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Be Americans worth fighting for
Military Chaplain Captain Tim Hadley honors brothers and sisters in arms and encourages next generation to show gratitude in action
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WINFIELD — Winfield-Mt. Union students, staff, and community members gathered Friday morning, Nov. 8 to honor veterans with music, the Pledge of Allegiance, and keynote address from Chaplain Tim Hadley.
Captain Hadley was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34 th Infantry Division, Iowa National Guard in Waterloo and recently graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School. Hadley was commissioned in 2018 and completed the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course in 2019.
For over a decade Hadley served as senior pastor at Trinity Friends Church in Richland. Speaking to large groups is not outside his realm of experience as he also speaks at church camps, marriage events, youth gatherings, prison ministries, and men’s and women’s groups across the country.
While Hadley has a notable resume as a service member and public speaker, his experience in schools served him well as he addressed the gym filled with student of all ages Friday morning by asking for responses and slipping in a few good dad jokes. Currently, Hadley is the principal of Oelwein High School.
“Those who've been part of what we call the brotherhood and sisterhood of the armed forces, our veterans, our active-duty service member, our guardsmen and services, it's their service and sacrifice that has kept our country the land of the free and the home to brave,” Hadley said as he asked fellow service members to stand for recognition. “No matter which branch you've served in, your job path, or how many years you've served or Committed yourself to service, it is a brave and selfless act.”
While his gratitude for his comrades was readily apparent, Hadley also wished to recognize the family members that support these individuals.
“There's another group in this room that I also want to recognize very much. So it's my belief that families serve too, and I think your service and those who you serve are important, because if you're a family member, you don't get to do the exciting parts, right? So when I get to go to do my military service, we get to fire big guns. I’ve jumped out of airplanes and traveled around the world, but while I do that, my wife is at home with our two kids, and they get to do business as usual.”
He recognized the difficulties that those left behind experience as they handle everyday life issues, like his own mother who attended the assembly with him.
After specifically honoring these groups, Hadley turned his attention to a message about honoring the sacrifice of those that serve by emulating the values that make the country great and taking actions that reflect appreciation for veterans.
“If you want to thank the Americans that fight for our country, be the type of American worth fighting for,” Hadley said.
Hadley explained that men and women like himself serve their country not because they want to jump out of airplanes or fire the big guns, but because they love their country and the people in it.
“It’s those folks to your left and your right, when I’m out in those moments eating my 75 th MRE and I’m looking at sand for hours on end and sweating I’m thinking of them when I’m doing this,” Hadley said.
He charged the audience with the challenge to go out and give their best, be their best, and take every opportunity to make a difference.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
