John

February 24, 2024

February 24, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero’s men comment of their first days on the front-line in war

Young men made many many discoveries in the first few days of combat, about war, about themselves, and about others on the front line in World […]
February 23, 2024

February 23, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero’s faces his first death on the front line at Anzio

The following night in shivering rain, Phil accompanied his men in his A&P platoon on his first mission to the front lines in World War II: […]
February 22, 2024

February 22, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero meets his A&P platoon

Ross Calvert, Phil’s good friend from Officer Candidate School two years before, walked him into the building, where Phil’s men rose to attention. “At ease!” Ross […]
February 21, 2024

February 21, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero arrives at his new battalion on Anzio

In the middle of February, the weather turned rainy, and the wind was sharp and ice-cold. Phil and the other men were a miserable bunch, and […]
February 20, 2024

February 20, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero arrives at his new unit on Anzio

Phil was one of 182 men (17 officers and 165 enlisted men, including men returning from the hospital) who received slips indicating they would be replacements […]
February 19, 2024

February 19, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero ships out to Anzio

On February 19, 1944, Phil received his orders to report to the 30th Infantry Regiment on the Anzio Beachhead. Late that afternoon, he hopped aboard a truck […]
February 18, 2024

February 18, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero rides a master dressage stallion — Magellan

Phil returned the next day and began instruction with the master and one of his apprentices, Antonio, who was bilingual. “He wants you to mount one […]
February 17, 2024

February 17, 1944 – A teenage WWII hero meets a dressage master

After arriving on the docks at Naples, the ever-present Army 6×6 trucks were waiting to take Phil and the other second lieutenants to the Replacement Depot, […]
February 6, 2020

A Different Calling

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all […]
February 7, 2020

A Different Partner

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for […]
February 9, 2020

A Different End

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. My Father’s house has plenty of room; if that were not so, […]
February 10, 2020

We Are His Friend

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned […]
February 12, 2020

Hand of God – 1

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
February 15, 2020

The Fruit of the Spirit is … Love – 1

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.