Two Are StrongerThan One

Two are stronger than one

On the very first day of Basic Training, you got assigned a battle buddy. Someone who would always be close by as you went through the difficulty of training. The battle buddy was never more than a couple of feet away and if one had to go to the bathroom then both went. It was very rare to be separated from them.

One of the most frightening things a soldier could experience in combat is separation from his unit. The lack of support and security cannot be fulfilled by one person. It takes a team to provide everything needed. Simply put there is strength in numbers.

I can recall the day I left active duty and became a civilian. It was a lonely feeling because I always had someone or a place to turn to for help if needed while in the service. The support network was elaborate and help was available when needed. I felt alone and lost just like a soldier that is separated from his unit.

Just the idea that you are not walking alone can feel like a place of assurance. We read in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, says “ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him- a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

The surprising thing is that plenty of organizations are available to help veterans. The Mighty 30 is an organization that helps veterans so that they do not have to journey alone as they navigate a problem or issue. A chaplain was available during the time of service and now you have access to another chaplain. Just like in the military, it is a great starting point as they have many different partners they work with that stand ready to help. So hopefully we will see some of you in the Platoon Veteran Services Center.