On 10 October 2008, I had the honor to spend part of the day with about 45 former Soldiers and family members of the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion, also known as the BLUE BABE Battalion (for this reference, see Paul Bunyan and lore - to include his Blue Ox, Babe). These elder Veterans form the

82^ND Engineer Veterans covering the time span from 1960-1977.

These BLUE BABE Vets were having their annual Reunion at Springfield, Missouri, this past year. Their visit included a visit to Fort Leonard Wood – where I’m currently stationed. I was invited to get together with these Engineers during their visitation to the post, and I jumped at the chance. These gentlemen are great Americans who defended the USA, Germany and the rest of the free world through some turbulent times in our past.

Several of these Vets had served in the 82^ND Engineer Battalion here at Leonard Wood, too – as far back as 1959, but the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1961 changed that. Here’s some brief history for you: the threat/standoff with the former Soviet Union and the missiles in Cuba prompted President John F. Kennedy to order the mobilization of American Troops to Germany to protect Berlin and then-West Germany from invasion/attack from the Communist-led East German Troops who were massing at the border of East Berlin.

The 82^ND Engineers remained in Germany after this crisis subsided – I encourage you to look up the Cuban Missile Crisis online for a more thorough history of the affair. The Battalion relocated to Warner Barracks in Bamberg, Germany. The Battalion spent the last 40-plus years of it’s existence in Bamberg, and underwent some changes. The name was officially changed to the 82^ND Engineer Battalion after 1977, and the BLUE BABE Battalion, as continued making history until 2006. I know this history well –

Mr. Cozart is a former private first class in A Company, 82^ND CEB. He stays in touch with his fellow battalion Soldiers through the website, and these 82^ND CEB Reunions as well.

We shared a memorable Luncheon honoring the Veterans at the Post’s Pershing Club. Listening to discussion and debates from favorite Presidential Candidates to favorite football and baseball teams to favorite and least-favorite Army foods, one couldn’t help but feel warmed by the friendship and camaraderie shared by these modern-day “Band of Brothers” – forged in hours of training…and combat. Amongst the 82^nd Engineer Veterans today are several who served and fought in the Vietnam War.

After the Luncheon, we boarded the special transport the Post provided for the Veterans. We traveled to several training sites, and Mr. Cozart and the rest of the Veterans joyfully witnessed some of the trials faced by several of today’s new, wannabe Soldiers in Basic Combat Training. The Veterans got to see some of the new housing that is being built for families on Post as well; they were proud to see that the Army had “improved over the decades” in taking care of Soldiers and their families. I heard several tales, and shared laughs over old “war stories,” so-to-speak, of past experiences. My time with the Veterans just flew by.

I had the honor of giving the Prayer for both the Luncheon and a Special Ceremony later that day honoring the 82^nd Engineer Battalion at the Post’s U.S. Army Museum. The ceremony at the museum culminated the Veterans visit to Fort Leonard Wood this day. Colonel Robert Tipton, Commandant, U.S. Army Engineer School, and CSM Robert Wells, the Engineer School’s Regimental Command Sergeant-Major, both attended and hosted the ceremony.

The four hours spent with these Veterans gave me some great memories but one stands apart.  I listened for several minutes to one of the Veterans by the name of Roland Joiner. He spoke of the words on a jacket that he or another fellow Veteran was wearing – the words were “All gave some…Some gave ALL.” Mr. Joiner then spoke of his half-brother, Thomas Long, and how he gave his all – Thomas was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967. Mr. Joiner’s eyes filled with tears as he spoke of his brother, and how he choked up every time he heard those words. One could not help but be touched in hearing these words of love…and sacrifice. Personally, I’m reminded as well by a song or Scripture of fellow Soldiers I’ve had the pleasure to know – many who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice in dying for their Country. I’ve led more Memorial Ceremonies than I care to recall, but its always an honor to do this for them; they were my Soldiers.

”Some Gave All” is the title of a song as well – it was written back in 1992 by Country Music singer Billy Ray Cyrus. The song is a tribute to those who served and sacrificed. Here are some of the lyrics:

I can’t forget the look in his eyes…Or the tears he cries

Think of all your liberties and recall — some gave all.

The brave American Veterans I spent this October day with know much about giving some…and they are well acquainted with the memories of those who gave all.

God has so greatly blessed our “good ole USA” – probably much more than we’ve deserved over the past 30 years. Even during economic uncertainty and war, there is so much to be thankful for. America is going strong now for nearly 233 years, and remains a “beacon of hope” around the world today. A large part of this is due to the Men and Women in today’s Armed Forces who serve at Home and around the world…and In Harm’s Way. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines know well the meaning of the words “selfless service.”

Servicemen and women know order and sacrifice – and the power of word and authority. Jesus Himself recognized a Centurion, today’s equivalent of a Sergeant-Major or Commander, for his faith.

From Matthew 8:5-10 - -

Yes, Soldiers train, defend, fight, and sacrifice…for Our Freedom and Our Way of Life each and every day. It takes sacrifice to be a Chaplain as well, as Chaplains share with their Soldiers in being deployed away from their families, too. Still, it’s easy to Minister to Soldiers – this is where I know God wants me. God has blessed us with such a Great Nation, and He hasn’t taken His Hand from us. Remember this as well - Freedom is never free, as the saying goes, and Brave Americans today, such as those from the 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion defend and have pay the price for that Freedom - time and again.