widow of Cleo “Buck” Buxton, OCF’s Buffalo Mills, PA. Barb served as the Lauren Schaeffer, 7 June 2019. first general secretary (executive head cook at OCF’s White Sulphur Doreen “Sam” Uber, 9 April 2019, Their home is Clearwater, FL. director) of the then-Officers’ Springs Conference Center for wife of CPT Robert Uber, USAR, Christian Union. nearly 25 years. High Point, NC; mother of Lt LT Grant Johnson, USN, married Col Matthew Uber, USAF (Ret.), LTJG Hannah Zachman, USN, 19 CDR Frank Cole, USCG (Ret.), 22 CAPT James Prout Sr., USCG (Ret.), Lebanon, PA. Bob and Sam Uber May 2019. Their home is San Diego, May 2019, husband of Ginny Cole, 13 September 2019, husband of served as the Program Director CA. Littleton, CO. Geraldine Prout, Versailles, KY. Couple at WSS from 1992 to 1997. He served three terms on the OCF 2d Lt Katherine Little, USAF, Becky Conzelman, 6 April 2019, Council. married Capt Benton Alexander, wife of CDR James Conzelman,

4 COMMAND | Fall 2019 FIELD REPORT

Pensacola OCF Weekend through Columbus Day Week- Council News end in October (about 6 weeks), we basi- Chet & Michelle Arnold // OCF Field Staff cally have guests the entire time; during Class of 2022 election that timeframe, there were only 2 days/ results The Wednesday night home Bible study nights without guests in the hotel! That’s The OCF Council reported the elec- crowd continually morphs. One night two a huge praise, that we are able to serve tion of the Council Class of 2022 at its new people let us know they were plan- so many. During September we hosted 8 meeting earlier this year. New council ning to attend. One of the two invited retreat groups, 2 Adventure Weekends, 2 members who started a three-year term some friends—and 9 new people showed camping retreats for a Christian school, in June are: Capt Dan Abney, USMC; COL up! Gotta love that! We average 22-24 1 Career Transitions Workshop, and our Steve Berger, USA; RDML Donna Cottrell, people, plan food for 30, and one night Fall Volunteer work period. I want to men- USCG; MAJ Jen Gonser, USA; Capt Amari we fed more than 40! We ran out of the tion a huge thank-you and recognize the Holt, USAF; Col Mike Moyles, USAF (Ret.), planned meal and went to the leftovers! WSS team here as well, because all of this and CAPT AJ Reiss, USN. OCF Council No one complained. And there were 10 was accomplished while training and on- officers are: MajGen Mel Spiese, USMC regulars not in attendance, otherwise it boarding our new EXSEL class. We sub- (Ret.)—President; COL Ric Schumacher, would have meant a call for pizza deliv- scribe to the theory that the best way to USA (Ret.)—Vice President; LTC Steve ery. It’s a good problem to have. This is a learn how to swim is to be thrown into the Schmidt, USA—Secretary, and COL Rob vibrant and constantly changing group. deep end of the pool. No “crawl, walk, run” Jassey, USA (Ret.)—Treasurer. One of the singles just got married and here—we hit the ground running when brought his new wife to the group. Anoth- we come back from the summer stand- Council nomination period er of the singles is engaged and asked us down and it doesn’t stop! We also hosted starts in November if we do pre-marital counseling. We met 2 Adventure Weekends in September—a The seasons for both the nomination her beau the week before this photo. He canoe trip and a rock climbing/rappelling of candidates as well as the OCF Coun- does not live here so we’ll be counseling weekend. This program continues to be a cil election itself have changed. The via the Internet. great venue for one parent and one child nomination period for candidates who to get away and have some quality time will run on the Class of 2023 ballot is in together, centered around an adventure November, with the election taking place Puget Sound & Family Outreach OCF activity. Help us get the word out about throughout February 2020. OCF regular Larry & Bobbie Simpson // OCF Field Staff these Christ-centered, life-changing op- members (present/former officers, -offi portunities! cer candidates, cadets and midshipmen) We joined 32 military families assigned are eligible to vote; each nominee must to JBLM for a fun-filled Military Family have an endorsement from at least three Spring Canyon OCF Week at the Malibu Club in British members. Endorsements can be submit- Columbia. With a theme that revolved Kim & Kari Ann Hawthorne // OCF Field Staff ted online. Those elected to the Class of around “identity,” we served as small 2023 will serve a three-year term on the group leaders and were able to engage This past summer we had our first two Council beginning 1 June 2020. The OCF couples in group discussion, as well as “exclusive use retreats.” First, Ransomed website will have comprehensive candi- during social and recreation time. The Heart Ministries purchased the sole use date information in preparation for elec- Lord graciously provided safety, spiritual of our facilities and services to host its tions in February of 2020. Submit nomi- renewal, and fun for all participants. Become Good Soil Intensive for 125 men. nations online at ocfusa.org/nominations Malibu Family Week partnership is with Later, it was the Adventures of the Heart until 30 November. Visit this URL for more Young Life, so we are able to establish Men’s Retreat that hosted their Expedi- info. For more information, contact heidi. lasting relationships with couples tion for 86 men. For Summer Celebration, [email protected] or 800-424-1984. and assimilate some into the ministry we had eight weeks of fantastic ministry, outreach activities of OCF. Although the and RMH had nine weeks of phenom- 2020 Spring Council week does not have an evangelistic intent enal impact on cadets and midshipmen. meeting per se, one person indicated a decision for Father Teen Adventure had three weeks OCF Council’s spring meeting will take Christ, while several others indicated life- for sons and two weeks for daughters, place 25-27 April at OCF’s White Sulphur changing experiences. as fathers and their teen/young adults Springs Conference Center. OCF members renewed their commitments to their rela- are invited to attend. For additional tionships and went home refreshed and information, contact Heidi Martin at heidi. WSS OCF equipped to serve God. My hat is off to [email protected] or 800-424-1984. Paul & Dawn Robyn // OCF Field Staff all the year-round and summer staff who enable this ministry to happen. September kicked off “Second Summer” for WSS. From Labor Day Continued on Next Page 1

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 5 FIELD REPORT

White Sulphur Springs photo EXSEL internship applications due Applications are due 28 February for the EXSEL Discipleship Program at OCF’s White Sulphur Springs Conference Center. EXSEL is a unique, year-long opportunity of Christian service, discipleship, ministry and growth for young adults ages 18 to 24. For more info, visit whitesulphursprings.org/exsel.

2019 Spring Council delivered an exciting update on the Rich, thank you for your wisdom and meeting wrap-up Timothy Project, which is focused on dedicated service to the Lord’s Kingdom The OCF Council met at White Sulphur keeping young officers engaged in OCF as through OCF! Springs in late April for a weekend filled they leave their commissioning sources with prayer and excellent fellowship. The and enter the military mission field. OCF Council President session, which started with a time of Steve Schmidt provided the Council with Emeritus event at WSS Pray, Discover, and Obey (PDO) by Rich an update on the search for OCF’s next Former OCF Council Presidents were Goldsmith, launched into meetings that Executive Director. honored as emeritus in conjunction with covered a variety of topics. Because it was his 21st and final the End Of Summer retreat at OCF’s White The OCF Council approved Council meeting, Rich Goldsmith provided Sulphur Springs Conference Center in amendments to update the OCF some reflections and advice to the August. “All they wanted to do was serve Constitution, which were ratified recently Council. He has also been active in an Christ,” said Brig Gen David Warner, USAF by a vote of OCF regular membership. OCF Bible study for the last 47 years and (Ret.), OCF’s Executive Director, of the Colin Wooten, USMA OCF Field Staff, has served OCF in numerous positions. honorees. “They will accept the President

6 COMMAND | Fall 2019 FIELD REPORT

Emeritus title reluctantly because all they ministry mailings and editorial work with the greatest story ever told: a real story wanted was for Christ Jesus to be glori- The Bulletin, the COMMAND magazine about real people in real trouble, all in fied.” forerunner. When OCU conference center need of a real Savior. Past OCF Council presidents attending ministry started in 1962 at Spring Canyon, the event were MG Clay Buckingham, Louisa’s family noted that her “delicious Week 2, 26-30 December USA (Ret.); RADM Grady Jackson, USN meals kept thousands of people fed” and (Ret.); LTG Robert VanAntwerp Jr., USA “multiple medical needs were handled out Speaker: Dr. Dan Hart (Ret.); CAPT Art Halvorson, USCG (Ret.); of her small tan suitcase.” Topic: “The Knowable God” and MG Jim Coggin, USA (Ret.). Speaking “Louisa was always good-natured, fully The coming of Jesus was God’s forever on behalf of OCF Council was current committed to Buck and to the OCU/OCF proclamation that He can be and desires president MajGen Mel Spiese, USMC ministry,” said CAPT Terry Grant, USCG to be known. We will be challenged (Ret.). (Ret.), former OCF Director of Finance. to pursue a deeper, more complete Three of the past 4 OCF Executive “Buck and Louisa were the heart and soul knowledge of and love for the knowable Directors who served for OCF Council of the ministry,” said Grant. “She was a God. Presidents were represented as well: jewel.” Lorraine Pettijohn, widow of Paul Read the full article at the OCF website: Week 3, 30 December-2 January Pettijohn; David & Lori Warner, and Lt Gen ocfusa.org/2019/07/louisa-buxton-she- Bruce & Melissa Fister, USAF (Ret.). Fister was-a-jewel/ Speaker: Dr. Michael Sprague was the speaker for the retreat weekend. Topic: “Is There Hope for America, Your The family of Lt Col Ward and Bobbe Changes to Command in 2020 Family, You?” Graham, USAF (Ret.), were also on hand Because of the extended coverage of Hope is not in technology, money, for the dedication of a Heritage House the OCF 75th anniversary special issue politicians, religion. Hope has a name and room honoring their parents’ lives and in this past spring’s issue of COMMAND it’s Jesus Christ. Let’s journey with the legacy. Ward’s varying OCF staff positions magazine, it was decided there would be person and teaching of Jesus to start the included that of WSS Program Director, as no summer issue. Plans are now under- New Year with zest, purpose, and hope. well as his extensive travels with Bobbe to way for COMMAND in 2020, which include visit OCF local groups and contacts. a new look. Because of escalating post- Spring Canyon Emcee CAPT Chris Blake, JAGC, USN age and printing costs, COMMAND will (Ret.), said that the presidents’ leadership be dropped back from 3 issues to 2 in the For more information or to register, visit of OCF was one of faithful “I will most coming year. the SC website: springcanyon.org/winter- gladly spend and be spent” service. “The sports-retreat/ ministry of OCF is not one of priests, Register now hierarchy, or church but brothers and for Winter Retreats Week 1, 19-26 December sisters leading and living in fellowship Christmas season is special, but it is together,” said CAPT Blake. even more special to celebrate at OCF’s Speaker: MAJ Dean Rizzo, USAR “It was a God-honoring and God- White Sulphur Springs and Spring Canyon Topic: “Rejoicing with Christ!” glorifying weekend,” said Paul Robyn, WSS Conference Centers. Come experience Rejoicing in the Lord a powerful weapon Director. “We thanked and praised Him for the joy of the season as we celebrate and part of worshiping God—not just a all that He has accomplished through this the birth of Christ in warm fellowship suggestion or a good habit. Paul’s letter to ministry and the many faithful leaders with other believers. With a sleigh load of the Philippians reminds us why rejoicing that have served over these past 75 activities and the cozy quietness of snow in the Lord should be a part of our daily years.” on the mountains, these winter retreats routine. Don’t miss out on this access to are waiting for you! joy beyond imagination! Ministry News White Sulphur Springs Week 2, 27 December-3 January

‘Heart and soul of ministry’ For more information or to register, visit Speaker: Lt Col Paul Homan, USAF Louisa Buxton dies at 96 the WSS website: whitesulphursprings. Topic: “Science and the Bible” Louisa Buxton, widow of Cleo “Buck” org/winter-retreat/ Does modern science—upheld in our Buxton, OCF’s first general secretary society as ultimate truth—contradict or (executive director) of the then-Officers’ Week 1, 22-26 December affirm the Bible, which we know is the Christian Union, joined her husband in ultimate source for truth (John 17:17)? heaven in the arms of the Lord Jesus Speaker: CH(LTC) Erik Gramling, USA We’ll examine modern science based on a Christ on 14 June. She was 96. Topic: “Great Characters of the Christmas biblical worldview, touching upon several A registered nurse, Louisa’s support of Story” current scientific and biblical topics. her husband and the ministry included Join your WSS family as we look anew at

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 7 FIELD REPORT

OCF Honor Fund By 2LT Jason C. Black, USA William Dean Lee As the year draws to a close, a dona- ENS Perry Reed Jenkins Jr., USCG By Good Shepherd Community Church tion to the OCF Honor Fund helps the Gary and Sandy McNeal ministry in its kingdom work for God to By Mr. & Mrs. Perry R. Jenkins Kiara Pierson military men and women. Gifts can be By Ms. Lisa H. Pierson given to honor someone, an achievement, Heidi Martin By Maj Gen & Mrs. Frederick H. Martin, USAF COL and Mrs. Arnold Ahnfeldt Jr., USA (Ret.) or an event, or may be made in memory of (Ret.) By Merrill and Beryl Jacobson a deceased loved one or friend. OCF will send a letter to those being honored or to Jim Barrack (CH)COL Peter R. Sniffin, USA the families of those being memorialized, By COL & Mrs. Gregory V. Barrack, USA (Ret.) By Mr. Edgar D. Sniffin and their names will be listed in a future Jim Groves Bob and Jane Baer issue of COMMAND magazine. For more By LTC & Mrs. Bryan N. Groves, USA Rev. Arthur E. Woolley information, visit ocfusa.org/honor-fund By Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stenberg Josh Rice HONOR By Mr. & Mrs. Andrew L. Malone MEMORIAL

Gary Gramling Joshua and Lindsey Bowen & the Class of 2019 LTG Howard D. Graves, USA (Ret.) By Mr. Jeff Philpott By Ms. Susan G. Bowen By Mrs. Gracie Graves

Fisher Watkins LCDR Thomas and Shirley Uber, USN (Ret.) 1LT Jonathan Shine, USA By Mr. & Mrs. Ronald J. Roth By Anonymous By MG & Mrs. Michael J. Nardotti Jr., USA (Ret.)

Jada Lester LT Zachary Kunkle Barbara Pensyl By Mr. & Mrs. Willie Bryant By Mr. & Mrs. Fred W. Kunkle By Col & Mrs. Charles O. Cox, USAF (Ret.)

2d Lt Holly M. Martin, USAF LTC Tyson Edwards, USA (Ret.) Barbara Doyle By Ms. Heidi J. Martin By Mr. & Mrs. Charles P. Llewellyn By Mr. Brian Doyle

Al Shine LtCol David Jaquish, USAF (Ret.) CAPT Irvin W. Lindemuth, USCG (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Charles P. Llewellyn By Col. & Mrs. Douglas W. Jaquish, USAF (Ret.) By Mrs. B. Carolyn Lindemuth

Cadet Daniel Macune Mark Stubenhofer Capt Mark R. McDowell, USAF By Mr. Charles W. Macune III By COL & Mrs. David B. Batchelor Sr., USA (Ret.) By Capt. Christopher D. Peterson, USAF

CAPT and Mrs Michael W. Patterson, USN (Ret.) Melba and Joe Rogers CAPT Michael Dallam, USN (Ret.) By Ms. Janet Adolph By Capt. Lauren E. Stevens, USAF & Mr. Justin By CAPT & Mrs. Paul D. Ims Jr., USN (Ret.) Stevens CAPT Gordon E. King, USN (Ret.) Carolyn Groves By Mrs. Gordon King, USN (Ret.) MG and Mrs. Clay Buckingham, USA (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Arthur D. Kennedy By CAPT & Mrs. Arthur J. Reiss, USN CDR Carl and Christy Crabtree, USN (Ret.) Carolyn Groves By Ms. Mary M. Stone MIDN Noah Pollock, USN Linda McKaughan By ENS John L. Benton Jr., USCG By Ms. Susan D. Pollock Betsy Teuton By LT Kimberly M. Gates, USCG CDR Darrell Brown Mike and Ceil Edwards By Ms. Patricia A. Snider By Mr. & Mrs. Richard Grogan CDR Frank K. Cole, USCG (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Young CDR Richard L. Zahn, USNR (Ret.) The USAFA Ministry Team By Ms. Barbara Kronewitter By 2d Lt Anna C. Demoret, USAF CDR John C. Adamson, USN (Ret.) By Mrs. Kristina T. Adamson Col & Mrs. Edward Roberts The Norman Family By Mr. Mark Roberts By the Jesse and Tashie Craft Family COL and Mrs. Homer H. Bowman, USA (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Warren Soper Col Larry Simpson, USAF (Ret.) USCG Vietnam Veterans By LTC & Mrs. Benny C. Schulteis, USA By CAPT David L. Powell, USCG (Ret.) COL Earl L. Casner Jr., USA (Ret.) By CDR & Mrs. Clifford S. Perrin, USN (Ret.) Dr. Martin C. Carlisle USMA Class of 1978 By Mr. Reagan A. Mullin By COL & Mrs. Kim R. Kadesch, USA COL J. Wesley Loffert, USA (Ret.) By CH(COL) & Mrs. Paul L. Vicalvi, USA (Ret.) Dr. Robert Spoede Will and Peter Harrod By Ms. Cynthia Frame By COL & Mrs. Travis H. Small Jr., USA (Ret.) By COL & Mrs. Timothy D. Harrod, USA (Ret.) CW4 Ralph Thompson, USA Francisco Cebreros William Han By Maj. & Mrs. Neil A. Slattery, USAF (Ret.) Melanie Allen By Ms. Gye Han

8 COMMAND | Fall 2019 FIELD REPORT

Dr. Scott Hardin LtCol Thomas Hemingway, USMC (Ret.) By The Anna M. Vrla-Fulgham Separate James Ellen By Anonymous Donor Property Trust Candice Nolan By CAPT & Mrs. Samuel L. Tate, USN (Ret.) John H. Beaird Jr. MAJ William F. Hecker III, USA By CDR & Mrs. Aaron P. Rouland, USN Laverne Hunt By COL & Mrs. William F. Hecker Jr., USA (Ret.) By CDR & Mrs. Steven R. Nichols, USNR (Ret.) Robert G. Cook By CH(COL) & Mrs. Randall C. Dolinger, USA Judge Harry Barnes MG Charles R Sniffin, USA (Ret.) By Church of the Ascension By CAPT & Mrs. O. W. Camp Jr., USNR (Ret.) By Mr. Edgar D. Sniffin By COL & Mrs. Robert A. Baer, USA By COL & Mrs. Carl D. Porter, USA (Ret.) Earline K. Johnson MG Robert H. Buker, USA (Ret.) By COL & Mrs. Daniel C. McMillen, USAR (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. John P. Cress Sr. By Mrs. Ethel H. Buker By COL & Mrs. Patrick Sullivan, USA By Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates By COL & Mrs. Shane Deverill, USA (Ret.) Mrs. Jonie Snow By CPT & Mrs. George T. Rabb, USA Forest S. Norman Jr. By CAPT & Mrs. David L. Drake, DC, USN (Ret.) By CW5 & Mrs. Alfred L. Rice, USA (Ret.) By Tyler High School Class of 1956 By LT & Mrs. Walter A. Reynolds, USN By Anonymous Donor Mrs. Joyce Allen Patrick By Lt Col Clifton G. Hertel, USAF (Ret.) & Mrs. By Church of Christ in Friendswood By Col & Mrs. Robert B. Patrick, USAF (Ret.) Joanne Hagadorn By Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Dillon By Lt Col Julie M. Turner, USAF (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Gary E. Harris Nancy Spoede By LTC & Mrs. Douglas G. Perritt Jr., USA By Mr. & Mrs. James L. Smothermon By COL & Mrs. Travis H. Small Jr., USA (Ret.) By LTC & Mrs. Michael E. Bigelow, USA (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. James W. Womack By LTC & Mrs. Thomas W. Hughes, USA (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. John E. Thompson Rachael Wade By LtCol & Mrs. William G. Wright, USMC (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Milton Arnold By Ms. Thelma J. Elgersma By MAJ Jane F. Baer, USAR (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Bockart By Mr. & Mrs. David A. Ham Ralph Martin By Mr. & Mrs. David B. Britt Geraldine L. Satterfield By Ms. Melinda M. Martin By Mr. & Mrs. David L. Davenport By CH(MAJ) Steven W. Satterfield, USAR By Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Wilde Ralph Phillips By Mr. & Mrs. Larry McKelvey Hope Raimer By LtCol & Mrs. Paul L. Gillikin, USMC By Mr. & Mrs. Lee P. Rodgers By Mr. Edward A. Raimer By Mr. & Mrs. Michael C. Weaver Robert S. Bruce By Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stenberg Irene Holland Mrs. Carol J. Kalmbacher By Mr. & Mrs. Owen C. Gadecken By CDR & Mrs. Richard L. Zahn, USNR (Ret.) By Mrs. Karen Bruce By Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Alderman By Mrs. Mary G. Ferris By Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Wilhelm Sue Ash By Mr. & Mrs. Paul J. Cady James Murphy, USAF Cleo Buxton By Mr. & Mrs. Peter N. Fuller By Mr. & Mrs. John M. Saul Paul Pettijohn By Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Priest LTC John D. George Jr., USA (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wilhelm Janet Gustin By LTC Robert W. Ash, USA (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Scott S. Byers By COL & Philip N. Gustin, USA (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Stephen W. Lawrence Trevor Coffman By Mr. & Mrs. Tom Wilhelm Jean Sniffin By LTC & Mrs. H. G. Vaughan, USA (Ret.) By Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Loehring By Mr. & Mrs. Ron Gedney By Mr. & Mrs. William Z. Gorodnick Carl Teague Jr. By Mr. Charles Manship LT Roy E. Seaman, USN Jeanette Morgan By Mr. Larry Baer By Mr. & Mrs. Delbert S. Elliott Jane Shackleford By Mr. Mark Woolley Barbara Scurlock By Mr. Scott E. Baer LTC John D. George Jr., USA (Ret.) Bill Scurlock By Mr. Thomas W. Flud By COL & Mrs. William R. Calhoun Jr., USA (Ret.) Hattie Duncan By Mrs. Dawn Russell By Col. & Mrs. William E. Schepens, USAF (Ret.) By CAPT & Mrs. O. W. Camp Jr., USNR (Ret.) By Ms. Arlene Baer By Dr. & Mrs. Daniel W. Schepens By Ms. Catherine Rubino COL Leroy D. Hammond, USA (Ret.) By Ms. Edlynne K. Bruhn LTC John L. Richards, USA (Ret.) By LCDR & Mrs. John K. Hahn, USCG (Ret.) By Ms. Elizabeth Britt By Mrs. Rosa L. Richards By Ms. Martha E. Johnson Betsy Teuton By Ms. Nancy L. Slack LTC William (Dan) Dantzler Jr., USAR (Ret.) By CAPT & Mrs. Bryan K. Finch, CHC, USN (Ret.) By Ms. Sally Martino By Ms. Deondra Chamberlain By ENS Abigail A. Culp, USCG By Ms. Sue E. Schwendiman By LTC & Mrs. Robert W. Deckard, USA (Ret.) By ENS Jonathan S. Dillard, USCG By Ms. Tamara Vetter By Ms. Wendi Y. Jones By LT Justin P. Sherman, USCG By MSG Teresa L. Garrett, USAR (Ret.) By LT Patrick C. Weaver, USCG By Rev. & Mrs. John Hoffmann LtCol Marvin D. Gardner, USMC (Ret.) By Mr. Robert B. Sanford By The Jaxson Foundation By Mrs. Amelia J. Gardner Andrew Baer LtCol Robert W. Marshall, USMC By Melvin Baker By LTC & Mrs. Harold R. Winton, USA (Ret.) By 2d Lt Ross R. Stark, USAF By AB Josiah S. Bedrosian, USAF

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 9 USCGA OCF photo Spiritual commissioning ceremonies are “the culmination of four years of faith” surrounding the ministry efforts by OCF Field staff to the graduating cadets and mids they’ve mentored at the service academies. These USCGA graduates from the Class of 2019 are among the new officers being sent out “as lights for Christ in a dark world/military.” OCF leaders recount importance of spiritual commissionings

BY OCF COMMUNICATIONS

t’s the pinnacle moment of graduation, Bible studies and activities at the service profession than to prayerfully and publicly when cadets and midshipmen academies are also sent out in a dual dedicate the first day of one’s professional I raise their right hands and swear calling—the privilege of serving God life to Jesus.” in solemn oath “to support and defend as His ambassadors in uniform. The COMMAND asked Wooten and the Constitution of the United States.” capstone event of the years of pouring his colleagues—Steve Wade (USAFA), Soon afterwards, they’ll put feet to that the living water of Christ into them by Carl Crabtree (USCGA), and James substantive pledge, sent out to serve OCF leaders at the service academies is a Baca (USNA)—about the spiritual their nation as officers in the operational spiritual commissioning ceremony. And as commissioning ceremonies held when military. USMA OCF Field Staff rep Colin Wooten those they’ve earnestly mentored and The newly minted second lieutenants underscores, “There is no better visible way discipled are about to step into their and ensigns who were involved in OCF to demonstrate the integration of faith and military careers.

10 COMMAND | Fall 2019 “Through the spiritual commissioning, the mids gain more understanding of what it means to be a Jesus follower as an officer, and it gives them focus and a mission to accomplish. It is also an act of encouragement and the final step in this part of their journey to help them stay close to God.” —James Baca, USNA OCF

What is a spiritual commissioning they are prayed over by the many loved on such a special day in the lives of the ceremony? Why does OCF place value ones, friends, and others in attendance. participating graduates and their loved on it? Crabtree: Our spiritual commissioning ones. It may be the last moment these takes place two days before graduation classmates will ever be together again. Wade: It is a culmination of a four-year during a lunch at the Officers’ Club with I am especially moved during the time phased curriculum that prepares cadets to a guest speaker. Ministry volunteers and when the graduates are prayed over by serve the Lord in their profession, and a family gather around the cadets to pray their loved ones. It is a sending out—a personal commitment to continue to serve over them. commissioning—as our script says, “The Him, integrating faith and profession. laying on of hands symbolizes a spiritual Wooten: It’s a short ceremony after Why does your ministry place value on ‘sending forth’ for a lifetime of service USMA’s graduation that offers the second the commissioning? to Christ.” In doing so we replicate how lieutenants the opportunity to publicly Barnabas and Saul were commissioned by dedicate their professional pursuits to Baca: This is a biblical principle. Jesus the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 13. Christ’s glory. sent out his disciples multiple times. Simi- Baca: It’s very encouraging on two Baca: The spiritual commissioning is a larly, through the spiritual commissioning, fronts. First, to see the mids wanting to culmination of a kind, a time for them to the mids gain more understanding of what commit themselves to living a life that reflect on their time in OCF growing closer it means to be a Jesus follower as an officer, glorifies God. It’s not guaranteed they will, to God and becoming a better leader. It and it gives them focus and a mission to but our hope is they will use the spiritu- isn’t all encompassing, but it is the last accomplish. It is also an act of encourage- al commissioning as an altar of remem- official event for midshipmen prior to ment and the final step in this part of their brance (which is why we give them coins). commissioning. journey to help them stay close to God. And it’s also great to see so many of their Crabtree: It culminates four years of families and friends in attendance to sup- How did it come about, who’s involved? faith and begins being sent out as sheep port them. among wolves, where they will need to be as Wade: We are encouraged by seeing Wooten: We believe it started as a bar innocent as doves but shrewd as serpents, others walking with the Lord and delight- pinning ceremony during John George’s as lights for Christ in a dark world/military. ing to serve Him. We are thankful for how OCF Field Staff tenure that has since God has faithfully worked in so many lives. evolved to a spiritual commissioning How is it important to growing ceremony. Christian military leaders? What have you seen in the lives of your Wade: Ours is loosely patterned after cadets who went through it? the Oath of Office they take upon being Wade: Growing Christian military lead- commissioned as second lieutenants. Min- ers takes place during the cadets’ time at Wooten: It’s difficult to say what impact istry team couples, who have been with USAFA. The spiritual commissioning is it has. Again, it is just a ceremony, but one and have mentored and encouraged the both a recognition of that growth and a which many parents in particular tell me cadets of the graduating class for the past commitment to take what they’ve been afterwards how meaningful it was for them. four years, give a final charge to the class taught and put it into action wherever God Baca: I would say that the mids who and administer the spiritual commission. sends them. have chosen to attend the spiritual Wooten: Like a wedding, it is a ceremo- commissioning have continued to serve. What exactly goes on? ny of a key life moment. Real growth comes Whether this is causation or correlation, before and after the ceremony. it is difficult to know. However, even if it Wade: We do our spiritual Baca: It is a time for them to remember is the latter, we hope that it orients them commissioning at the end-of-year banquet, those aspects of their last four years which and is the final step in preparing them for where all four classes and our ministry have equipped them to have the impact in service in the fleet. team come together to celebrate God’s the fleet they desire. Wade: I think it’s another small blessing and work throughout the year. reminder to them that God has a plan and Wooten: Ours takes place in the historic What does it mean to you to experience a mission for them in life. They can look Cadet Chapel after graduation. We have a it? back on the event and in harder times, guest speaker and bring the graduates up perhaps, be encouraged to persevere in to affirm their commitment to Jesus. Then Wooten: It is hugely emotional for me their calling. the graduates have hands laid on them as to be present at such a special moment

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 11 Photo by PO1 Fred Gray, USN Downrange stressors—such as great responsibility, danger, fatigue, and loneliness—make the need for Christian fellowship an even more critical must-do. Ask and invite others to meet up, even if informally to talk about things and pray. Overseas military service can become periods of great spiritual growth by connecting with fellow believers and focusing on Christ. Three officers share top tips for finding fellowship on deployment

BY ANDREA PLOTNER

hristian fellowship is always But fostering Christian community re- hardly had anyone I could share spiritual important, but especially quires time and energy, usually in short struggles with. That was very difficult. C downrange. The origins of OCF supply. Below are edited excerpts from On my second deployment, I had a great grew out of this need, thanks to Captain three modern-day Trotters. Meet Capt many fellow believers, which made the John Trotter. Trotter was an Englishman Daniel Abney, USMC; LT Justin Sherman, deployment more bearable. posted to British India, experiencing USCG; and COL Laurence Mixon, USA loneliness and spiritual isolation in a (Ret.). Be encouraged and equipped by Andrea: Describe your calling to be a perilous location. Upon his return to their stories as they share best practices for small group leader. England in 1851, he established an “Army prioritizing small group fellowship down- Prayer Union for Officers and Men.” range. Capt Abney: When I was attending the In the New Testament, the Greek word University of Central Florida, I had a fellow for fellowship is koinonia. It communicates Capt Dan Abney: Recognize the Army ROTC cadet ask me to go camping the necessity of being together for mutual Need for Fellowship with him and some other Christians. The benefit. Far-flung assignments often trip was led by a retired Army lieutenant involve great responsibility, danger, fatigue, Andrea: Describe struggles you faced colonel named Kevin Pilgrim. I wasn’t a frequent relocation, deprivation, and more. on deployment. believer, but the event sounded fun. I started Considering these stressors, the need to attending the local OCF study thereafter, gather is even more compelling. Capt Abney: On my first deployment, I which began my trajectory towards Christ.

12 COMMAND | Fall 2019 My life was never the same, all because FIND A GROUP [though technology helped]. I fought someone had the courage to ask if I Heading out from your local group? loneliness and isolation by maintaining wanted to come to a Bible study. I think Check the OCF Directory for groups a small, close group of prayer partners my calling stemmed from that experience. that may be where you’re PCSing: during each deployment. Ironically, I remained connected with OCF because ocfusa.org/directory/ deployments were always periods of of the impact it had on my life. I didn’t spiritual growth for me. God put service know OCF as a large ministry. I knew START A GROUP members and civilians along my path it as the Pilgrim family inviting me into No local group where you’re PCSing? who needed the Gospel and spiritual their home, or CAPT Mike and Arden Start one! The OCF website has tons encouragement. The opportunities Patterson, USN (Ret.), in Pensacola of tools to help you get a fellowship to minister to others helped me grow hosting dinner and a Bible study at their gathering going: tremendously. house every week. ocfusa.org/toolkit/ Andrea: Describe your calling to be a Andrea: What encouragement do you STUDIES FOR A GROUP small group leader. have for someone who is deployed or What does God’s Word say about the will deploy? concept of calling and the military COL Mixon: In 2006 at the Air War profession? Or living a godly life College, Col Mike Martin, USAF (Ret.), Capt Abney: Remember what it was in all circumstances? Those two helped me overcome my past and forev- like to feel isolated on deployment and Bible studies and several others are er changed my life and walk with Jesus. remember that almost everyone else is available at the OCF website I spent a great deal of time with OCF probably feeling the same way. It only ocfusa.org/studymaterials/ members and eventually started lead- takes a little effort and courage to ask ing a weekly OCF student small group people to meet together. It doesn’t have study. When I received notice in 2010 of to be formal; you don’t even have to a year-long deployment to Afghanistan, I study the Bible (although that would be knew I would hold an OCF small group helpful). You could just meet to talk about cadets at the Coast Guard Academy. At one there. I shared my plans with a couple how things are going and any struggles retreat, our speaker talked about “planting other OCF members also deploying. Upon you’re facing. In my experiences, honest our flag” early wherever assigned. He arrival, I posted a flyer in the dining facil- conversations happen when believers encouraged us to look into church options, ity, the chaplain’s office and some common gather around. It may be a little work OCF, and other Christian fellowship areas announcing the start of a Bible study. wrangling people together, but the rewards BEFORE arriving at our new duty station. These people became my family away from more than outweigh it. I’ve always done that when transferring family. We supported each other when life to a new unit or for extended temporary events occurred in theater and at home. LT Justin Sherman: assignments, and I’ve seen the benefit of it. The group became the people I would “see” Go In With a Plan during difficult days and with a simple Andrea: What encouragement do you smile and nod communicate that God Andrea: Describe struggles you faced have for someone who is deployed or loved us and we loved each other. Priceless. on deployment. will deploy? Andrea: What encouragement do you LT Sherman: We’ve been pretty blessed LT Sherman: Remember, being a have for someone who is deployed or out here in Bahrain. The Christian small group leader is easy! There are no will deploy? community is quite vibrant and welcoming. requirements to have a certain number LT Josh Payne (one of my closest brothers of people or meetings. Put your name out COL Mixon: Remember the Bible tells in Christ) and I have integrated nicely there, start a group. If it fizzles out, no harm, us that “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs into the fellowship of believers. We’ve met no foul—at least you tried something— 27:17) and directs us to maintain strong and become friends with a considerable and then pray for God’s direction into how fellowship with other believers (Hebrews number of men and women, military and you can continue to foster fellowship and 10:25). Starting a small group strengthens local, who collectively support us as we growth opportunities while deployed. the leader and the led. It just takes a carry out our duties—military, spiritual, mustard seed of faith to start a group. familial, etc. There are always small levels COL Laurence Mixon: of loneliness, heightened concern about Small Groups Strengthen About Andrea safety, and frustration with lack of access to The Leader & The Led Andrea, who was involved in military some of the typical comforts of being back women’s ministry for 22 years as a military stateside. But that comes with the territory. Andrea: Describe struggles you faced spouse, is co-author of the companion Bible on deployment. study book for women Thriving Not Just Andrea: Describe your calling to be a Surviving, Deployment Perspectives for Today’s small group leader. COL Mixon: During four deployments Military Families. She is now spearheading an my biggest struggle was connecting to my online Bible study community for Planting LT Sherman: Josh and I joined OCF as wife and children in a meaningful way Roots, a ministry for military women.

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 13 MINISTRY IN ACTION

New Hampshire OCF photo

Top to bottom:

New Hampshire OCF It was fun under the summer sun as the NH OCF team gathered for its 4th Annual Ice Cream Social, held at the home of Hunt and Stephanie Kerrigan. The group enjoyed a time together of “great story telling and fellowship, some music—and after prayer, ice cream, with lots of toppings,” said leaders Peter and Susan Burdett.

Homestead Air Reserve Base OCF Attendees of this OCF fellowship group are from the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami, Special Homestead OCF photo Operations Command South, 482nd Fighter Wing, and Det 1, 125th Fighter Wing (Florida Air National Guard). The group studied the book of John’s account of Jesus’ “seven signs and His seven ‘I am’” statements.

USAFA Class of 1999 Lt Col Terry Stokka, USAF (Ret.), (front cetner) who served as Field Staff rep at USAFA OCF for 10 years, recently hosted a breakfast for the USAFA OCF Class of 1999 graduates, who were gathered for their 20th reunion. “We had a wonderful time with about a dozen grads,” he said. “One grad said it was like having the cadet Bible study all over again with the guitars and music.” USAFA OCF Class of 1999 photo

14 COMMAND | Fall 2019 MINISTRY IN ACTION

USMA OCF photo

Top to bottom:

USMA OCF Mission Trip Earlier this year, a team of 39 served God as His hands and heart to others in the Dominican Republic on USMA OCF’s annual mission trip over spring break. Ministry work included building two houses, ministering to an especially needy family in a remote village, street evangelism, and spending a day at the beach, where four cadets were baptized.

Fort Leavenworth Fort Leavenworth’s Discipleship Training Breakfast program kicked off the year using OCF’s Integrated Faith Project (IF Project) as a base for its study. About two dozen people attend regularly, reports OCF Field staff rep Jim Harbridge, although “the expansion of mandatory PT to three days per week has definitely impacted student attendance this year. I am definitely praying that...more students will be called to DTB and focus on spiritual growth.” Fort Leavenworth OCF photo

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 15 MINISTRY IN ACTION

Top to bottom:

Graham Room Dedication The family of Lt Col Ward and Bobbe Graham, USAF (Ret.), was on hand for the dedication of a room in White Sulphur Springs Conference Center’s Heritage House to honor their parents’ legacy of servant leadership. After coming to Christ through OCF, the Grahams embarked on a lifetime of service for the ministry. In addition to holding varying staff positions, including Eastern Conference Center Program Director and Naval Academy representative, Ward and Bobbe traveled together extensively by private plane to visit OCF local groups and contacts. WSS photo

OCF Council President Emeritus Former OCF Council Presidents were honored as emeritus in conjunction with the End of Summer Retreat at White Sulphur Springs Conference Center in August. Former presidents on hand for the event were (l-r): MG Clay Buckingham, USA (Ret.); RADM Grady Jackson, USN (Ret.); LTG Robert VanAntwerp Jr., USA (Ret.); CAPT Art Halvorson, USCG (Ret.); and MG Jim Coggin, USA (Ret.), as well as former OCF Executive Director Lt Gen Bruce Fister, USAF (Ret.), who was the retreat weekend’s keynote speaker (right). Also in attendance were current OCF Council president MajGen Mel Spiese, USMC (Ret.), and the OCF executive director couples who served OCF Communications photo these presidents at varying points during the 1972-2019 time frame represented at the event: Lorraine Pettijohn, widow of Paul Pettijohn; Fister and his wife, Melissa; and Brig Gen David and Lori Warner, USAF (Ret.).

Fort Worth OCF For the first time ever, Fort Worth OCF has combined spiritual forces with Gateway Church, led by Dr. Robert Morris, to sponsor a Veterans and Family of Veterans small group fellowship. Leaders CW3 David and Christel Ammons, USA (Ret.), report it’s a “dynamic and exciting group” gathering “weekly to honor our veterans, have fellowship, and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Fort Worth OCF photo

16 COMMAND | Fall 2019 MINISTRY IN ACTION

Top to bottom:

Maranatha Mansion Ribbon-Cutting God and His goodness were celebrated at an open house and ribbon-cutting earlier this fall at USNA OCF’s Maranatha Man- sion with the completion of the first of 3 phases to restore the house. All mechani- cal systems, living and sleeping areas, and the kitchen were updated for this hub of ministry outreach to USNA that also serves as the home for the USNA OCF Field staff. Funds are needed for the remaining two phases, which include outdoor areas and the restoration of the carriage house for expanded ministry opportunities. Over 40 years of dynamic OCF ministry of trans- forming countless lives by the love of Christ has taken place at the historic An- napolis, Maryland, home.

Ohio State “Christlike service at the intersection of faith, family, and profession,” is the goal of OCF’s mission statement. For ROTC cadets and mids, it’s through the grassroot efforts of OCF local leaders that these future military leaders are engaged and equipped through biblical fellowship and growth toward Christlike leadership. This OSU OCF group, led by Gwynn and Kit Vaughan (far right), heard MG Don Riley, USA (Ret.), speak on selfless leadership and enjoyed a Friday dinner and Saturday brunch served by the Vaughans.

USNA OCF photo

Send us your Ministry In Action group photo For consideration in Command magazine or OCF Facebook, send your high-resolution photo to Managing Editor Karen Fliedner: [email protected]. OSU OCF photo

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 17 CROSSPOINT PODCAST

3 podcast episodes you should hear

BY JOSH JACKSON Director of Communications & OCF Crosspoint podcast host

“Welcome to OCF’s Crosspoint podcast. This is the podcast dedicated to sharing stories of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession.” That’s how I opened episode 1 of the podcast back on January 28, 2018. While the introduction to the show has changed a couple times in the 45 episodes since then, the purpose of the biweekly podcast has not—sharing stories of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession. Since the show first launched, I’ve produced, edited, and hosted most of the podcast episodes—not an easy task for someone with a print journalism and OCF Communications Photo design background—and I’ve been blessed Subscribe to OCF Crosspoint to have several of my coworkers step in a OCF Crosspoint is a biweekly podcast dedicated to sharing stories of military life at the few times to share duties as host. intersection of faith, family & profession. OCF Crosspoint is available on a number of pod- The idea for the podcast started in the cast apps. Some of the more popular places you can find the podcast are:Apple Podcasts, fall of 2015, as the communications team Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and TuneIn. You can also subscribe with RSS by copying/past- discussed utilizing new technologies to ing the following link into your favorite podcast app: http://ocfcrosspoint.libsyn.com/rss send relevant content to OCF members that was educational, informational, or inspirational. Over the next two years, Episode 33: A Difficult Story of God’s and discouragement, but more important- the prospect of an OCF podcast gained Goodness. In this episode, Maj Tim and ly, how she has experienced what she calls momentum as the team researched Kimberly Tormey, USMC (Ret.), shared “incredible hope amidst suffering.” equipment requirements, developed story a story of what they referred to as “God’s ideas, cleaned out some basement closet goodness and kindness to them,” and the Episode 14: The Scars of Moral space to set up a studio, and better educated story largely centers on part of Tim’s diffi- Injury. While PTSD seems to grab the ourselves on podcasting best practices. cult deployment to Iraq in 2014 that ulti- headlines and bulk of attention, LTC Tom We pursued this channel of distribution mately ended in tragedy. What makes this Schmidt, USA (Ret.), sat down with COL because podcasts are a way to distribute episode so special, aside from the amazing Dave Batchelor, USA (Ret.), in the facul- new content in a new way—audio, a story that the Tormeys shared, is that I set ty lounge of the US Army Command and format that OCF had never tried before. it up in a narrative style instead of an in- General Staff College, where COL Batch- Practically all our content up to that point terview format and layered the story with elor shared the candid story of his personal was either print or web-based, and such various musical and audio cues. struggle with moral injury—a psychologi- content requires eyeball time. However, cal trauma that has similarities with PTSD. an audio podcast requires only that you Episode 41: Incredible Hope Amidst listen, which can happen most anywhere, Suffering, with Michelle Qureshi. Mi- Those are just three good stories among whether you’re out for a walk, commuting chelle is a graduate of the United States the dozens of episodes available, and I en- to work, or burning some calories at the Coast Guard Academy, and she served 9 courage you to find a story that resonates gym. years in the military. Her late husband, with you and then tell me about it—I’d love Over the past 46 episodes (at the time Nabeel Qureshi, wrote two NY Times best- to hear from you. Be sure to check out the of this writing), listeners have been treated sellers, “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” and boxed information above to find out more to a wide range of topics and guests with a “No God But One.” Nabeel died in 2017 about subscribing to the podcast. If you focus on some aspect of the military life. If after being diagnosed with stage 4 stomach have an idea for a guest, topic, or story you’d I were to share my top three episodes, here cancer in 2016. Michelle’s story is one that like me to consider on a future episode, send are the first three that come to mind: deals with such topics as stress, hardship, an email to [email protected].

18 COMMAND | Fall 2019 PLEASE MEET

VOL. 68, NO. 2, FALL 2019

Publisher Officers’ Christian Fellowship OCF Executive Director Brig Gen David Warner, USAF (Ret.) Chief of Staff CAPT R. Christopher Blake, JAGC, USN (Ret.) Director of Communications Josh Jackson Managing Editor Karen Fliedner

COMMAND strives to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ in the U.S. Armed Forces by informing readers about His work through people and events related to Officers’ Christian Fellowship, teaching them how to integrate Christian faith into family, professional and community life, and encouraging and inspiring them to minister effectively in the military society.

Comments, questions, or subscription changes We welcome your feedback, and we’re happy to assist with any subscription or address changes. Contact us at: 3784 S. Inca Street, Englewood, CO 80110 [email protected] or 800-424-1984.

Cover photo by USMA OCF

Write for us If you have an idea for an article, or if you would like to work with our editors on a variety of topics relevant to the OCF audience, contact Managing Editor Karen Fliedner: [email protected].

By submitting articles, e-mail, photos, and other materials to Officers’ Christian Fellowship, you agree that the materials submitted become the property of OCF and will not be returned, and you agree that OCF has been granted the non-exclusive rights to use and/or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. Our agreement is made in Colorado and controlled by Colorado law.

Permissions COMMAND grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) Lieutenant Will Parker to be photocopied for use in a church, classroom, or other similar fellowship group setting provided that no more than 250 UNITED STATES NAVY copies are made, all copies are distributed for free, and COMMAND or OCF are listed as the source.

©2019. All rights reserved. Came to OCF: I joined OCF as a plebe spreading the Gospel in the submarine COMMAND is published three times a year (Spring, Summer, Fall) by Officers’ Christian Fellowship. Nonprofit postage at the Naval Academy after our good community, but I also see a need for me paid at Englewood, Colorado, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to COMMAND at 3784 S. Inca family friend COL Mike Tesdahl, USA to be at home more to lead and serve Street, Englewood, CO 80110-3405. (Ret.), told me I should check it out. my family. Articles and other items published in COMMAND do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Officers’ Christian Fellowship Why OCF: OCF isn’t about helping What’s on your bucket list: Take my of the United States of America, its governing council, staff, or of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or any us to be just better believers, or just family camping in Yellowstone National branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. better officers. It is about helping us to Park. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy integrate our faith and profession so Bible, English Standard Version, ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. we can be Christian officers who are Best advice given you: “If you put God committed to sharing the Gospel and first everything else will fall into place”— COMMAND is a registered trademark of Officers’ Christian Fellowship of the United States of America. All rights reserved. ministering to the military. Bryan Burt COMMAND (UPS 014-736/ISSN 0010-2474). Title © U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Ser. No 76-136, 392/Int. class 016). First use 9-0-1957. Why a military life: The military Most memorable places visited: Member: needs Jesus. It’s a great mission field to Shenandoah National Park; St. Mary’s Combined Federal Campaign #10531 be part of for as long as you are called. Glacier, Colorado. To be honest, I am at a point of my Junior Officer tour where I am burned Life Bible verse: “… and what you have out and frustrated with the Navy and heard from me in the presence of many am considering getting out to be able witnesses entrust to faithful men, who to focus more on my family. It’s tough, will be able to teach others also” because I see a continued need for (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV).

Fall 2019 | COMMAND 19