A dear community member finally took Okinawa. A World War Two Veteran who was 92 years, a member of our church, and a World War Two Veteran finally went home to be with the Lord. Being part of the Okinawa Invasion, he was always fond of saying, "We got to take Okinawa", whenever the going got really hard and people needed a pep talk. It was his reminder that things could always be worse, even when the odds were stacked against them, or the foe looked daunting. This was a source of inspiration to the community and his family...always. His last weeks were filled with family and what he loved, people singing old gospel hymns, sometimes him mouthing the words. He kept saying, "it is not my time yet, I have work yet to do." Then on Wednesday he went down hill health wise and being only able to nod, nodded when the family asked if he wanted our pastor present. Our pastor went to his bedside and asked if "it was time to take Okinowa?" he squeezed his hand through labored breathing, and the pastor asked in prayer that Jesus take him home. Before the prayer was up, he had breathed his last. What an honor it is to have known this man, to hear of the goodness of God who took this 92 year old World War Two Veteran home in such peace. What a wonderful feeling to know men and women serve this country well, that pastors and chaplains serve their community where needed, and that we serve a wonderful God. At ease soldier, you good and faithful servant.
May he rest in peace and at ease Soldier, we have the watch now. The Lord has you in his great Glory. It must have been an Honor to know him LodgeTree!