August 16th, 2009 by Mike Redding
[As many of you know, Chaplain Thomas Watson is a Charlottean who is serving in Iraq, offering spiritual support and guidance to our troops through some of the toughest times in their lives. I received an e-mail days ago from Chaplain Watson, talking about how "One Soldier's Death" was being read on the front lines. In that e-mail, Chaplain Watson talked about how the article was providing a missing piece for some of our troops... and even healing. The correspondence that followed launched the Gratitude Wave. This Sunday, a word from the Chaplain as he reflects on what happened next. Straight from the front lines... Chaplain Watson:]
Wow!!
The “gratitude wave” reminded me that there is still much love and support for our troops who place their lives on the line everyday to protect the FREEDOM that we have as Americans. I’m shocked that a single reply on a blogsite would bring such an honorable return. This a great lesson on how encouragement pays off when you “give it up” to others.
The troops I’m with loved the idea of the “gratitude wave” because it reinforced their decision to serve our great nation. I have a saying that I sometimes revert to, “Soldiers are dying while America is at the mall.” Now, I have to stop and give honor to those who really appreciate what we do.
Since Sep. 11, 2001 I had an irritating itch to serve my country once again. During high school in 1985, I joined the NC Army National Guard and served for six years as a 19D, Cav Scout. But I never deployed. Things changed after that and we have been at war. After having served as a churchplanter/pastor in Las Vegas for more than three years the Lord allowed me to begin a journey that would ultimately land me near Baghdad, Iraq, near the birthplace of mankind and the center of thousands of years of theological history. God has given me the ministry of encouragement and that is the tool I use as an Army Chaplain.
I created a blogsite,
www.carolinachaplain.blogspot.com where I could send stories home that would encourage the wives and children of our servicemen and women. Our families need to hear the positive events of our tour and not just the blood and tears stories they watch on the news channels. I see the good in what we do and I want to pass it on. If you get a chance stop by and read about the 1-113th
Field Artillery Battalion out of Charlotte NC.
For all of you who participated in the “gratitude wave” I say wholeheartedly Thank you and God bless you in a mighty way! Your support keeps us going and keeps us motivated to persevere to the end. For those like Rebecca Baldeosingh who have lost loved ones in this war, my heart goes out to you. I pray that God would bring you peace beyond all understanding. I would like to thank my commander, LTC Mac Grimes, Commander,1-113 FA BN for allowing me to minister to our troops in this way. Thank you sir for desiring the best for our troops. Thank you God for giving me the strength to serve you and others. Thanks Mike and Anna Redding for creating the wave of love. It will not be forgotten. Last but not least, by far I thank my wife Jackie, and my two beautiful kids for allowing me to interrupt their lives so I could go to war in service to my great country.
Chaplain 1LT Thomas Watson
Chaplian Watson, Please let our troops know that our gratitude is not just one wave but a continuous one that will last until the last soldier is back home safe with their families. We so appreciate what they are doing and they are prayed for each and every day.