Seven years makes an incredible difference

Seven years ago I was deployed to the Middle East as a U.S. Air Force chaplain. Our base was also home to several of our NATO allies. One of my favorite memories came during the Christmas season. The four chapel teams worked together to set up a series of Advent services where we gathered each week in a different nation’s camp. Similar gatherings were organized for service members of other faiths as well.

In addition to pausing for worship, we learned about each other’s traditions and snacked on each other’s holiday goodies. The U.S. provided candy canes and eggnog. The Canadians introduced us to Christmas doughnuts from Quebec. The Italians showed off their nativity-scene-making prowess, and the Danes treated us to gløgg mulled wine (non-alcoholic in respect to local customs).

Even though we came from different nations and spoke different languages, these services allowed us to celebrate both our shared faith and joint mission. The feeling of unity, fellowship, and joy was unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. Despite being thousands of miles from family and friends, that Christmas will forever remain one of my most treasured memories.

Not how friends behave

These same NATO allies stepped forward when our nation was attacked on September 11, 2001. Sadly, that seems to have been forgotten by the current occupant of the White House. Threats to invade Danish and annex Greenland is a terrible way to repay those who have been fighting and dying alongside us for the last two decades. This week leaders around the world publicly condemned these efforts and European troops are currently enroute to deter possible military action from a supposed ally.

Although I am now medically retired, many people I know and love are still serving in uniform in half a dozen NATO nations, including our own. If events continue on their current trajectory it is entirely possible many of the people I worshipped with seven years ago will soon be facing each other down from different ends of a weapon. To say that this possibility terrifies and keeps me up nights is an understatement. Words fail to express how heartbroken I and most of my fellow veterans are at the moment.

It does not have to be this way

It does not have to be this way. Conquest and imperialism are not the actions of a good friend and ally. Just like referring to Canada as the 51st state, this is not a joke we can laugh off. It is not trolling or the negotiating tactic by some supposed master deal maker. Damage has already been done. Simply voicing these threats has already destroyed our credibility in the world and betrayed the ideals for which our nation has claimed to stand for. Proclaiming tariffs on those nations who have the courage to stand up to our international bullying simply adds insult to injury.

Fellow Americans, our friends overseas are not overreacting. Their fear and anger is justified. Please call your senators and representatives. Tell them to finally stand up and use all the constitutional tools at their disposal to reign in the injustice being done in our name. Join in peaceful protest and continue to pray for the safety of all those service members from every nation who came together to celebrate that glorious Christmas holiday seven years ago. Pray that someday soon we might be able to do that again.

To that I add one more prayer: God, please change the hearts of leaders everywhere so that peace might reign once and for all.

Lord, in your mercy.