Words from a Father to a Son Entering Into Service of His Country

I wanted to take some time to write a short note to you on this the day of your entry into the United States Navy.

Our country faces challenges — no, let me say it stronger— threats, from within and from without, the likes of which it has never faced in its 225+ year history.

You have made a choice to serve your country, to embark on a career in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. And I am very pleased, proud even, as I and your friends and family see you off today as you begin your Basic Training. My father served this country during World War II as a Marine, you know. I was not able to serve due to physical limitations on my vision, although I tried twice in my high school years to qualify for the Air Force Academy.

In two months or so, you will be engaged in studies in the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Engineering program and you will face many challenges in the coming years ahead. I am confident that you will overcome the challenges, both academic and physical, that you will face. But the toughest challenge will lie within, I think. And I speak not just of academics. I speak of faith and trust, of confidence and conscience.

I speak of faith, not because you evidence a lack of it. On the contrary, your faith in God forms the basis of your life, the choices you have made, and the actions you take. But there will be many you meet who have no such firm foundation. Some of these may be in command over you; others may be in service under you. You are responsible for your own faith. Keep true to her, son.

I speak of trust, because the one follows the other. One cannot walk by faith, as we have been exhorted to do, without an element of trust. The writer of the New Testament letter to the Hebrews said it well, don’t you think? “Now faith is the assurance of things we hope for, the certainty of things we cannot see. ” (Hebrews 11:1)

I speak of confidence, because unlike the world in which we live, there are some things worth believing in, living for, and dying for. Some have lost all hope, or indeed, never had any hope to begin with. But your confidence comes from your faith and trust. They, as we see from the Letter to the Hebrews, are based on assurances and certainties, not on pipe dreams. Others have gone before you; they have fought the fight and kept the faith. You will, too.

And finally, I speak of conscience, because properly tuned, it can save you from untold problems. In his first letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul told his young protégé that the goal of his instruction was “love that flows from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith.”

He also noted that “some people have left these qualities behind.” (I Timothy 1:5-6—ISV) By ignoring their consciences, Paul went on to say that “some people have destroyed their faith like a wrecked ship.” (1 Timothy 1:19—ISV) A seared conscience leads many into unspeakable horrors. Just look at the face of our enemies.

Know this, son: You are responsible in your duties first to God, second to your country as a servant to your Commander-in-Chief and to those whom He has placed over and under you, and finally to your family and friends.

Son, never forget this: you are entering the United States Armed Services. Let’s look at these important words for a moment.

United States: The Grand Experiment — a democratic republic. As Lincoln faced the American Civil War, he asked “…whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.” Remember that at times, the United States may appear to be anything but united in regards to the perils we face. But you already know the truth. You were raised in it. You know the enemy that has besieged us. You have studied well.

Armed: Only a fool thinks that an aggressor can be talked out of his hatred and killing. Appeasement never works. Ask an honest historian about Chamberlain and Hitler. Appeasement to the politics of “Lebensraum” didn’t work in Europe; it encouraged a devastating world war. Appeasement to the religion of Islam won’t work, either. When will the politicians ever learn that only by staying strong, and by demonstrating that strength through our fully-supported Armed Forces can we dispel the threats that face not just America, but the rest of the world? I pray that our leaders take heed before it’s too late. If they don’t, we will replace them at the next election.

Services: You are a servant. You answer to somebody. We all do. You answer to a Commander-in-Chief. You know Him. Soon you will answer to another Commander-in-Chief and a Commanding Officer whom you do not know. But they will have been placed over you by God Himself, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. Serve them as you serve your higher Commander-in-Chief.

Some men never speak of these things, to their detriment I think. Some would deny them altogether, because ultimately, their God is themselves. But you were not raised that way. And I am confident that you will remain where you need to be—grounded in the “Faith of Our Fathers, living still. We will be true to Thee ‘til death.”

You are greatly loved. And you are in God’s hands. You have taken the best path. May God richly bless you and keep you, my beloved son. Your sisters send their love.

If we are able, we will make our way down to the Carolinas to complete my work there. That way, we will not be far should you need anything the Navy cannot supply.

Just received this from Charles Welty. It is an email response to his "Letter to My Son."

Sir:

I wish to commend you on your excellent letter to your son. You did a great job at summarizing so much that is relevant today. Your sentiments - I would call statements of fact, but much of what you spoke of seems to be things that are not being taught to the present generation, and are rapidly being forgotten by society.

I wish I could have been as eloquent when my son departed last summer, following a similar path as your son. He started a 4 year period at the United States Naval Academy, and hopes to become a nuclear trained submarine officer. (He is finishing up a 3rd class cruise ... headed for Japan after an under-ice crossing to go from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean on a nuclear submarine. His brief report after emerging from under-ice was that he was having a fantastic time and learning a lot.)

As a graduate of the Nuclear Power training pipeline myself, some 30 years ago, I can say that it is a fantastic training opportunity - but it is one full of hard work. Be sure that your son receives frequent encouragement!! He will work harder - academically - than he ever has in his life.

After the 24 weeks of classroom training, he will then spend another challenging 26 weeks learning to operate an actual nuclear reactor at a prototype training facility, under the watchful eyes of highly qualified personnel who themselves completed the training, and demonstrate the requisite skills of both nuclear power plant operations AND the ability to teach and train the future operators.

Again - it will be an intense period, where he will work 12 hour shifts until he completes the qualifications. After the training, he will report to a ship (the only surface ships with nuclear power plants are aircraft carriers) or a submarine, where he will essentially repeat his prototype experience, and qualify as a watchstander on the Navy vessel.

When that happens, he will be near final qualification of a Surface Warfare qualification pin or a Submarine Qualification pin ("dolphins") - a major milestone in his life, and one that deserves high recognition!

Take care, and best regards to your son.

V/R Michael Vineyard, CAPT, USNR(ret)

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