Hugh's News & Commentary

Here's how a Navy chaplain crafted a prayer he prayed at an AbilityOne Program hosted by East Carolina Vocational Center and the Base Commander, Colonel Douglas Denn, at Cherry Point Marine Air Station, NC, on Friday, September 24, 2010:

Gracious and Merciful Heavenly Father, You Who restored the sight to the blind and made the lame to walk; as we gather this day we thank You for restoring our sight to the dignity and merit of those who are disabled. We are thankful for this opportunity to pause and to recognize the great and many accomplishments of those who, despite the physical challenges they may face, continue to inspire and challenge those around them to the possibilities and differences one person can make. And, Lord, we give thanks and celebrate today this organization that has provided opportunities and a means for them to make those differences.

Helen Keller once said, "The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision." We are thankful for an organization such as AbilityOne who during their 15 year history has inspired us with a vision of what can be accomplished by those who many would say were less capable. In doing so they have affirmed that time honored Marine value of never leaving a fellow Marine behind. As they have provided opportunities for those who in times past may have been left behind our lives have become richer; and we have become a better society and a better Marine Corps because of their efforts.

Now thank You Lord for hearing our prayers. Bless all in these proceedings and this ceremony of honor; that we all would be inspired to continue to faithfully serve the Marine Corps, and You, our God. In your Most Holy Name we pray. Amen.

[Editor's Note: This prayer was written and prayed on Friday, September 24, 2010, at AbilityOne Ceremony at Cherry Point Marine Air Station, NC, by Commander Carl Kock, Chaplain MCAS Cherry Point.

We are indebted to Mr. Daneel le Roux of Greenville, NC, for sharing this well-written prayer that is full of Biblical knowledge and prayed with fervor.

Daneel le Roux is a long time friend of Melvine and me. He was the best man in our wedding in 1960. He and his wife, Betty, are members of the Greenville Pentecostal Holiness Church. He is the CEO of East Carolina Vocational Center in Greenville, NC.  He has made ECVC one of the best companies of its type anywhere. He has excellent managerial skills and really knows how to treat people. His company trains persons with disabilities and makes it posssible for them to excel in their chosen vocational endeavors when given the opportunity to succeed.

I am very proud of Daneel le Roux. He is married to the former Miss Betty Von Moore of Draper, NC, now Draper Village in Eden, NC. Daneel is the past chairman of the Board of Trustees of Holmes Bible College. He led the college through some difficult years. We all rejoice that we now have a new campus and a new president, Dr. James D. Leggett.

I am honored to have Daneel le Roux as my friend.]