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October Chaplain's Reflections

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kirby Whitley
  • 169th Fighter Wing

Have you noticed the days are shorter and the mornings are darker? I love this time of year when the school buses begin to run their routes (not because I’m a parent), baseball season comes to an end and football season begins. These are the days of cooler evenings and golden skies as the sun showcases the beauty of the Fall colors. The beautiful colors of orange and yellow will begin to canvas the mountainsides and valleys as the end of the year begins to close out. Using a sports analogy, we are facing the seventh inning of a baseball game; the end of the game (year) is on the horizon and we are ready to move to the next inning with putting a few runs on the board.  

As this season begins to wrap up, you may reflect on the challenges you faced this past year. Have they made you stronger? Have you learned lessons from this past year that you can carry to the next? As Airmen we are constantly challenged and as Swamp Fox we constantly persevere. We persevere alongside our wingmen rooting for us and pulling us along this road we call life. 

            In 2012, Dewayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted the following, “All successes begin with self-discipline. It starts with you #GrabYourBrassRing.” Discipline does not come easy. It is a trait that is learned through mental toughness and training. The “Rock” did not become the Hollywood star overnight; it took many years of exercise and practice to perfect his brand. 2 Timothy 1:7 reads, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” These words come from Paul as he was writing to his faithful servant Timothy while imprisoned in Rome. Paul desired for Timothy to succeed within the realm of his ministry. As a member of the Chaplain Corps, our work is aimed at seeing you succeed with providing encouragement and support along the way!

I pray this year has been fruitful and prosperous for you in many areas of your life and I challenge you this upcoming year to exhibit self-discipline to become better, faster and stronger not only for the overall success of the 169FW but for yourself. This Fall as the colors become bolder, distinguish your hue through self-discipline and enjoy the successes which will be a product of your hard work. 

If you desire more information or support on spiritual strength or religious provisions, please call the SCANG Chaplain Corps office at 803-647-8265.