Private Evangeline Smock graduated from U.S. Army Basic Combat Training on November 18, 2005,at Fort Jackson, S.C., with 11 family members and friends in attendance. She completed all that was required, which was only true of about 60% of her company. Evangeline thought that about 10% really did not deserve to graduate, but the Army does have its quotas to fill. Her Drill Sergeant told me that she maintained a good attitude though all of the rigors of boot camp, which he said was unusual. A good attitude has always been one of her strengths.

Evangeline also graduated from her AIT Chaplain's Assistant. course on Jan. 20, 2006. She is now at her first duty station, Ft Leonard Wood Missouri.. She is assigned to a garrison unit under a protestant chaplain.

The military may be the strongest institution left in American society; in many respects even stronger than the Church. Before the final pass and review of all the soldiers, they all shouted the soldier’s creed, “I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.” If Christians had such a creed that they took seriously, Christianity would have the upper hand in society and throughout the world.

Evangeline seemed very happy and rightfully proud of her achievement, yet humble in her accomplishment and task. The base chaplain gave a powerful invocation praying to our Father in the name of Jesus on behalf of the troops.

Her months of training is much better than what is given to students in years at our state universities, where there is virtually no accountability, discipline or moral standard. She affirmed that she is “a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.” The university with its propagation of multi-culturalism and pluralism, no longer believes that there is a distinctive American way to defend.

Ft. Jackson’s welcoming brochure to the parents stated that your soldier “will stand a little taller, walk a little straighter.” Indeed, have we noticed this in Evangeline. Years ago, Judge Robert Bork wrote a book on America called, "Slouching Toward Gomorrah." I have observed that college students soon develop a slouch to their gait, which is not surprising, since they are taught that they are animals just further along the evolutionary scale than apes. Evangeline looks combat ready in her fatigues; we are proud of her and all of the graduates, who “stand ready to deploy, engage and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.”

Let us pray that our soldiers will destroy the Jihadists and defended our freedom and promote it though out the world. Bro. Jed

Very Proud!

Evangeline and her buddy doing push ups:

After Graduation:

Mama Gail (grandmother) Evangeline, Sister Pat:

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Our next GI?

"On earth peace, good will toward men," is one of our most beloved Christmas verses. To a Christian peace is precious, but freedom is more dear. The way to bring about an acceptable peace in Iraq is by defeating the terrible enemies of God and Christendom, who disregard all rules of civilized behavior.

Peace with God results in a clear conscience, which passes knowledge and understanding. Unbelievers are at war against God. Let us all be blessed peacemakers, by calling men to be reconciled to God, through our Savior. The terms are unconditional surrender! Jesus' gospel must cover the earth before conflict will cease between men.

Conflicting world views are behind our War on Terrorism. Christians are commanded to spread their message by teaching; but Mohammedans, like their founder, spread their law through terrorism. Remember our military at home and abroad during this Christmas time and pray for peace through victory over the foes of freedom (Gen 14:20; Ex 23:22; Lev 26:3-8; Ps 60).

General Douglas MacArthur said in his farewell address at West Point, "The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training - sacrifice. In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker gave when he created man in his own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the place of the Divine help which alone can sustain him."