September 2005 InCider Press Page 3
Worshipping with soldiers on 9/11 (continued)
location of the various attacks on September 11, 2001, the actual impact on the local community may not have been as severe as it was in other parts of the country. Today, however, the impact that the continuing war has on the soldiers and families at Fort Riley was made extremely clear to those of us who visited and worshipped at Fort Riley.
Chaplain (Colonel) Kenneth L. Sampson
questioning worshippers
Photo by Joan Thomson
Thanks to the planning and coordination of our own Gary Drake and Colonel Kenneth Sampson, Installation Chaplain at Fort Riley, we were able to participate in five worship services. At each service Chaplain Sampson asked the members of the congregation to raise their hand if their answer to one of several questions was, “Yes.” The questions were:
1. Have you or has your spouse served in Iraq? 2. Is your spouse currently serving in Iraq? 3. Are you or is your spouse currently preparing for deployment to Iraq? After watching the hands that were raised in each of the services it became apparent that everyone at Fort Riley has been and is fighting the war on terrorism. Although we chorus members enjoyed the applause that was sent our way after we had sung, an equal and more deserved applause went to each group of people who had raised their hands in answer to Colonel Sampson’s questions.
Sign identifying the location of the forward elements of the First Infantry Division (Big Red One)
Photo by Joan Thomson
Front of Chaplain’s souvenir coin
I know that I speak for others when I talk about the level of emotion that was present within the chorus members. On numerous occasions as my mind wandered to thoughts of soldiers and soldiering, rather than focusing entirely on our director, a lump appeared in my throat. I found goose bumps on my arms as we received applause and, on several occasions, standing ovations. The excitement of singing for the people risking their lives daily while carrying out our country’s goals in the war on terrorism, on the anniversary of the attacks on this nation four years ago, can’t be described in words. The excitement had to be experienced.