Ricardo Sanchez - A Commanders Prayers

A Commanders Prayers

CrossLink Publishing www.crosslink.org

Copyright 2012 by Ricardo S. Sanchez & John W. Betlyon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.

Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved under International Copyright law.

ISBN 978-1-936746-13-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

The responsibilities placed upon a Soldier are among the greatest of any profession. In peacetime, the Soldier must endure endless hours of training in preparation for war that may or may not come during his term of service. Coping with the elements of nature, day and night, under the pressure of simulated combat provide the Soldier with a taste of the harsh realities of combat. The United States Army places a premium upon the sustainment of adequate levels of training in order to acclimatize, or at least minimally expose, Soldiers to the sounds and demands of war. All this the Soldier must endure, often in a political and public environment that is alien to him, possibly hostile, but definitelyat bestambivalent to his sacrifices.

What can never be replicated, in peacetime, is the loneliness, brutality, fear, anticipation, and physical and mental strains that one experiences when deployed on a real world contingency mission. It is during this time that the human mind looks for help in coping with the multitude of strange and overwhelming feelings. The normal reaction is for a renewal of ones relationship with God in hopes of his easing the pain and fear we are feeling. If the individual Soldier has a strong faith, that faith flourishes and is a real source of comfort and strength. If there is not a fundamental belief in God, the experience of facing the possibility of war, and maybe even death, may be sufficient to attract some of these Soldiers to the Lord. Many build lifetime relationships while others may nurture the relationship as a source of strength only for the duration of their hardship.

This book reflects the highpoint of this Soldiers relationship with God over a period of some twenty years. The period covered encompasses the experiences of leading Armor Soldiers in preparation for and the actual conduct of war during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Commanding Soldiers, at any level, in the United States Army is the ultimate honor that can be bestowed upon an officer during his tenure of service. In peacetime, preparing his legions for war, independent of the political atmosphere and any attendant budgetary constraints, is the leaders primary task. In war, leading men in battle requires a leader who is wise, confident, technically and tactically proficient, and courageous.

The burdens of command, on any given day, can be overwhelming. That is precisely why the Commanders Prayers documented here were so important to the successful execution of daily activities, whether at peace or war. Without the wisdom, courage, and strength that derives from the Lord, none of the personal and organizational successes could have been possible.

Upon assumption of command of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor, 197th Infantry Brigade (Separate), at Fort Benning, Georgia, on 5 June 1990, my Chaplain, Captain John W. Betlyon, was tasked to provide a daily thought for the day. This daily prayer was initially envisioned as a means of keeping the Chaplain close to the troops by forcing him to come to the Headquarters and see the Commander every day, while simultaneously providing me the opportunity to take at least one minute every day to pray in the middle of the hectic routine that is typical of an Armor battalion.

The prayers documented here provide an insightful look into the concerns, fears, and joys of commanding Soldiers. These are the actual prayers from 1990-1991 and present a unique, insiders look at war.

Ricardo S. Sanchez

LTC, AR, United States Army [Summer, 1991]

LTG, United States Army (Retired) [Summer, 2011]

John W. Betlyon

Chaplain (CPT), United States Army [Summer, 1991]

LTC, United States Army (Retired) [Summer, 2011]

Speed and Power!

Vitesse et puissance!

CHAPTER 1

ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND AND THE EARLY DAYS

On 5 June 1990, the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor underwent a change of command that was to signal the transformation of the unit from an organization focused on training in the California desert at the National Training Center and supporting training at Fort Benning, Georgia, to one that became a combat-proven battalion as part of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and the XVIII Airborne Corps. The early days of summer 1990 found the unit conducting routine training and executing a training program that would prepare it for its quarterly gunnery training which was to be executed in late July.

5 June 1990

In my success, O Lord, help me to remember that what I am, and who I am, is more important that what I do. Amen.

The Chaplain

6 June 1990

Today is a day for growth. I can give thanks to God that I have been able to overcome old, negative problems which sometimes have hindered me. Today I am an overcomer, for your hand, O God, is strong and mighty. Through you, I can overcome anything. (Today is a time to recall the valiant Allied Invasion of France, 6 June 1944.)

The Chaplain

7 June 1990

Savor the new command this morning. There is awesome responsibility, but also awesome possibility. In the joy of these first days, my heart feels as if it might burstit is so full. Help me to remember these moments when I face a difficult day. Amen.

The Chaplain

8 June 1990

Take a moment to be quiet, to center down, as the Quakers put it. Feel your breathing and be conscious of your body. Deep within is a special peace from God to calm and quiet your mind. What a beautiful gift, O Lord.

The Chaplain

9 June 1990

It is not how long I live that matters, but HOW I live. What do you require of me, O Lord, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before you. Help me so to live. Amen.

The Chaplain

10 June 1990

My battalion needs its commander, O Lord, for my job is to lead and guide it in its peacetime training and in its wartime missions. So I need you, O God, to direct and guide me so that I do not crash on my own journey through life before I reach my heavenly destination. Amen.

The Chaplain

11 June 1990

Teach me, O God of Wisdom, to examine all possibilities in decision making, so that I select the very best. At this very moment, I am tuning you in and listening for your direction. Amen.

The Chaplain

12 June 1990

So much seems to clutter my life with unnecessary things, blocking my creativity. Sweep away these things, O Lord, and grant me an eager and clear mind focused on truth and right. Amen.

The Chaplain

13 June 1990

Here I am in a place I dreamed of, and yet my presence here is really unplanned and unexpected. Sometimes fear nips at my heart. Help me, O Lord, to surrender to your unfolding plan for me because I know that this is your morning, this is your time, and this is your place! Amen.

The Chaplain

14 June 1990

I thank you that you surround and encompass me with your Presence! You go before me and even follow after me. If I go up to Heaven or descend to Hell below, I cannot hide from you. Thank you that you seek me out until you find me. Amen.

The Chaplain

15 June 1990

Lord Jesus, you carried the burdens of us all to free us from bondage. Give me courage today to bear anothers burden. Give me a tender compassionate heart. Make me a humble servant ready and willing to do whatever duty is required of me. Amen.