FROM THE TOP
LELAND ACKER chreporter@mediactr.com
I never enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces. I thought about it. I almost did it, but I didn't.

Never the less, I have always been fascinated with our military and have been a strong supporter of our soldiers. Of the people who impress me most, veterans top the list.

During my studies at Jacksonville College, I learned about the battle of Khe Sanh in the Vietnam War.

Khe Sanh was the location of a U.S. Marine base during the war, which the North Vietnamese began attacking during the summer of 1967.

Once American commanders learned that the attacks were part of a major Vietcong offensive, more troops were moved to the base.

The North Vietnamese then relentlessly attacked the base by ground and mortar attacks. The attacks eventually isolated the Marines on base, so that the only aid to the soldiers on the ground came through air support. Operation Niagra was launched to give air support to the battle and eventually Operation Pegasus was launched to give overland support to the Marines at Khe Sanh.

The operations were successful and the battle was a tactical victory for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Though the strategic implications of the battle are still debated, one thing was made clear.

The U.S. Marines can go any where and stay there as long as they want to.

I was surprised when I told this story to my congregation at Denson Springs Missionary Baptist Church. I was sharing how God helps us get through difficult circumstances. Upon telling the story, one of our members spoke up and shared that he fought at Khe Sanh.

We all knew he was a Vietnam veteran, but we were all amazed that he was at this particular battle. What could I say to that? Nothing. I went back to our scripture.

Isaiah 40:31- "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."

Sometimes we feel like we are in a battle. We feel like we are surrounded by the enemy and there is no escape.

However, if we put our trust in the Lord, he will strengthen us to persevere as we need it.

I have seen this play out at Denson Springs and in my personal life as well. The children of God can endure anything as long as they so desire, and as long as God is with them.