Thursday, November 25, 2010

The Catholic Defender: Interesting events of my trip

Last week my Father suffered a heart attack, I felt there was no choice but to go see him in Southern Missouri near Springfield.

It's a small cattle town called Humansville. It is the only town with this name anywhere in the known world.

I was told by the Doctor that if he had been 30 minutes later he would not have made it.

It is very important to respond quickly under these kinds of situations.

Minutes do make a difference. He is doing well at this time.

Spending some time with him, I learned about an Uncle of mine, one of his Brothers, was wounded in World War II when a Japanese Soldier ran upon him with bayonet.

My Uncle killed the enemy attacker but his momentum carried him right to my Uncle.

He was hit on the right hip with the bayonet. I really enjoyed listening to my Dad as he spoke of his time in the Army. He served as one of the Commanders driver.

It seems that some of us always get all the luck? I'm proud of my Dad's service as well as my Uncle. I have Two Brothers who served as Marines, one of them was in Viet Nam, while the other was in Lebanon.

He survived the blast that hit the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Oct 23, 1983. The attack just one day before my second Son, Joshua would be born on 24 October 1983.

I was really glad to spend some quality time with my Brother (Randy) the past few days. We watched some old Westerns with Clint Walker and the first season of 24.

My Soldiers got me hooked on 24 during the first two weeks in Kuwait February 2009.

During that deployment, I went through 1-7 seasons of 24. I was only too happy to get my Brother hooked!

Last Saturday, while walking through Humansville I stopped into a shop where I heard some people talking so I went in to see what it was about.

It turned out to be a small group of families who classified themselves as "Jews for Jesus".

They were strict on Saturday as the Sabbath. I told them if they really understood the Catholic Faith, they would have to have a good understanding of the Old Testament.

They were very respectful to me and invited me to participate with their fellowship. I stayed until I went to Catholic Mass.

My Mother died 1 August 2006, anytime I come visit the area, I always pay her a visit.

I prayed the Rosary as my custom, when I got to the last prayer in the 5th decade, two formations of Canadian Geese flew overhead and I couldn't help but think Mom and the Saints were appreciative watching over us (Hebrews 12:1).

From Humansville, I drove to Fort Campbell Kentucky where I had the chance of visiting two of my Sons going to Austin Peay University.

I also got the chance to see two of my Grand Children there. I still have one Son in Afghanistan from there. I stopped by St. Michael's Catholic Church in Oak Grove Kentucky getting the chance to see Father David who blessed my new rosary made in Jerusalem!

Before I left Fort Campbell, I was able to see the Catholic Coordinator, Rita Payne, who has been there for many years.

We worked together when I was stationed there. I had the chance to meet the Catholic Priest from Nigeria serving there.

It was just a few moments when Father Pamula walked into the Soldiers Chapel walking into the office.
I served with him in Iraq during my 2007 deployment.

I also served Mass with him in October 2009 when I came back from leave.

He has a strong devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet. He was raised just miles from St. Faustina in Poland.

Currently, My wife and I are visiting our Grand Children in Alabama as Matt redeployed and is home.

We are so proud of him being awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts. My wife and I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving to John Benko and his family, my sidekick on the Blog, to all our readers and participants, and to all Americans who love freedom and liberty. God bless America!




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