From my e-mail...
Subject: Ramstein Chaplain's Thought For The Day (Thursday 10
April 03) If you have worn the uniform this one will get you!!!
A little background - The German Army is at Gates of all
military installations in Germany providing entry control on a 24 X 7
basis to relieve US Forces that are in middle east..
A different perspective on our German allies. Our governments
may be at odds over Iraq Policy - but Military understands Military
Here are our Allies!
Sunday, 30 March 2003
As usual I was running late. So, you can imagine my
frustration level as I approached the main gate of Ramstein Air Base
only to find traffic backed up! Nearing the checkpoint I realized that
not only was there a long line of cars, but traffic had come to a
complete stop as a result of all entrance gates being closed. Over the
past 18-months, there have been many opportunities to practice our
patience as we have had to "hurry up and wait" as a result of heightened
security. While we realize the necessity, it's still frustrating at
times for even the most easy-going folks.
This was one of those times for me! I needed to be where I was
going, and I needed to be there NOW! The German soldiers, the ones
manning the entrances of American military installations here in
Germany, were just milling around, chatting as if those of us in line
had all the time in the world.
Things seemed to go from bad to worse! The German gate guards
began walking among the stopped cars, asking us to turn off our engines
and headlights. I realized that no traffic was exiting or entering the
Air Base. My feelings of frustration began to turn to ones of concern.
Just what was going on? A few minutes later I noticed blue lights
approaching from the direction of the air terminal. Close behind were
two military medical buses with their RED CROSS . Lights were on in the
buses, and I.V. bags could be seen hanging. It was then that I realized
that these were more of our wounded warriors being transported from the
battlefields to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for treatment.
I certainly wasn't prepared for what happened next. All of the
German soldiers, our gate guards, began walking toward the concrete
barriers that divide the inbound and outbound lanes of traffic. As the
blue lights neared, more German soldiers seemed to appear from nowhere,
lining the road, shoulder to shoulder. Right on cue, without a word
being spoken, these soldiers snapped a sharp salute as the buses drove
pass, rendering arms until well after the last bus had passed.
Needless to say, I was speechless and deeply moved. What a
show of respect for fellow soldiers!
(name deleted)
--- Soldier to Soldier, rendering honor and respect! Our allies,
our comrades, those who know the price that some have to pay for freedom
did not have to be asked or prompted, it came from their character and
soldiering heart! May God bless and watch over all soldiers and their
loved ones as they stand in harm's way for us! Blessings and Peace,
CH (COL) DAVID E.MCLEAN
CHIEF, PASTORAL SERVICES ERMC/LRMC |
