Words From The Warden

At 5:40 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, my phone notified me of a message on WhatsApp. It was from my son Matt, a Senior Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who is currently stationed in Kuwait. His message simply read, “I’m safe. Love you. Talk to you later.” This brief communication immediately prompted me to turn on WCMH TV, where I learned that U.S. joint forces and Israeli military forces had launched an attack on Iran. Operation “Epic Fury” was underway. In moments like these, all we can do is wait, watch, and wonder about what’s happening far from home. This situation made me reflect on the experiences of U.S. military personnel during World War II, particularly those involved in the battle of Iwo Jima.

On February 23, 1945, six U.S. Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima. The battle for control of the island, which was intended to serve as a fighter and bomber base for attacks on Japan, began on February 19. Out of the 70,000 Marines who fought there, 25,000 became casualties, including 7,000 deaths. The United States entered the war against the Axis powers on December 8, 1941. While the war in Europe was horrific, the conflict with Japan was even more brutal. The Japanese showed no regard for their Western adversaries, and the Allies viewed the Japanese as subhuman. Despite these intense hostilities, the mission in both the European and Pacific theaters was clear: to stop the governments responsible for widespread death and destruction.

Our friend, Le Herron, served as a new Army Lieutenant stationed in the South Pacific after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania's engineering program. He recalled the challenges of communicating with family and friends back home. Mail often arrived weekly, but sometimes only monthly, making the wait for news a difficult lesson in patience. Le explained that morale would rise dramatically when service members received mail. Likewise, families at home felt great joy whenever the post office delivered a letter from their loved ones. Communication remained challenging during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Today, technology allows us to speak and even see each other in real time, a blessing that eases the hardships of separation.

Years after his military service, Le Herron became president of Scotts Lawn. In retirement, he authored a book entitled “Making Your Company Human,” dedicating it to an unnamed sergeant who taught him the most valuable leadership lesson. Le recounted how this seasoned sergeant, likely only about twenty years old, pulled him from the chow line and said, “Sir, if you want to be a real leader you must show the men that you care. You do that by not eating until they are fed, you don’t sleep until they are rested and you tell them each day that you appreciate them. Sir, if you do that these men will follow you anywhere.”

I am deeply grateful for the contributions of previous generations of military men and women, as well as for those serving today. Our armed forces are the most highly trained, educated, and well-equipped in American history. These men and women deserve exceptional military and civilian leadership. History shows that we have had both good and bad leaders. Current events raise important questions about the honor and effectiveness of our civilian leadership.

It is deeply troubling to observe the attitude of some civilian leaders who appear to take satisfaction in war and the destruction it brings. While war may sometimes be viewed as a complicated necessity, it raises an important question, should anyone truly find pleasure in the loss of life? As Christians, this challenge prompts us to consider how we should respond.

Pray for Peace. We are encouraged to offer prayer for peace during war, asking God to guide leaders and protect innocent people affected by conflict. 

Help those that are suffering. War brings suffering to families and communities. Christians are called to show compassion and care for those in need. 

Seek Wisdom and understanding. A Christian perspective on war involves thoughtful reflection rather than reacting with fear or anger. 

Keep the faith. During uncertain times, we are encouraged to keep faith during war and crisis, trusting God even when the world feels unstable. 

As we finished Coffee Grounds on Sunday morning, Matt called us on FaceTime, filling our hearts with indescribable joy. He shared that he had recently been on a temporary assignment, working with a team alongside the Army to review assets at several out bases. Matt lightheartedly described leaving the comfort of his Air Force room and office to sleep on cots in six different locations. The transition meant giving up his private accommodations for a spot in a fifty-person tent and trading hot meals for MREs—field rations. He also admitted that the cold showers were far from enjoyable.

After completing his temporary duty, Matt was given responsibility for leading a group of airmen as both an engineering team and a security unit at the main Kuwaiti International Airport. He arrived there on Thursday, but by Saturday had been evacuated to a nearby hotel just before missiles struck both the base where he had previously been stationed and the airport itself. Although his deployment was originally scheduled to end in mid-April, the current situation has left those orders uncertain.

In response to these events, our family is steadfast in praying for Matt’s safety and for all service members in harm’s way. We continue to pray for peace and for wisdom to guide world leaders. Whenever possible, we offer help and support where it is needed. We also seek to better understand the unfolding events around us. Above all, we hold firmly to our faith, trusting that God, who loves peace, remains present in our lives during these challenging times.

Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Senior Warden