THE INITIAL SHOCK of capture is one of the most traumatic, overwhelming, psychological reactions that can happen to any individual. Only a person who has experienced total helplessness in the hands of other human beings can fully share in such an experience. It is not purely the fact that one is a prisoner as such or that someone has a gun or rifle pointedat him. It is the complete cutting off of all that he has ever known, all with which he has ever dealt, and all with which he has been familiar. The feeling is something that is overwhelming and almost impossible to describe.
In the providence of God He allowed me to be involved in what was called “Operation Home Coming” for some 31 American airmen who returned to the USAF Regional Medical Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. I have often thought about all of the places I could have been stationed in the Air Force at that particular time in history, God is His providence permitted me to be there to interview and get the testimonies of these men who had been prisoners of war. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and strengthener even in a Vietnam prison cell.
One POW, a thirty-two year old fighter pilot (who had been a prisoner for almost six years) described his capture of one of disbelief. He said, “I couldn't believe that was me hanging in a parachute and floating down in North Vietnam. I began talking to myself. In fact, I talked out loud to build up my courage. I needed to hear my own voice. I told myself that this was it. I must survive regardless of the cost. I have been trained ot survive. Now, I am going to be put to the test.
I had wanted to write about Senator John McCain, and ran out of time. However, I found this story about him and his funeral service at the Naval Academy written by Fr. Razz Waff, DMin, BCC, Executive Director of the Military Chaplains Association. (Note: Hugh Morgan is a Life Member of the MCA.
In the providence of God He allowed me to be involved in what was called “Operation Home Coming” for some 31 American airmen who returned to the USAF Regional Medical Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. I have often thought about all of the places I could have been stationed in the Air Force at that particular time in history, God is His providence permitted me to be there to interview and get the testimonies of these men who had been prisoners of war. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and strengthener even in a Vietnam prison cell.
One POW, a thirty-two year old fighter pilot (who had been a prisoner for almost six years) described his capture of one of disbelief. He said, “I couldn't believe that was me hanging in a parachute and floating down in North Vietnam. I began talking to myself. In fact, I talked out loud to build up my courage. I needed to hear my own voice. I told myself that this was it. I must survive regardless of the cost. I have been trained ot survive. Now, I am going to be put to the test.
I had wanted to write about Senator John McCain, and ran out of time. However, I found this story about him and his funeral service at the Naval Academy written by Fr. Razz Waff, DMin, BCC, Executive Director of the Military Chaplains Association. (Note: Hugh Morgan is a Life Member of the MCA.
This has been an absolutely great week. It started with a great learning opportunity for me and ended the same way. Wish we could all have such weeks on a regular basis.
Like many of you I spent the past few days following the funeral events of Senator John McCain, Captain, US Navy (Retired). I was struck through the interviews and retrospective film clips with the consistent theme that he was not perfect, he stumbled, apologized, and then tried again. And again. And again.
That said, by Wednesday evening of last week many of us were aware that he had turned down the opportunity to be released when his captors learned that his Dad had been named as the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command. Another piece of the story was told by Secretary Henry Kissinger's on Friday at the Capitol. It seems that when Kissinger was in Vietnam working on ending the war he was told that he could take then LCDR McCain home with him. Secretary Kissinger declined that offer thinking - but not knowing - LCDR McCain would want to stay. When they met later, Secretary Kissinger mentioned this to LCDR McCain, and the response was "Thank you. You did the right thing." In his 5.5 years of captivity LCDR McCain was offered the option to go home twice, once directly (which he refused) and then indirectly (through Secretary Kissinger). At one point he also signed a doctored confession when he felt that he was at the point of death. He later said that was one of the biggest mistakes of his life and he always regretted it. Clearly truly human, and at the same time truly seeking to do right.
In many ways I know that I identify with Sen. McCain as he as he was human and making mistakes. He also has my highest respect as he would claim the mistakes he made, and then go on to do - and almost always by enlisting the aid of others - remarkable things and ensure that the others received the credit as well.
One story about his humility in taking care of Wounded Warriors was that he would make personal visits to troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda. Only he and his driver would go - no press or photographers. When he was there, he was there to visit the injured troops and any family present - it was all about the ones he was visiting.
As the events of last week fade, I would like to think that I could do what the Senator has done as far as his moral courage. I have no idea if that is even possible; however, I certainly think that his ability to own up to his mistakes is an example that I could follow as I have yet to find the key to perfection. Making mistakes does seem to be a truly human trait.
May God grant Sen. McCain the wholeness and peace of a faithful servant, peace to his family and friends, and us the courage to do the harder right than the easier wrong in the choices we face as chaplains.
Fr. Razz Waff, DMin, BCC
RazzW@aol.com
Cell: 847-269-9066
Of Note - MCA Life Member and recently retired Navy Chief of Chaplains Margaret Kibben officiated at Senator McCain's funeral service at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD - Image - Rear Admiral Margaret G. Kibben and Secretary of Defense James Mattis walk in the funeral procession from the US Naval Academy Chapel to the USNA cemetery (USNA Photo)
Like many of you I spent the past few days following the funeral events of Senator John McCain, Captain, US Navy (Retired). I was struck through the interviews and retrospective film clips with the consistent theme that he was not perfect, he stumbled, apologized, and then tried again. And again. And again.
That said, by Wednesday evening of last week many of us were aware that he had turned down the opportunity to be released when his captors learned that his Dad had been named as the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command. Another piece of the story was told by Secretary Henry Kissinger's on Friday at the Capitol. It seems that when Kissinger was in Vietnam working on ending the war he was told that he could take then LCDR McCain home with him. Secretary Kissinger declined that offer thinking - but not knowing - LCDR McCain would want to stay. When they met later, Secretary Kissinger mentioned this to LCDR McCain, and the response was "Thank you. You did the right thing." In his 5.5 years of captivity LCDR McCain was offered the option to go home twice, once directly (which he refused) and then indirectly (through Secretary Kissinger). At one point he also signed a doctored confession when he felt that he was at the point of death. He later said that was one of the biggest mistakes of his life and he always regretted it. Clearly truly human, and at the same time truly seeking to do right.
In many ways I know that I identify with Sen. McCain as he as he was human and making mistakes. He also has my highest respect as he would claim the mistakes he made, and then go on to do - and almost always by enlisting the aid of others - remarkable things and ensure that the others received the credit as well.
One story about his humility in taking care of Wounded Warriors was that he would make personal visits to troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda. Only he and his driver would go - no press or photographers. When he was there, he was there to visit the injured troops and any family present - it was all about the ones he was visiting.
As the events of last week fade, I would like to think that I could do what the Senator has done as far as his moral courage. I have no idea if that is even possible; however, I certainly think that his ability to own up to his mistakes is an example that I could follow as I have yet to find the key to perfection. Making mistakes does seem to be a truly human trait.
May God grant Sen. McCain the wholeness and peace of a faithful servant, peace to his family and friends, and us the courage to do the harder right than the easier wrong in the choices we face as chaplains.
Fr. Razz Waff, DMin, BCC
RazzW@aol.com
Cell: 847-269-9066
Of Note - MCA Life Member and recently retired Navy Chief of Chaplains Margaret Kibben officiated at Senator McCain's funeral service at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD - Image - Rear Admiral Margaret G. Kibben and Secretary of Defense James Mattis walk in the funeral procession from the US Naval Academy Chapel to the USNA cemetery (USNA Photo)