Blessings Abound
February 4, 2004

"Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." These words written by the Apostle Paul reflect my own heart's cry.

Since returning home from Djibouti, Africa in early January, I have been blessed beyond measure. In coming home I was looking forward to a time of relaxation with my family and friends, and perhaps some golf, weather permitting. I have enjoyed all of these things. But there was more in store than I realized.

The first thing that happened was a surprise from my friends from the Marine Corps Club of Stockton (CA), who presented me with a beautiful statue. In the words of Master Gunnery Sergeant Ray Bael (pronounced "Bell"), spokesman for the Marine Corps Club, "We wanted to thank you for your service in taking care of our fellow Marines and other service members."

My congregation welcomed me home with much fanfare, which included a social Sunday night in the fellowship hall. Christmas decorations were still up and we all had a great time being together once again. That's what makes it worth coming home!

Rear Admiral Darold Bigger, Col Jack Marcom and Rear Admiral Robert Merrilees presenting me with the award for Chaplain of the Year.

Several days later, I received a phone call from Rear Admiral Darold Bigger, Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve Affairs. He was calling to inform me that I had been selected to be the Chaplain of the Year for the Reserve Officers Association (ROA). There's no other way to describe my reaction than to say I was dumbstruck. I said, "Thank you," but it somehow sounded inappropriate. How do you express yourself when presented with such an honor? I left it at, "Thank you." I was then told I would need to come to Washington, D.C. later in January to personally receive the award from the ROA during their Mid-Winter Conference.

So, Isaura and I packed our bags and left for the nation's capital on January 23rd. We were to stay in the Washington Hilton, where the conference was being held. I could write volumes on all that has taken place during the last month, but here's a run down of our time in D.C.

We arrived at Dulles International Airport on January 24. That evening we met my brother John, and his wife Lynne, for dinner. The next morning we worshiped at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church, where my brother and his family attend. Pastor Paul Gysan, a wonderful man of God, welcomed us publicly. We ate dinner Sunday night at the 50s-style Silver Diner. Because we were expecting a snowstorm that night, John and Lynne decided to get a hotel room with us. Good thing. The storm was pretty bad, dropping 5 to 8 inches of powder, and the wind-chill was at 20 below zero! After spending the last eight months in Kuwait, Iraq and Djibouti where I never saw temperatures go below 80 at any time, this was a real wake-up call!

The awards presentation was on Monday morning during the opening session of the Mid-Winter Conference of the Reserve Officers Association (ROA). Rear Admiral Bob Merrilees, USCGR (Ret), national president of the ROA, made the presentation. Joining me on the stage were Rear Admiral Bigger and Colonel Jack Marcom, USAR, national chaplain of the ROA. Upon receiving the plaque I was asked to share a few words, after which I was greeted with a standing ovation. It was all very humbling.

Vice Admiral John Cotton, chief of the naval reserve, met me as I left the stage. He invited my family and me to visit him later that day in his office at the Pentagon.

A luncheon with ROA members followed the morning session. I was again introduced as the Chaplain of the Year, and was asked to offer the blessing for the meal. It was a delightful time of visiting with many of the ROA members.

Isaura and me, and John and Lynne Roots in Vice Admiral John Cotton's office in the Pentagon. This part of the building was destroyed.

We took the metro to the Pentagon where Vice Admiral Cotton's aide, Lieutenant Casey Casad, met us. He took us for a tour of the Pentagon, particularly showing us where the plane hit on 9-11. There is now a new addition to the chapel inside the Pentagon that honors those who lost their lives on that fateful day. On another level there is a Reflection Room, set up very simply with the names of those who died there, using subtle lighting and reverent quiet. It was very powerful in its simplicity. We then sat in the admiral's office and talked for nearly an hour. His office was totally destroyed, and his predecessor very nearly was among those killed.

The next day Isaura and I paid a visit to the Rayburn Building where Congressman Richard Pombo's office is located. He was not available at the time, but we enjoyed the experience of being near Capital Hill. We were told we couldn't visit the Capital Building because someone "important" was coming through the area. My thought was, "It has to be the President." Sure enough, as we were climbing into the cab to return to our hotel, up the street rolls the president's motorcade. We couldn't see him, but I'm sure he saw us, likely commenting to one of his staff members, "Look! There's Chuck Roots with his wife Isaura. Did you know he is the ROA Chaplain of the Year?" Okay, so I've fantasized a little bit!

The final night of the conference was a black tie affair with about 950 people in attendance. Most were in military dress uniform, accompanied by spouses or guests. I wore my "mess dress" uniform, while Isaura looked superb in a black evening outfit. My brother, John, wore a black tuxedo with his wings and medals. Lynne wore a beautiful gold gown. We had two speakers for the evening. First up was Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican from South Carolina. The main speaker of the evening was General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I met him in Djibouti just before Christmas.

It has been a wonderful experience, for which I am most grateful. There are many chaplains whom I have served with over the past twenty years who could equally deserve this honor. They have labored for the Lord, many times without any recognition. But heaven has kept accurate account of all their faithful service.

I am honored and blessed to have been recognized in this way. To God be the glory, great things He has done!