Wonders Never Cease
June 23, 2004

As I was approaching my graduation from high school in the spring of 1966, the war in Vietnam was really swinging into high gear. Several of my buddies, who were also graduating, were planning to enlist in the Marine Corps after graduation. We'd go in together on what is called the "Buddy System."

This meant we'd be in the same platoon during boot camp and probably be together for most of our training. I was sick of school and was only too aware that with my grades, I wouldn't be going to any four year college. So joining the Corps seemed like a good idea. Only problem is, my brother, John, had enlisted in the Marines in late 1964. After he completed boot camp, they shipped him to Pensacola, FL, for flight school. That means he was to become a pilot. Specifically, a helicopter pilot! His graduation took place in June of '66, the same month I completed high school. I may not have been the best student in the world, but it didn't take a genius to figure out John would be on his way to Vietnam real soon.

As I considered my options, going into the Corps at the same time my brother was heading for Nam just didn't sit well. I chose to wait until he came back. I just couldn't see putting our mother through the worry of two sons in the Corps at the same time. Not at that time in the Vietnam War.

In 1969, a little more than a year after John returned from Nam, I signed up with the Marine recruiter in Oakland, CA. Thus, my miltary journey began.

Little did I know then what lay ahead of me. In October of '69 I was a Marine recruit, called a "boot," standing on yellow footprints at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. I quickly learned that, when addressed by someone in authority (which was anyone that was not a recruit), I was to respond with, "Sir! Private Charles R. Roots, service number 2606949, sir!"

Because I was the high shooter for my platoon on the rifle range during boot camp, I was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class (PFC). For Marines, this is a big deal. It means you get to wear a "chevron" on your sleeve. It certainly doesn't mean anything to anyone else, but it sure is exciting when as a Marine you get to wear your first rank ensignia.

Over the next half-dozen years, I can well remember each time I was promoted. I went from PFC to Lance Corporal, to Corporal, to Sergeant and finally to Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve. The wonder of each promotion never left me.

Later, in the early 80s, I was made a commissioned officer in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps. I started as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG), which is one silver bar. About a year later I was promoted to full Lieutenant, which is two parallel silver bars. In 1993 I left active duty, returning to civilian life to serve as a pastor, but I stayed in the Navy Reserve. I was promoted to Lieutenant Commander, a gold oak leaf, then later to Commander, which is a silver oak leaf.

This past week, I received a phone call from Rear Admiral Bigger, my boss for Navy Reserve chaplains, informing me that I have been selected for promotion to Captain. This is the silver eagle device, equivalent to a colonel in the Army, Marines and Air Force. Even now, as I sit writing this, I am awed by the honor.

As I have reflected over the past 35 years, I have seen the hand of God at work in my life. There's the time when I first surrendered my life to Christ. At that time, I was a sergeant in the Marine Corps. The year was 1972. Then there was the way he guided me in my pursuit of an education. That's another article all in itself! All the while the Lord had plans for me in the Navy Chaplaincy, but I couldn't see it then. The words from Jeremiah 29:11 say, "'I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.'" I can certainly add my "Amen" to that!
Quite simply, I marvel at God's grace. His wonders never cease. He has blessed me beyond anything I could have ever hoped for or imagined. And I will ever praise him!