Chaplain's Corner

Sons of The American Legion
Detachment of Texas
Chaplain
Brad Henderson

October 22, 2025

"WHAT DO YOU SAY?"

Remember when you were very young, and someone did a kindness for you?
In my family, Mom would gently remind me to recall my manners and answer that question.
I knew what to say, and the magic words "THANK YOU!" would come to mind.
As we each grew and experienced more of life, we learned more words; words to ask for something, words to encourage, words to discourage, words to praise, words to admonish, words to investigate, words to express emotion, words to inspire, words to divide, and words to simply communicate. Sometimes, ordinary people, the brothers and sisters we care about, find themselves in extraordinary, overwhelming situations and life becomes a word search puzzle.
"Chaplain, I don't know what to say."
Some of us are seasoned warriors of our faith, while others have not yet experienced Boot Camp.
We want to help, but we don't know how. Our SAL brother Wolf Laughing and his wife Dawn are facing a thousand unknowns and in their quiet times, the enemy may send feelings of helplessness and fear.
My belief tradition says that we serve the God of Hope.
I remember the words of a popular Christian pop song, "Fear is a Liar" by Zach Williams.
"Oh, fear, he is a liar!
He will take your breath,
Stop you in your steps.
Fear, he is a liar.
He will rob your rest,
Steal your happiness.
Cast your fear in the fire
'Cause fear, he is a liar! "

As my brother and his wife face an extraordinary circumstance, I find myself saying,
"I don't know what to say, but I DO know how to pray."
Prayer is the most powerful weapon that we can have when facing an adversary.
General George Patton called prayer a "force multiplier". He believed in the power of God, who hears our prayers before they are even spoken.
"Chaplain, I'm not much on praying. I'm not sure how to start." Jesus taught His disciples to pray beginning with, "Our Father"
Prayer is a conversation with the One who considers each of us as His child, and we are equals in His eye. We thank Him for our blessings, ask forgiveness for our wrongdoings, tell Him what we need, and ask that His will be done.
"I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me and heard my cry ... and set my feet upon a rock and established my steps." Psalm 40: 1-2
We learn that faith is stronger than fear - because fear is a liar.
Our warrior brother and his lady need a force multiplier. Will you pray with me?

Serving God and Country,
Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

October 10, 2025

"NOW MORE THAN EVER"

It's October, and once again, the United States Government is effectively shut down. I have heard and read about the effects on the national economy, and on national level offices and systems. What about US? After all, we elected our representatives and sent them to Washington to take care of us. Yet here we are.

I remember what it was like when I wore the uniform and my employer "shut down". We were in Germany at the time. We had bills to pay, and a sterling credit rating to protect. Parents and high school students began to feel that a college education may be slipping away, just at the time when applications would be mailed. The people screamed, and the government prepared letters for those to whom we owed payments. The letters said in effect, "Please do not penalize this servicemember. The government shutdown is a national matter, and he/she is not at fault. When the shutdown is resolved, the servicemember will receive his/her pay." In our minds, that letter had the same value as Confederate script.

What impact might the shutdown have on The American Legion Family? The tension, stress, and pressures of the unknown may cause friction among family members. Some may take second jobs to make ends meet. Attendance at Legion functions will likely drop off, as members will no longer have disposable income for fundraising projects and post or squadron activities. Some may become delinquent in their dues. Others, feeling frustrated and helpless, may fall into depression.

NOW, MORE THAN EVER, is the time for Legion Family members to come together and support one another. Our members need the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength to weather this storm. This is when "Buddy Checks" can become critically important.

NOTE: The person you call may or may not come to the next meeting, or the one after that. They WILL, however, know that when the times were tough, someone cared enough to call. They will remember. You may never know the impact of your call. "Chaplain, I’m not too good at these things. I don’t know what to say."

When I call, I introduce myself as a Legion or SAL member and usually say, "We missed you at the last meeting. I wanted to call to see if you are all right and ask if you needed anything."

That is especially important to our new members, who are still getting to know us.

If the respondent says he or she is all right, that is a good thing.

We all get overwhelmed from time to time. If the respondent says things are NOT all right, ask about their needs. Perhaps we can be of assistance. Maybe they forgot the date of the meeting. Maybe they had to work, or they started a second job. Maybe they were ill.

Maybe they lost a family member. Maybe you distracted the respondent from mentally going into some very dark places.

Regardless of the situation, the person will remember that even for a moment, he or she had worth and value to someone, and that can make all the difference. Everybody has a buddy. Call one or be one, today. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17

Serving God and Country,
Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

September 30, 2025

'THE SEASON OF TRANSFORMATION'

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…" (Ecclesiastes3:1)

Ah, Autumn, when thoughts turn to the turning leaves of Vermont, and the Lost Maples area in the Hill Country of Texas!

It’s a time to celebrate the harvest, whether at the world-famous "Oktoberfest" in Munich, Germany, or at "Wurstfest", the celebration of sausage in New Braunfels. It’s a time to reflect on the seasons of the year. Have you grown physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually? Now is the time to enjoy a slower pace of life. Have you taken time to laugh? In this season of thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? What good things have you seen? What pleasant aromas (fresh bread, flowers, etc.) will you remember from this year? Have you experienced the touch of a loved one, or the handshake of a friend? What foods and flavors have you enjoyed?

I remember being fascinated by the busy lines of worker ants hauling their loads in and near the sidewalks of Colorado Springs. Animals prepare for the winter ahead by storing food, creating winter spaces, and migrating to warmer places. When we were at college in deep East Texas, I enjoyed watching the magnificent flight of the Canadian Snow Geese. Meanwhile, millions of Monarch butterflies journey 3,000 miles to their winter homes.

Autumn is a time for letting go. "Most assuredly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain." (John 12:24)

Leaves and grain are metaphors for our life experiences. "Freddy the Leaf" by Leo Buscaglia, describes the life cycle of a leaf. It is an excellent tool in helping a young child understand about life and death. Any life experience (changing jobs, graduation, retirement, loss of a loved one, etc.) can be a leaf or a grain.

How can you and I prepare for the changing of our life seasons?

First, slow down and evaluate your priorities.

STOP and breathe the fresh, morning air.

LOOK at the world around you. Take in the goodness and wonder of creation.

LISTEN to the songs of the birds, the laughter of a child, the sounds of progress, and of worship.

Secondly, let go of your worries, fears, and pains from the past. Practice forgiveness. Finally, embrace change. Adjust your schedule to include time for family, friends and if possible, service to others. Know that change is a part of the Good Lord’s design. Consider that God may be using this time to develop you into the person He has called you to be.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (P'roverbs3: 5-6)

In this, the season of transformation, may you enjoy the beauty of creation, the warmth and fellowship of family and friends, and the blessings of the season.

Serving God and Country,
Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

September 13, 2025

Lest we forget, Friday, September 19th is National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

"For the Lord hears the poor and does not despise His prisoners." (Psalm 69:33) Did you know? Since WWI, almost 289,000 Americans have been taken as Prisoners of War. While we have no Americans held captive today, we will REMEMBER all who suffered.

More than 80,000 Americans are still listed as "Missing in Action", including 71,000 from WWII, 7,400 from the Korean War, 1,500 from the Vietnam War, and 130 from the Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism. We will REMEMBER.

Serving God and Country,
Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

September 2, 2025

It happened on a clear, sunny afternoon. The long, September school day had finlly ended, and the kids were already thinking about what to do with the remainder of their day.

The big yellow bus coasted to a halt, with the familiar lights flashing, and a retractable "STOP" sign with blinking red bulbs extended. As the ten-year-old stepped off the bus, a car traveling at full speed passed on the right side and hit him. The boy’s lifeless body was hurled thirty feet. His five-year-old brother saw it all. Standing on the bottom step of the bus, he would have been the next child to alight.

Between 2000 and 2023, a total of 61 children and other pedestrians were killed when drivers illegally passed a stopped school bus. ONE is too many.

"His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant…" (Isaiah 56:10

The prophet Isaiah wrote of watchmen, who were to warn the city of approaching danger. Those watchmen not on alert, would leave the people defenseless and unaware of approaching danger.

We are the watchmen of our young. Whether in the big city or on a country road, whether following or facing a school bus, STOP when its signals are displayed. The lives of defenseless children, who may be getting ON or OFF, depend on it.

Serving God and Country,
Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

August 5, 2025

Henry Creech continues recovery (surgery) at home.
Eddy Seegers lost his brother this past week to illness.

Serving God and Country,
Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

July 23, 2025

"GONE FISHING"

Grandpa Henderson was a lean, tough railroad man, and one of my favorite memories in the whole world.

He had raised a family in "the oil patch" during the Great Depression. If he needed a little extra money for his wife and three kids, he would earn it by taking on all comers in rounds of fist fighting. Later, he would enjoy a successful career with the railroad. It was during those "good times" that Grandpa bought a car, and a boat. Someitmes, he would take me fishing. I was about four years old. Even at that young age, I learned that one must have the right equipment, the right location, a bit of knowledge, and a pocketful of patience.

You may remember the story of some other men (commercial fishermen), who spent their time on the Lake of Gennesaret, also known as the Sea of Galilee. You know the story. There was a time when Simon Peter, James, and John, sons of Zebedee, returned to shore after a disappointing night. Jesus saw them and told them to "Launch out into the deep and put down your nets for a big catch." You'll recall the surprise ending to that fish story. Jesus said, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

As such, the three men and nine more, would become disciples ("learners") of Christ. They would have a different fight, with a world that did not always understand who Jesus was. The little band of followers would eventually be smeared with a slur: "Christian". What about you and I? What can we possibly learn from fishing? We love "visual learning"; things that we can SEE. The simple lesson here is, "DON'T GIVE UP."

Grandpa and Simon Peter, James, and John had something in common. Sometimes, they returned to the shore without a catch. Can you imagine what might have happened if Grandpa had "quit" in the Depression and gone home without enough money for food and supplies? There was no such word in "the oil patch". How different would our world be today if the fishermen had simply packed up and gone home? Did you assume a new role in the SAL? Have you reviewed your organization's goals and aspirations for the new membership year? How are your "nets"? Do you have enough members to get the job done?

Are the Legion and the SAL well received in your town?

Can the people SEE how the Sons support the Legion with the Four Pillars of Service?

Maybe it's time to go "fishing". Put out your nets with some "Buddy Checks", and recruitment.

DON'T GIVE UP and KEEP THE FAITH!

Here's hoping that you and your squadrons, districts, and divisions have a FANTASTIC year!

At the same time, let's be realistic. Some of us face a year of trials and tribulations with weak and empty nets. Remember that trials and tribulations produce endurance when we exercise faith during difficult times.

"We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope." Romans 5:3 "And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

Serving God and Country,
Chaplain Brad

Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Subject: Courtesy Note

Good Morning,

First, Pam and I want to send a big THANK YOU to all who sent messages of condolence. Just a courtesy note, as the dust of current events begins to settle.

My brother-in-law is to be cremated. The family is scattered in multiple states and will come to the memory care facility in McKinney for a brief memorial service. The facility Chaplain will conduct the service, which is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 9th.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord." Isaiah 55:8 We knew that my brother-in-law had multiple medical problems, including dementia. Pam's sister Belinda developed dementia as well, but her decline is much faster than his. They recently moved from their home in Canyon Lake to a memory care unit in McKinney (near their son) where they could be in adjoining rooms. Pam's youngest sister Lisa Meg had planned a visit to see Belinda yesterday. Bill passed away just before Lisa left for McKinney. The Good Lord placed Lisa exactly where she needed to be, as Lisa is a certified counselor. Yesterday, Belinda had trouble finding her dining room and returning to her own room at the facility. Bill's death hit Belinda hard and yet, we believe that in a matter of weeks, she won't remember him at all.

The Good Lord has placed her exactly where she needs to be. I will keep you posted if things change. In the meantime, always remember that "those who give prayer, need prayer."

Serving Him,
Chaplain Brad

Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Subject: A Sad Courtesy Note


Good Morning,

It is with heavy heart that I am sending this courtesy note. My brother-in-law Bill Stetson (Pam's sister Belinda's husband) has passed away this morning after his battle with multiple medical challenges. Today, he is with Jesus. As you can imagine, arrangements are pending. They are in memory care at McKinney, north of Dallas. I will advise soonest.

Serving Him,
Chaplain Brad

Good Morning,

Just a courtesy note, to keep you informed.

The Alamo Corps of the International Fellowship of Chaplains is awaiting clearance for possible deployment to the flood area (Kerrville, Comfort, Hunt). An "alert" means that we need to be ready for a future movement. Others can help with the property and help heal the body, but only a Chaplain can help heal the spirit.

Should that happen, I will deploy as part of a team of trained Chaplains, to provide "spiritual first aid" to those traumatized by the disaster. I would have my phone (for email and the Internet) with me. I can continue to address prayer needs from any location.

In the event that we deploy, I will keep you informed, including location and length of deployment. I will also alert Chaplain Ed Parnell, should the Detachment or Squadrons need other assistance while I am away.

Serving God and Country
Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

Greetings from the Chaplain's Corner! I'm Brad Henderson, the incoming Chaplain of the Detachment of Texas. I have a large pair of shoes to fill – those of a dedicated man who has devoted most of his entire life to the service of the Commander of us all.

I am a retired Army Warrant Officer and elementary teacher, an ordained Christian minister, and a member of the Alamo Corps of the International Fellowship of Chaplains. I have been a follower, and I have been a leader from Squadron to Detachment level. Being a servant leader requires attitude first, followed by action. Having discernment keeps us focused on our mission - to serve the Creator of the universe! But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26) I look forward to serving you, and to serving with you.

Always remember: "Those who GIVE prayer, NEED prayer."

Serving God and Country,

Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion

If you have prayer requests for accidents, illness or
in cases of death, prayers or sympathy cards
Please follow Chapain Henderson's request link below.

Chaplain Brad Henderson

Please include:

Contact Information, phone number and email address

Reason for request

Name of Person request is for, include contact info if applicable

Any other information you feel is needed

Greetings from the Chaplain's Corner! I'm Brad Henderson, the incoming Chaplain of the Detachment of Texas. I have a large pair of shoes to fill – those of a dedicated man who has devoted most of his entire life to the service of the Commander of us all.

I am a retired Army Warrant Officer and elementary teacher, an ordained Christian minister, and a member of the Alamo Corps of the International Fellowship of Chaplains. I have been a follower, and I have been a leader from Squadron to Detachment level. Being a servant leader requires attitude first, followed by action. Having discernment keeps us focused on our mission - to serve the Creator of the universe! But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26) I look forward to serving you, and to serving with you.

Always remember: "Those who GIVE prayer, NEED prayer."

Serving God and Country,

Brad Henderson
Chaplain
Detachment of Texas
Sons of The American Legion