Hey guys! I know it has been a while, but the Internet is not so good where I am. Thank God that Nancy has learned how to post for me!
Things are good here, but missing home is common and sometimes downright depressing. I have very good days which go right along with very bad days. November 4th was not such a good day. I'm missing home terribly and I find out our Country has elected someone whose ideas scare me. He looks presidential, sounds presidential (at times) and has the presidential picture perfect family. However, his views are sharply in contrast to my more conservative views. What can I do? Trust God and pray that President Elect Obama does a terrific job. Pray for President elect Obama to have great wisdom and pray for his protection. This is an unprecedented, historical event which will bring out the worst in some, and hopefully the best in others.
November 4th was also the day Kitty Hawk Elementary School elected Emily Hamilton to serve as the 5th Grade Student Body President. Wow! I couldn't be more proud of her. The way I see it we are batting .500 in Presidential races.
This past week my son, Evan, turned 16! I am so proud of him for the young man he has become. He loves the Lord and is very active in Church, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and hanging out with well grounded young people. He is also an honor student and often takes the opportunity to share his faith in the classroom. Many of you don't know that because the other thing that makes me proud is his humility. He never speaks much of his own accomplishments. He cares deeply for others as Emily does.
Nancy, my wife, also turned....a year older this week! Certainly you didn't expect me to reveal her age? Oh how I wish I could have been there. So, while missing the events in my wife and kids lives is hard I know I am here for a purpose greater than me. I can't claim to know all the reasons I am here, but I am sure that God has a plan for me, just like He does for you, and it does not always involve comfortable surroundings. It may simply be a time of growth. A time to grow closer to Him without all the distracting comforts of life. All I know, is just like with the election, I choose to trust Him. Trust Him with my family, trust Him with our nation, and trust Him with my loneliness . I choose to give it to Him for His purposes and for His glory.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Soldier's Poem
I found this today on the wall in a bunk room where one of the soldiers from another assignment slept.
A Soldier's Poem
An Endless Beach that has no Ocean
Where Beauty and Peril Lie
Uncertainty at a Market Place
The Smell of Emotions Tide
Exotic Scents and the Stench of War
Blend in Desert Haze
A Token Gift to a Grateful Child
Shortens a Long Weary Day
Over the Din of Soldiers Voices
Floats a Sweet Familiar Tune
It Transports our Flagging Spirit Home
Across the Hot Wind Swept Dunes
Just for a Minute you Feel Yourself
Safe In the Warm Embrace
Comforted by the One's you Love and
Memory of Each Caring Face.
Author Unknown Soldier
Plan your next
A Soldier's Poem
An Endless Beach that has no Ocean
Where Beauty and Peril Lie
Uncertainty at a Market Place
The Smell of Emotions Tide
Exotic Scents and the Stench of War
Blend in Desert Haze
A Token Gift to a Grateful Child
Shortens a Long Weary Day
Over the Din of Soldiers Voices
Floats a Sweet Familiar Tune
It Transports our Flagging Spirit Home
Across the Hot Wind Swept Dunes
Just for a Minute you Feel Yourself
Safe In the Warm Embrace
Comforted by the One's you Love and
Memory of Each Caring Face.
Author Unknown Soldier
Plan your next
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Letter From Iraq
Hello Everyone. Dale has limited access to the Internet right now so I am doing a guest post. I have attached a copy of a letter that Dale wrote to Evan's Highschool Creative Arts Class at First Flight High School. The students in this class all wrote letters to Dale before he left to go to Iraq and his response to those letters is not only touching, it is very insightful and powerful. It is the best letter that I have ever read.
Enjoy your day everyone and please take some time out of your day today to VOTE!
Blessings,
Nancy Hamilton
Dear Ms Leatherwood & Class,
I want to thank you for all the letters you wrote to the soldiers in my Battalion. I took the time and read every one of them, and I am sure the guys will be impressed and moved by your support of them. Some of you pointed out that you either disagree or have reservations about the war, but still shared your support for the men & women defending our Nation. I am impressed with your honesty and your willingness to see beyond your personal feelings about why we are there. Our soldiers need and appreciate your support. Let me share a little about them and what they do.
Our soldiers are doing a job few are willing to do. The decision to join the military should never be one taken lightly. It is not for everyone. I once read that the bravest thing a soldier will ever do is sign up to serve, the rest is simply their duty. You should know that our young men and women are eager to serve their Nation even when death is starring them in the face. They believe there are things worth dying for and our way of life is one of them. I am not a soldier, but I am proud to be serving beside them. For the most part, they are unshakable in their commitment to making Iraq a safe place for families to live, play, and go to school, things we take for granted.
There is something else you should know. I have been on several missions with the units over here and they do a lot more than defeat the enemy. On one mission they traveled into hostile areas to deliver a wheel chair to an 8 year old girl who has never been able to walk and who is totally dependent on relatives to carry her if she moves at all. On another mission they delivered school supplies to two local schools. Things like back packs, chalk, pencils and paper. Again, things we take for granted. They check to make sure local health clinics are safe enough for people who need medical attention can go without fear. What they do is really incredible. They have even built schools and clinics when none exist or they are destroyed.
I am telling you these things because I think it is important to know that our Country does more than defeat the enemy. One thing that separates us from all other countries is our humanity and compassion for others. We may destroy, but we never leave without rebuilding and often leaving a nation better than it was to begin with.
I am so proud of our Country and the young men and women who defend her. I am also mindful of the many who served so valiantly yet never made it home to see the great things their sacrifice made possible. Next time you see a soldier thank them. They won't expect it and they don't do it for your thanks. They do it because they believe in something bigger than themselves. They believe in this great Country and they believe in you. They know that your freedom of speech is important, that your right to choose how to worship, where to live and what to become are important. They know how much you are capable of accomplishing when able to do so free of fear.
What our soldiers do and why they do it has nothing to do with politics. To engage in war is not their decision, that is left to our elected officials. However, our soldiers stand ready at all times to defend our freedom and the freedom of anyone who can't defend themselves against tyranny and oppression.
You can have no worse enemy or better friend than the United States Military. When duty calls they will be there.
Well I guess that is enough for now. In closing, I pray our soldiers will all come home safely knowing that many will not. I pray also for you. That you would honor their sacrifice by being the best you can be at whatever you choose to do.
God bless you all,
Evan's Dad
Dale Hamilton
1-63 CAB HHC LEP
FOB Mahmudiyah
APO AE 09322
Enjoy your day everyone and please take some time out of your day today to VOTE!
Blessings,
Nancy Hamilton
Dear Ms Leatherwood & Class,
I want to thank you for all the letters you wrote to the soldiers in my Battalion. I took the time and read every one of them, and I am sure the guys will be impressed and moved by your support of them. Some of you pointed out that you either disagree or have reservations about the war, but still shared your support for the men & women defending our Nation. I am impressed with your honesty and your willingness to see beyond your personal feelings about why we are there. Our soldiers need and appreciate your support. Let me share a little about them and what they do.
Our soldiers are doing a job few are willing to do. The decision to join the military should never be one taken lightly. It is not for everyone. I once read that the bravest thing a soldier will ever do is sign up to serve, the rest is simply their duty. You should know that our young men and women are eager to serve their Nation even when death is starring them in the face. They believe there are things worth dying for and our way of life is one of them. I am not a soldier, but I am proud to be serving beside them. For the most part, they are unshakable in their commitment to making Iraq a safe place for families to live, play, and go to school, things we take for granted.
There is something else you should know. I have been on several missions with the units over here and they do a lot more than defeat the enemy. On one mission they traveled into hostile areas to deliver a wheel chair to an 8 year old girl who has never been able to walk and who is totally dependent on relatives to carry her if she moves at all. On another mission they delivered school supplies to two local schools. Things like back packs, chalk, pencils and paper. Again, things we take for granted. They check to make sure local health clinics are safe enough for people who need medical attention can go without fear. What they do is really incredible. They have even built schools and clinics when none exist or they are destroyed.
I am telling you these things because I think it is important to know that our Country does more than defeat the enemy. One thing that separates us from all other countries is our humanity and compassion for others. We may destroy, but we never leave without rebuilding and often leaving a nation better than it was to begin with.
I am so proud of our Country and the young men and women who defend her. I am also mindful of the many who served so valiantly yet never made it home to see the great things their sacrifice made possible. Next time you see a soldier thank them. They won't expect it and they don't do it for your thanks. They do it because they believe in something bigger than themselves. They believe in this great Country and they believe in you. They know that your freedom of speech is important, that your right to choose how to worship, where to live and what to become are important. They know how much you are capable of accomplishing when able to do so free of fear.
What our soldiers do and why they do it has nothing to do with politics. To engage in war is not their decision, that is left to our elected officials. However, our soldiers stand ready at all times to defend our freedom and the freedom of anyone who can't defend themselves against tyranny and oppression.
You can have no worse enemy or better friend than the United States Military. When duty calls they will be there.
Well I guess that is enough for now. In closing, I pray our soldiers will all come home safely knowing that many will not. I pray also for you. That you would honor their sacrifice by being the best you can be at whatever you choose to do.
God bless you all,
Evan's Dad
Dale Hamilton
1-63 CAB HHC LEP
FOB Mahmudiyah
APO AE 09322
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Mission or Missions?
The other day I went on my first military mission although it reminded me more of missions work than what I believed to be military missions. While our trip served multiple purposes, most of which I cannot share, one of our goals was mission critical. We delivered a wheel chair to an 8 year old Iraqi girl who's only mode of transportation to this point in her life was to be carried by her relatives. While the wheel chair aided her relatives more than the little girl it was very gratifying to be part of such an important mission. Unfortunately you will never read about this in the paper or see it on the nightly news.
There were many children at this home and they were all so beautiful. I know it sounds odd, but that somehow amazed me as though I thought perhaps they would be ugly because of the ugly situation their country is in. These children look just like ours with the exception of most of them being brown eyed, black her and dark skin. They waved, smiled and just got excited seeing the American Soldiers. It was truly a blessing to be there.
One of the elder women of this family spoke to me as though I could understand and speak her language. She kept pointing at a young man, about the age of my son, and was obviously telling me a story about him. The interpreter came over and helped me when he saw I was struggling big time. The lady was telling me that the young man was an orphan. Terrorist had taken his father away and he had no other relatives. They were taking care of him.
Today a Sgt. delivered the message at Chapel on being salt and light to the world. It was delivered very well and really got me thinking about what our young men do. Whether they know it or not they are bringing salt and light to a very dark world. Whether they know it or not they are doing God's work and serving God's people.
I know we have a tendency of thinking of our soldiers as the best trained killers in the world, and they are, but to think that is their sole purpose is a gross misunderstanding of their mission.
These young men & women do what few will for little financial gain. They do it for little thanks and often for a Country that treats them as evil. Oddly enough they may never see the fruit of their labor, but just like us when we labor for the Lord none of it is in vain. The outcome is up to God. We are here to serve His purpose.
God bless you all and do what you can do, not expecting to see the beauty of what is to come.
There were many children at this home and they were all so beautiful. I know it sounds odd, but that somehow amazed me as though I thought perhaps they would be ugly because of the ugly situation their country is in. These children look just like ours with the exception of most of them being brown eyed, black her and dark skin. They waved, smiled and just got excited seeing the American Soldiers. It was truly a blessing to be there.
One of the elder women of this family spoke to me as though I could understand and speak her language. She kept pointing at a young man, about the age of my son, and was obviously telling me a story about him. The interpreter came over and helped me when he saw I was struggling big time. The lady was telling me that the young man was an orphan. Terrorist had taken his father away and he had no other relatives. They were taking care of him.
Today a Sgt. delivered the message at Chapel on being salt and light to the world. It was delivered very well and really got me thinking about what our young men do. Whether they know it or not they are bringing salt and light to a very dark world. Whether they know it or not they are doing God's work and serving God's people.
I know we have a tendency of thinking of our soldiers as the best trained killers in the world, and they are, but to think that is their sole purpose is a gross misunderstanding of their mission.
These young men & women do what few will for little financial gain. They do it for little thanks and often for a Country that treats them as evil. Oddly enough they may never see the fruit of their labor, but just like us when we labor for the Lord none of it is in vain. The outcome is up to God. We are here to serve His purpose.
God bless you all and do what you can do, not expecting to see the beauty of what is to come.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
In Country!
Hello everyone. I am now in Iraq and living the dream. To be able to support our troops and our Country in this way is extremely gratifying and truly an honor.
I hope everyone at the beach is doing well and adjusting to school and the quiet time we know as the off season.
I have not been able to blog in a while, but now hope to have an entry for you once a week. It is difficult to get to a computer and the Internet on most days, but I think once a week I should be able to manage.
As usual I have a request, please continue to pray for our soldiers, the Iraqi Army, Police and citizens, as well as the many civilians that are here in support of OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom).
It is overwhelming what the coalition troops are doing here. I am proud to be an American and of the many positive changes made to the lives of the people of Iraq by our Country and allies. You can be proud to whether you support the war or not. There are great things being done here and much more to follow.
God bless you all
I hope everyone at the beach is doing well and adjusting to school and the quiet time we know as the off season.
I have not been able to blog in a while, but now hope to have an entry for you once a week. It is difficult to get to a computer and the Internet on most days, but I think once a week I should be able to manage.
As usual I have a request, please continue to pray for our soldiers, the Iraqi Army, Police and citizens, as well as the many civilians that are here in support of OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom).
It is overwhelming what the coalition troops are doing here. I am proud to be an American and of the many positive changes made to the lives of the people of Iraq by our Country and allies. You can be proud to whether you support the war or not. There are great things being done here and much more to follow.
God bless you all
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Home
I have been home now since Friday night the 12th of September. Just a few more days and I head out again and rejoin the military family I am now a part of.
Coming home has been a truly wonderful thing for me. Just putting my toes in the sand, going to my Church, singing along with our worship team (it's the best in the world), seeing friends and especially spending time with my wife and kids.
Emily's Birthday was wonderful and we all had a good time celebrating together. I got to watch Evan play baseball on Sunday and that too was a blessing. Our team lost, but that didn't seem to matter to any of us.
It is so nice to have a home. Some place where you feel comfortable, where you can relax knowing you are among those that love you and care for you.
Thanks to all my friends for kindness to me and my family.
God bless you all and God bless and keep my family.
Coming home has been a truly wonderful thing for me. Just putting my toes in the sand, going to my Church, singing along with our worship team (it's the best in the world), seeing friends and especially spending time with my wife and kids.
Emily's Birthday was wonderful and we all had a good time celebrating together. I got to watch Evan play baseball on Sunday and that too was a blessing. Our team lost, but that didn't seem to matter to any of us.
It is so nice to have a home. Some place where you feel comfortable, where you can relax knowing you are among those that love you and care for you.
Thanks to all my friends for kindness to me and my family.
God bless you all and God bless and keep my family.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
9-11 We Must Not Forget!
As I sit in my hotel room at 8:46 am eastern time, and listen and watch the events of that tragic day repeat themselves, I still feel the same intensity of hurt, anger & pride I felt that day in 2001 when I sat in a conference room just outside Washington, DC.
I was trapped in DC for the next three days fortunate enough to be staying in a friends apartment just blocks from the Capitol. I remember praying to get home for my daughters 4th birthday on 9-15, & at the same time wanting so badly to stay & some how help. That sense of helplessness is one that will allows be with me & I am certain is shared by all who love this great country and watched in horror as terrorists committed such horrific & cowardly attacks on this place we love.
As we remember the brave fire, police & emergency medical personnel who gave themselves in heroic efforts to save innocent Americans, please don't forget the soldiers who continue to give of themselves, their families and their lives.
The war on terrorism is not over. Please remember & do not be lulled in to the same false sense of security you may have found yourself in on 9-11, 2001 at 8:45am.
WE MUST NEVER FORGET!
By the way, I did make it home for my daughters birthday. I made it home because a friend was willing to make the journey to get me in his personal car at a time when all forms of public transportation were standing still.
Thanks David, you are a true friend.
I was trapped in DC for the next three days fortunate enough to be staying in a friends apartment just blocks from the Capitol. I remember praying to get home for my daughters 4th birthday on 9-15, & at the same time wanting so badly to stay & some how help. That sense of helplessness is one that will allows be with me & I am certain is shared by all who love this great country and watched in horror as terrorists committed such horrific & cowardly attacks on this place we love.
As we remember the brave fire, police & emergency medical personnel who gave themselves in heroic efforts to save innocent Americans, please don't forget the soldiers who continue to give of themselves, their families and their lives.
The war on terrorism is not over. Please remember & do not be lulled in to the same false sense of security you may have found yourself in on 9-11, 2001 at 8:45am.
WE MUST NEVER FORGET!
By the way, I did make it home for my daughters birthday. I made it home because a friend was willing to make the journey to get me in his personal car at a time when all forms of public transportation were standing still.
Thanks David, you are a true friend.
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