About the Guest Blogger:
In the spring of 2001, Chaplain Timothy
Lantz reported as Deputy Force Chaplain of the Naval Reserve Force (as it was
named then) located in New Orleans, La.
Among very few “regular Navy” personnel assigned, he quickly became very
impressed by the professional skills and dedication of all the folks: military
and civilian—SELRES and FTS—who make up the Navy Reserve and bring so much to
the total Force. Subsequent tours
at OPNAV, MARFORRES and Navy Region Southeast have only served to deepen his respect
for the entire Navy Reserve Family.
Captain Lantz has since returned to Navy Reserve Forces Command as Force
Chaplain.
Shipmates,
As
I write this, funding to support ADT, AT and even IDT drills, which was recently
unavailable for 16 days due to the federal government shutdown, is opening back
up. But even so, many Sailors are experiencing higher levels of stress as a
result of the sudden cancellation of orders, delays in drill periods and
financial strain.
I recommend
three things for each of us to do during these times of uncertainty: Keep
Faith, Appreciate Others and Stay Connected.
Keep
Faith. This includes praying for
our civilian government leaders, our senior military officials and each
other. It also means trusting that
the well-being of our military is of paramount importance and concern. A strong,
reliable and flexible Navy is essential to our Country and, in past decades,
the Reserve Component has proven to be of great value. Your contribution to the Total Force
has never been more appreciated by the Active Component or more recognized by
the American public and Congress. Have faith that your service as a Reserve
Sailor is and will be necessary for the strength of our Total Force and is
appreciated.
Appreciate
Others. Take a moment to consider
the efforts and sacrifices others are making. Tell them how much it means to
you. This is a great way to give them a lift and will give you one as
well. Though we may often hear the
phrase, “Thank you for your service!” it means much more when it comes from
someone who really knows, from personal experience, what we do
and how our families support us. Thank each other and your families. We all
serve and we all need to feel appreciated.
Stay
Connected. As you resume
training, lend assistance, encourage your Shipmates and support your leaders.
Make a promise to build a stronger, more cohesive unit through camaraderie. Renewed
opportunities for your service and the service of the total Force will come.
Your ability to connect to your unit and commands will go far toward preparing
the Reserve Force to meet whatever new challenges lie ahead.
Your
incredible resilience and your ability to overcome whatever challenges and
obstacles come along make the Navy Reserve a proven, trusted and reliable part
of the greatest Navy in the world. But in times of stress, especially in times
of stress, we all need a lift. Take care of each other, your family and
yourself. The Chaplain Corps is always here to listen should you want to talk.
May
God continue to bless each one of you and our Navy…and may God Bless America
with victory and peace.
Regards,
Chaplain Timothy Lantz
Chaplain Timothy Lantz
