| RIP-TOA Blues -080113 |
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Well, it has started . . . the beginning of the end. Our successors are arriving slowly but surely. Soon, the All Americans will be replaced by the Screaming Eagles. So, what does the Army call it? RIP/TOA => Relief in Place/Transition of Authority. I got a HUGE dose of reality today when I announced my replacement's name and one of my new team members began to loudly shout and rejoice. I thought, "man, I'm not dead yet . . . don't dance on my grave." But, to echo my Boss, quoting (paraphrasing) the words of the Gospel - "they (the 101st) must increase as we (the 82d) decrease."
 So, my only hope is that the team continues to grow and thrive under new leadership. Even more, they have a greater impact and do great things for the kingdom of God. Thus, it is exciting and simultaneously sad to see all the soldiers wearing the Screaming Eagle. Despite our sense of self worth and how important we consider ourselves . . . we can always be replaced. I was told once, "Do you want to see how big a hole will be left when you depart? Stick your finger in a glass of water, remove it and carefully examine the hole." Even though things will continue, thrive, and progress when I'm gone - I only hope I've made an impact for eternity in the lives of some of our great men and women here in Bagram!
Additionally, we've already seen the Exodus back to the continental United States (CONUS) of several of our team members since Christmas. Of course, the one constant in the military is change.
 Now, I've actually got a history with the 101st Airborne Division. I attended the Air Assault School at Ft. Campbell, KY back in 1987. During that time I suffered multiple injuries. First, a can of paint fell out of my wall locker onto my bare foot - causing the middle toe on my right foot to swell up like a grape. That was just great since I had a 3 mile run, a 4 mile run, and the final 10 mile ruck march ahead. Then, rappelling out of a UH-1H (Huey) helicopter from 90 feet, a guy slammed into me in mid air. He almost knocked me out and nearly broke my collar bone. But, God gave me His grace and mercy and I was able to graduate from the course.
I then served at Ft. Campbell, KY as a Chaplain on my first Active Duty Assignment with the 5th Special Forces Group. Many of my closest Chaplaincy peer friendships were formed during that time, and the bulk of them came out of the 101st Airborne Divison.
Finally, before the entire "Dream Team" disappeared back to the States (CONUS), we were able to sneak a quick shot . . .
I am so honored, humbled, and privileged to work with such an incredible, spiritually deep, and talented group of men and women. I literally feel like King David who was surrounded by mighty men of valor. Only, I'm surrounded by mighty men and women of valor.
133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Thanks for your prayers and support of America's Finest!
In Christ,
CHMTKlein |
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