Leaders Serve

I got to see the Naval Academy yesterday and was reminded of the great leaders that have served our country and sacrificed so much for our freedom. I’ve been to the Army/Navy game the last 2 years so it was a cool thing to see the Midshipmen preparing for careers in either the Navy or Marines. They are our future military leaders that will lay it on the line for our Country. For attending the Naval Academy they will serve a minimum of 5 years active duty service. Dave Cleary, who is a part of Fellowship attended the Naval Academy and flew in F-14s. These guys and girls are the best of the best.

I read last week where President Bush gave the Medal of Honor to the family of Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL who gave his life to try to get help for the men in his unit after they were surrounded in Afghanistan. It was the first Medal of Honor awarded for combat in the Afghan war. Bush praised the heroism of the elite combat teams - like Murphy's - that risked everything. "While their missions were often carried out in secrecy, their love of country and devotion to each other was always clear," the President said. "On June 28, 2005, Michael would give his life for these ideals."

Murphy and three other SEALs were searching for a terrorist in the Afghan mountains when they were caught in a firefight with members of the Taliban. Although wounded, Murphy put his own life on the line by moving into the open for a better position to transmit a radio call for help. Murphy, 29, was able to transmit his location and the size of the enemy force. He continued firing even after he was shot in tbe back.
Lt Murphy, a Penn State graduate, is a hero. Someday they will name a ship after him for his heroism. I pray for his family during this difficult time. His parents gave his ID tags to President Bush who immediately put them on before making the presentation. Nice touch.

I’m reminded today that leaders serve. Jesus taught us that as he washed the feet of his disciples shortly before his crucifixion. He told them that they wouldn’t fully understand the significance of what he was doing until later. Who can you serve as you lead today? Who can you invest in? Are you giving or taking? Tough questions that I was reminded of walking sidewalks of one of our country’s great Military Academies.