Chaplain's Corner
Assistant Chaplain Rocio Palmero
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Dear Legion Family,
How are you? Truly, how are you?
Sometimes things going on in our own life, or around us, can feel heavy.
You don’t have to carry that weight alone, or even at all. God is with you and carries our burdens, and He is always there to listen and speak to you, in whatever place you are in, no matter how long it’s been- even if you’ve never connected with Him-or how much you feel you have messed up. He is right there with open arms, ready to renew and restore you, show you His love, and take the heavy load that you are carrying.
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
Psalm 68:19
“The Lord your God among you is powerful— he will save and he will take joyful delight in you. In his love he will renew you with his love; he will celebrate with singing because of you.” Zephaniah 3:17
Your community, friends, and people you may not even know, are there too. They may understand more than you know.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month. Check on each other. Reach out. Your legion chaplains and family are here, along with so many people in the community. And there is the crisis hotline to call where people are available to talk and help at all times: dial or text 988.
You are not alone. People do care about you and you matter. If you feel like you are doing life alone even for a moment, reflect on this poem and know just how close God is in that time:
Footprints
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
You matter. You have a purpose, and a great purpose at that. If you’re still here, there’s a reason and good things still to come.
9/11 21 Year Anniversary
On September 11, it was 21 years since 9/11/2001. Reflect, remember, and honor those who did not make it out that day, and the heroes who did what they could to save as many as possible. Remember why you served if you were post 9/11 or served during that time. Remember the incredible unity that we had as a country in the face of this horrific tragedy.
Post Everlasting
William "Bill" McTaggart passed on to Post Everlasting on September 10, 2022. Bill was a very active member of our post and friend to many. He was a Past Commander, among many other positions he held over the years in the American Legion.
Bill was in the US Army and served in Vietnam.
He was a Superior Court Commissioner for over 12 years, and a member of the Los Angeles Superior Court ADR panel, US District Court for the Central District of California Attorney Settlement Officer Panel, and the California Academy of Distinguished Neutrals for several years. He just retired in May 2021. He was also an Adjunct Professor at California State University Northridge.
Bill was very involved with rugby over his lifetime and loved the sport.
His memorial will be held at the post. Details are pending and will be shared when available.
Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Leonard Cohen passed on to Post Everlasting on August 15, 2022. He would have turned 90 on September 14 2022. He was in the Army from 1953-1955 as an intermediate speed radio operator. During his time in the Army, he went to Germany.
He was a proud member of Post 43 for many years and always enjoyed the dinner meetings that he attended with his wife Marsha Cohen, who is a member of our auxiliary unit.
Leonard was Jewish and had several friends he connected with at the post who had a shared background. He was a magician and member of the Magic Castle. He also did benefit shows for the Shriners Children's Hospital and other nonprofits. He was a Mason as well.
His coffin was flag-draped as he wished. He was buried at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills on August 22, 2022.
Please keep his wife Marsha, 2 daughters, 2 sons, and 6 great grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy Weldon’s 99th Birthday Celebration
One of our beloved World War 2 veterans, and our Chaplain Emeritus, Jimmy Weldon, turns 99 on September 23. We will be having a birthday celebration for him on Thursday, September 22. More details on the post calendar.
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for our members who may have silent or anonymous prayer requests.
Prayer is powerful and God hears!
As always, if you need prayer or support, please know there are several ways to reach your chaplain. There is a prayer request form you can fill out here: https://form.jotform.com/ChaplainAL43/prayerrequest
You can input as little or as much information as you are comfortable with.
You can also reach out directly to chaplain@post43.org if you'd rather do that.
There are also chaplains for the sons, auxiliary, and riders that are available as well.
If you want to pray but are not sure how to pray, please reach out too. We are happy to guide you to pray alone also!
It's ok to not be ok. You are not alone.
The Suicide and Crisis Hotline is also available 24/7: dial or text 988
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
May peace and comfort surround you. May you and your families be well physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. May God make His presence and love felt in your life, now and always. Shalom, and many blessings to you all!
Blessings,
Your Chaplain, Donna Callaway and Assistant Chaplain, Rocio Palmero
Blessings,
Your Chaplain, Donna Callaway and Assistant Chaplain, Rocio Palmero