sorry- i misinterpreted FLYTPAY's comment about islamic beliefs.
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Military Aviation Major
- Thread starter Maine Vaulter
- Start date
sorry- i misinterpreted FLYTPAY's comment about islamic beliefs.
Maine Vaulter
USMC Candidate - Air
What I meant by that was that I don't go around quoting the Bible to people, but if someone asks me about my morals or beliefs I don't dull them down just to fit in. imo if someone were not firmly set and unashamed of what they believe about something very important to them then I would question their judgment...
But as I stated I have no military experiance so I may be the exception to the rule.
Edit: I am also still wondering what your experiences have been with employers when they compare your 10+ year old degree with your time of service. Which have you found to have more weight?
Maine vaulter, i just want to tell you that i think it is a great thing that you have both a dream and moral, religiosu convictions. why should having one cause a person to not be able to pursue the other? i've definitely heard of great naval aviators that were evangelical christians- you can look up RADM Bud Flagg for example.
i wanted to make a small suggestion for you to consider. have you thought about VMI? it is only 10mins away from liberty u and accepts transfers. reason i mention it is that believe it or not, besides being a mil school with a lot of hardcore marine types (the nrotc commander is a marine aviator himself), it has an incredible spiritual program. when i was there a week ago on a campus visit, the chaplain, COL Park, compared his program to liberty u and said that a lot of kids and their parents decide to go to vmi after looking at both vmi and liberty u, because of vmi's ministries programs. below is something i've cut & pasted something from the vmi ministries from COL Park:
when i was looking at colleges, i considered liberty u too, but decided against for two reasons- 1st, they don't even have navy or marnie rotc, they only have army, and 2nd i just didn't think that they are as academically as strong as other colleges including christian colleges (such as gordon college, grove city college, etc).
i know it probably sounds like a wacky suggestion if you are looking into liberty u, but you might want to just look into it.
i wanted to make a small suggestion for you to consider. have you thought about VMI? it is only 10mins away from liberty u and accepts transfers. reason i mention it is that believe it or not, besides being a mil school with a lot of hardcore marine types (the nrotc commander is a marine aviator himself), it has an incredible spiritual program. when i was there a week ago on a campus visit, the chaplain, COL Park, compared his program to liberty u and said that a lot of kids and their parents decide to go to vmi after looking at both vmi and liberty u, because of vmi's ministries programs. below is something i've cut & pasted something from the vmi ministries from COL Park:
when i was looking at colleges, i considered liberty u too, but decided against for two reasons- 1st, they don't even have navy or marnie rotc, they only have army, and 2nd i just didn't think that they are as academically as strong as other colleges including christian colleges (such as gordon college, grove city college, etc).
i know it probably sounds like a wacky suggestion if you are looking into liberty u, but you might want to just look into it.
Chaplains at war
They also wear the uniform and haircut as do AMSOs.
U.S. Navy
Capt. Stephen Epperson
Chaplain Witnesses Sacrifices for Freedom's Future
By Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
AL ASAD, Iraq, Dec. 14, 2005 — �Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have met the people I have, traveled to the places I�ve been and shared all the experiences that have enriched my life.�
Navy Capt. Stephen Epperson, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Chaplain, serves U.S. servicemembers at Al Asad, Iraq. With vivid detail, he can recount story after story from his 38 years of service.
His career began with making coffee for an admiral during the Vietnam era. During 1983, he was off the coast of Lebanon for 43 straight days, including Christmas, where he baptized 22 people in the Jordan River. He traveled to Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, served as the command chaplain at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and counseled Marines who returned from the battle of Fallujah. He has been there as the world has changed.
“I have every confidence in the future of our country because of the young people I see making sacrifices for freedom’s future,” said Epperson, a native of Pensacola, Fla. “Every tour in my career has been a great one. Being here, I’m surrounded with the best America has to offer.”
As the most senior chaplain at Al Asad, Epperson’s main duty is to coordinate and facilitate ministry to people of all faiths. He is here for all the U.S. servicemembers, religious and secular. Of his many duties, he said one that stands out to him is spending time with and praying for wounded servicemembers returning from combat.
“I’m constantly inspired and moved by the courage of our wounded veterans,” said Epperson. “I’m amazed by their commitment to the mission. They all want to get back to their units, no matter if they are Marines, soldiers or sailors.”
At Al Asad, Epperson and the chaplains created an environment where Marines know they can go for religious services and everyday advice.
“I would not hesitate to approach Chaplain Epperson if I ever needed help or counsel. I know he would provide me with the direction and advice I would be need,” said Cpl. Thomas Burns II, 2nd MAW personnel chief and a native of Coventry, R. I. “Chaplain Epperson is very friendly, outgoing, and easily approachable. He always finds the time to greet and strike up a small conversation with anyone he comes in contact with.”
Burns said Epperson not only brings his religious values and services, he brings his friendship and a sense of comfort for all servicemembers deployed here.
“By being a part of the Warrior Transition Brief, which is given to all departing personnel, I have had the opportunity throughout my deployment to work with chaplains from all units,” said Burns. “They have shown professionalism, friendship and camaraderie to all by playing an active role in this program.”
The chaplain corps conducts many programs for deployed servicemembers, including more than 55 religious services and studies a week and a community relations project for local Iraqis.
One of the services Epperson plays an active role in is his caring to of wounded Marines who are flown into the hospital here. He said he will always remember one story, which has enriched his life and faith.
“Three wounded Marines were flown to the hospital, one with burns on more than 90 percent of his body,” said
Epperson. “No one expected him to live. If it just been him wounded, they might not have even called the helicopters. I immediately found out he was Catholic and called on a priest, who anointed him, and we both started praying.”
Although no one expected the Marine to live, Epperson said his job was to pray, and he prayed. Weeks later, the nurse who had been attending the wounded Marine came to a prayer service and told him the Marine was going to live.
“Chaplain Epperson and the Al Asad chaplain community are, quite literally, a godsend for the surgical company,” said Cmdr. Barbara A. Klus, the senior nurse and department head for the wards and intensive care unit for Combat Logistics Battalion 2 Surgical Company and a native of Arnold, Miss. “Their presence has a calming and peaceful effect on the patients and staff. When Chaplain Epperson, or any of the chaplains show up, there will be someone there who will focus directly on you. They listen, without judgment or distraction, to anything you need to say.”
“If you’ve ever taken care of someone with deep burns, you will never forget the smell or the sight,” Klus said.
She stressed that most people do everything they can to get away from the area.
“Chaplain Epperson and his chaplains did just the opposite,” said Kluss. “They stood patiently while we worked on the young man. They stayed out of the way and quietly prayed. When we had done everything we could physically for the young man, they asked if they could approach and gathered around his bed and prayed. Their whole focus was on this one young man who probably never even knew they were there. I firmly believe their presence and their prayers made a difference in this young man’s life.”
Klus said knowing that Chaplain Epperson and his staff are here to support them makes a world of difference. For them, the chaplain corps is a solid rock presence in a very uncertain world.
“I’ve seen the change in the young men returning from combat,” said Epperson. “They are very proud of what they have done and have no fear. The warrior spirit is in them.”
Epperson said for the U.S. servicemembers in Iraq, he may represent their pastor back home or something spiritual. But, he hopes he and the chaplains working with him in Iraq represent the best the chaplain corps has to offer.
During Easter service last year, Epperson said they had just received incoming rounds while the Palm Sunday service was being conducted.
“As the force protection was raised, I decided to go and talk with the Marines setting up the perimeter,” said Epperson. “I approached a vehicle that had the entirety of Psalm 91 written out on it. I found the Marine responsible for the vehicle, and asked him if he wrote this on a government vehicle. I’ll never forget his answer. He told me it was his job to take care of his Marines, to provide as much protection as he can, and he needs God’s help to do that.
“Although that’s just one story of many, it’s an experience that has enriched my life and faith,” said Epperson. “People always want to know why I don’t retire. Why in earth would I retire when I’m surrounded by the best people America has to offer?”
They also wear the uniform and haircut as do AMSOs.
U.S. Navy
Capt. Stephen Epperson
Chaplain Witnesses Sacrifices for Freedom's Future
By Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
AL ASAD, Iraq, Dec. 14, 2005 — �Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have met the people I have, traveled to the places I�ve been and shared all the experiences that have enriched my life.�
Navy Capt. Stephen Epperson, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Chaplain, serves U.S. servicemembers at Al Asad, Iraq. With vivid detail, he can recount story after story from his 38 years of service.
His career began with making coffee for an admiral during the Vietnam era. During 1983, he was off the coast of Lebanon for 43 straight days, including Christmas, where he baptized 22 people in the Jordan River. He traveled to Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union, served as the command chaplain at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and counseled Marines who returned from the battle of Fallujah. He has been there as the world has changed.
“I have every confidence in the future of our country because of the young people I see making sacrifices for freedom’s future,” said Epperson, a native of Pensacola, Fla. “Every tour in my career has been a great one. Being here, I’m surrounded with the best America has to offer.”
As the most senior chaplain at Al Asad, Epperson’s main duty is to coordinate and facilitate ministry to people of all faiths. He is here for all the U.S. servicemembers, religious and secular. Of his many duties, he said one that stands out to him is spending time with and praying for wounded servicemembers returning from combat.
“I’m constantly inspired and moved by the courage of our wounded veterans,” said Epperson. “I’m amazed by their commitment to the mission. They all want to get back to their units, no matter if they are Marines, soldiers or sailors.”
At Al Asad, Epperson and the chaplains created an environment where Marines know they can go for religious services and everyday advice.
“I would not hesitate to approach Chaplain Epperson if I ever needed help or counsel. I know he would provide me with the direction and advice I would be need,” said Cpl. Thomas Burns II, 2nd MAW personnel chief and a native of Coventry, R. I. “Chaplain Epperson is very friendly, outgoing, and easily approachable. He always finds the time to greet and strike up a small conversation with anyone he comes in contact with.”
Burns said Epperson not only brings his religious values and services, he brings his friendship and a sense of comfort for all servicemembers deployed here.
“By being a part of the Warrior Transition Brief, which is given to all departing personnel, I have had the opportunity throughout my deployment to work with chaplains from all units,” said Burns. “They have shown professionalism, friendship and camaraderie to all by playing an active role in this program.”
The chaplain corps conducts many programs for deployed servicemembers, including more than 55 religious services and studies a week and a community relations project for local Iraqis.
One of the services Epperson plays an active role in is his caring to of wounded Marines who are flown into the hospital here. He said he will always remember one story, which has enriched his life and faith.
“Three wounded Marines were flown to the hospital, one with burns on more than 90 percent of his body,” said
Epperson. “No one expected him to live. If it just been him wounded, they might not have even called the helicopters. I immediately found out he was Catholic and called on a priest, who anointed him, and we both started praying.”
Although no one expected the Marine to live, Epperson said his job was to pray, and he prayed. Weeks later, the nurse who had been attending the wounded Marine came to a prayer service and told him the Marine was going to live.
“Chaplain Epperson and the Al Asad chaplain community are, quite literally, a godsend for the surgical company,” said Cmdr. Barbara A. Klus, the senior nurse and department head for the wards and intensive care unit for Combat Logistics Battalion 2 Surgical Company and a native of Arnold, Miss. “Their presence has a calming and peaceful effect on the patients and staff. When Chaplain Epperson, or any of the chaplains show up, there will be someone there who will focus directly on you. They listen, without judgment or distraction, to anything you need to say.”
“If you’ve ever taken care of someone with deep burns, you will never forget the smell or the sight,” Klus said.
She stressed that most people do everything they can to get away from the area.
“Chaplain Epperson and his chaplains did just the opposite,” said Kluss. “They stood patiently while we worked on the young man. They stayed out of the way and quietly prayed. When we had done everything we could physically for the young man, they asked if they could approach and gathered around his bed and prayed. Their whole focus was on this one young man who probably never even knew they were there. I firmly believe their presence and their prayers made a difference in this young man’s life.”
Klus said knowing that Chaplain Epperson and his staff are here to support them makes a world of difference. For them, the chaplain corps is a solid rock presence in a very uncertain world.
“I’ve seen the change in the young men returning from combat,” said Epperson. “They are very proud of what they have done and have no fear. The warrior spirit is in them.”
Epperson said for the U.S. servicemembers in Iraq, he may represent their pastor back home or something spiritual. But, he hopes he and the chaplains working with him in Iraq represent the best the chaplain corps has to offer.
During Easter service last year, Epperson said they had just received incoming rounds while the Palm Sunday service was being conducted.
“As the force protection was raised, I decided to go and talk with the Marines setting up the perimeter,” said Epperson. “I approached a vehicle that had the entirety of Psalm 91 written out on it. I found the Marine responsible for the vehicle, and asked him if he wrote this on a government vehicle. I’ll never forget his answer. He told me it was his job to take care of his Marines, to provide as much protection as he can, and he needs God’s help to do that.
“Although that’s just one story of many, it’s an experience that has enriched my life and faith,” said Epperson. “People always want to know why I don’t retire. Why in earth would I retire when I’m surrounded by the best people America has to offer?”
Maine Vaulter
USMC Candidate - Air
Thanks for the info on VMI. I'm visiting Liberty on friday, I'll be sure to stop and check it out. Are students at VMI required to join a ROTC program? If so would I be able to keep my flight slot or would I have to reapply for one? I geuss I'll ask when I get there.
Also about the GPA and major, I have been thinking alot about that too. at my current school I've managed a 3.5-3.6 carrying 21 credits a trimester(trying to graduate in 2 years), so if I transfer to Liberty (or VMI) and take an extra year I hope my GPA will be a little higher. I'm not sure how grad schools will view a Biblical Studies degree, but if I go to grad school at a Christian college then I don't think they would hold it against me.
Also about the GPA and major, I have been thinking alot about that too. at my current school I've managed a 3.5-3.6 carrying 21 credits a trimester(trying to graduate in 2 years), so if I transfer to Liberty (or VMI) and take an extra year I hope my GPA will be a little higher. I'm not sure how grad schools will view a Biblical Studies degree, but if I go to grad school at a Christian college then I don't think they would hold it against me.
Maine Vaulter
USMC Candidate - Air
"Quality"Spread
Registered User
Enjoy
I went to Riddle and I would be lying if I told you it wasnt a complete waste of time. Pretty damn close though. 1) Have fun in school. 2)Take easy classes. 3) Save your brain for the military because they are gonna teach you how to fly their way. 4) Flight school is much more fun than college.
I went to Riddle and I would be lying if I told you it wasnt a complete waste of time. Pretty damn close though. 1) Have fun in school. 2)Take easy classes. 3) Save your brain for the military because they are gonna teach you how to fly their way. 4) Flight school is much more fun than college.
Harrier Dude
Living the dream
I think that M&RA https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/portal/page?_pageid=278,1&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL would be the closest thing in the USMC.
That's where the monitors work, our records are kepts, and all other personnel buffoonery happens.
That's where the monitors work, our records are kepts, and all other personnel buffoonery happens.
that's great! when you go by the admissions office on friday, you can look for capt. jackie tugman and mention that Desiree sent you
. she'll remember me since i'm one of her 2008 conditionally appointed.i think that you will be able to take nrotc classes and still keep your ocs slot. because you will only be taking the classes and not officially in the program. only 53% of the class of 2007 actually commissioned at all, although rotc was required of every cadet. but ask at the admissions office
definitely stop by chaplain park's office while you are there- his office is just past crozet mess hall on the same side of the street
hint, hint, hint: stop by friday afternoon if you can and catch the 4:25pm parade on the parade field in front of barracks- it's really cool! the entire thing starts at about 4pm.
good luck!
Well, going to VMI is sort of like getting the Silver Medal.....
...That is all.