27 February Lamentation In early 2009 I was in training with the Navy and in charge of a team of over a hundred Sailors. Our mission was to conduct detainee operations in a Theater Internment Facility. This particular mission is highly scrutinized and regulated due to previous transgressions in professionalism and displayed in the media. The atrocities of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay detainee facilities are images that will reside in my memory for many years to come. With the unit getting ready to conduct the detainee operations mission for the last time as we would be involved with training Iraqi Corrections Officers to take over the responsibilities, I had many trepidations. This was my first time conducting this type of work in this type of harsh environment. I relied on the Lord to carry us through the challenging nature of our assignment. Lamentation Lord, my God Almighty Lord Savior and healer You reign Entirely over the world. Undaunted Unwavering Caring Loving All Holy is Your name. I take refuge in you. I implore you! Oh, Lord Provide me with strength Courage Honor To embody steadfast Presence and leadership To lead your children Into battle And harm’s way. I am just one man With heavy shoulders Burdening the lives of many And responsible for their safety. Save and deliver me! Allow me the presence of mind And of situation. Provide me with resources The wherewithal The training Tactics Strength Courage Honor And commitment. Shield me from my enemies Who are trained to harm me. Don’t let me waiver In strength Decisions And leadership. Do not let me Compromise integrity So that those in my charge Benefit from unity And solidarity Of nature. Hear my plea oh Lord! I implore you! Receive my cry! Shroud me in your glory Provide promise And perseverance. I rely on your grace Every day Every hour Every minute Every second In foreign And domestic lands So that no harm Shall fall on me Or my men. Let us conduct ourselves Professionally and ethically Train our counterparts To the best of our abilities Complete the mission Turn over responsibilities Return with honor. I humbly implore you. Shine your grace On my mission. Provide peace And solace To a troubled nation And provide structure Strength Prosperity And persevreence To their efforts. Provide for Our safe return Our safe passage Weary and forlorn To our families With a sense Of steadfast accomplishment. In your hands I place my mission I relinquish our future To carry out Your wishes. I am encouraged By your love And goodness! I am emboldened By your glory! Ready and willing To carry out your mission For me and my men! I bask in your grace And thank you For your love As all things Are your Creation. We move In your glory. by Rudy Swigart Lamentation, Poetry 0 Comment Read More »