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from MAJ Edward R. (Randy) Miller USA (Ret.)

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Carolyn: I read your platoon leader article in the May OCF Command and have some ideas for you to pray about and then try. I'm a retired army major, medical service corps Christian, who back in the mid to late 70s commanded Bravo company, 25th Medical Battalion, in the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Tough duty, but our assignments office said someone had to do it!

At the change of command ceremony the company gave to the outgoing commander a bottle of good whisky as a parting gift. After thirteen months under my command things were a little different, as one might expect.

I felt awkward about getting something spiritual going along with all the other top priorities, so some OCFers at the chapel suggested that I just put the word out that I was starting a Bible study at such and such time in the company area, and be prepared to be all by myself at first. So I did that. Attendance was lean at first, but when the few who came passed the word around that it was an all-ranks study and that the moderator didn't have all the answers, more came to participate. The prayer time was very beneficial to those who came because they could see that I cared about them personally, their spiritual and family needs, as well as their MOS proficiency and the unit's mission performance.

When my change of command time came, the company presented me with a fine King James Bible. What made the difference? It started with no cussing from the top, as you mentioned in your article. The job still got done in a professional manner, but with a leader that could perform in an honorable Christian manner in and among some crude, crass and aggressive individuals. "Be among them but not one of them" is the prayer of the Christian military officer.

I am reading the memoirs of SGT Alvin York and his struggle with being a born-again Christian in the military preparing to hit the trenches in France during the First World War. His two officers, a captain and a major, exerted great influence by knowing their scriptures and leading by demonstrating a holy example for the soldiers! Very inspiring for a retiree like me and for a Christian lieutenant like you, Carolyn.

Be sure to link up with your local OCFers as soon as you can locate them for encouragement and prayer. God bless and keep you in the military and may you at all times hear His orders to carry out in your unit. Your example will have eternal benefit to someone in that platoon of MPs! Count on it! Lord willing, you will influence another SGT York. Blessings to you and to my OCF brothers and sisters in uniform.