A friend of mine who is in the United States Navy has recently made a a couple of posts, The United States Air Force Museum and I’m Stimulated, which have perhaps tied into some of the wonderings of my mind of late but also led me to focus some of my ponderings as well. I planned to explore those thoughts as I started to write today. However, after a bit I found myself going elsewhere, so revision took place… But I still feel the need to: express gratitude for inspiration and exploration even if the connection is not visible.
My grandfather entered the United States Marine Corps prior to the entry of the US into WWII. He would serve in the pacific theatre as part of the 3rd division I believe. And his time of service involved several close encounters, if things had taken place a bit later, another wave had been sent… I may never have known him and not be known as Lyle, but that was not the case. In ways he was lucky, though I think the weight of losing men that he as Cpl Anderson was to be with but was not due to accidental injury I’m sure weighed upon him. 
My Father entered the United States Marines during Viet Nam and served active duty for a brief time with I think the third air wing, at least for part of the time, in a reserve status for longer. My uncle served in the Army for some time. Various family members, friends, and others in my life have served I have great respect for them all and am grateful for all their willingness to serve in this way, and yet I wish there had never been a need. I wish there wasn’t a need, I wish we were in a place where we, humanity as a whole, could settle our differences without need for violent armed conflict, or even the “threat” of it. I would love to see the day when the people and other resources that are today devoted to the militaries of the world could be utilized as armies of people and equipment to alleviate poverty, aid in the recovery from disasters… They are today used at times for these uses, but its not their primary reason for being, but what if it was and the need for defense was gone? How much good could be done? How to we get to that point? How can we get the governments of the world to work together for the good of all, to break down prejudices, fears, etc so that that could become a reality world over?
My undergrad was in part paid for by the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, for three years I had the honor of receiving the Chaplain Vincent Capodanno Memorial Scholarship… Named after a Navy chaplain serving with the Marines, and giving his life on the battlefield to provide care to those in need. Perhaps fitting for one who discovered early in that education realized the need to further his theological and ministerial education, and seeks to work in the field of ministry as well.
My grandmother was a nurse, my mom serving in the medical field in a few different ways, my dad was a paramedic, my sister is a nurse. Then there is me, doing an internship as a chaplain in a hospital, providing care to people and planning a future serving in ministry caring for people, though in a different way than them.
Interesting the ways things seem to connect, and intertwined. I hope that I will continue to grow in understanding who nI am, what has formed me, and finding ways to embrace my calling, and the calling of my faith community expressed in part as to be “a healing and redeeming agent… inspired by the life and witness of the Redeemer of the world,” to become a people “who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extended the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing,” to restore persons to “healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth”, to “create pathways of in the world for peace in Christ to be relationally and culturally incarnate,” and “above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on Earth,” courageously challenging “cultural, political, and religious trends that that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God.” (from Doctrine and Covenants Sections 156, 161, and 163")
Well not what I planed to write, and very limited in expressing even what I felt needed to write after the focus changed, but it is a start maybe thoughts of research and development, spending and more will come in the future…. Either way hopefully Chris will manage my 3.5 cents wisely 
…
Peace,
Lyle II
— Lyle II