Veterans Day is a very special holiday to me. My family is full of military veterans. Father, son-in-law, son, and husband have all served in the U S Army. I am so very proud of all of them, but this particular story is my husband’s. He chose a career in which he would often find himself in the valley of the shadow. It was his trust in the God of the promises of the 23rd Psalm that helped him. You probably remember those promises:
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
The Table, Prepared
Martine J. Green enlisted in the U S Army in November of 1974. It was his plan to get his education as well as serve his country which was still intimately familiar with fighting a war. Vietnam was certainly the valley of the shadow, and it was only a year before his enlistment that the United States pulled out of that conflict. Right after graduation from his small-town high school in the spring of 1975, he headed to infantry basic training at Fort Polk. That began a career that spanned over 20 years and many countries and outstanding accomplishments, in and out of the valley of the shadow.
He Leads Me
The First Ranger Battalion at Ft. Stewart, Georgia was his initial assignment. He served there from October 1975-July 1982. He followed up with 3 ½ years in North Carolina with 5th Special Forces Group, two years in Delta Force, 6 ½ years in Germany with 10th Special Forces Group, and back to the States for a final year at Ft. Bragg with 3rd Special Forces Group.
The Lord Was His Shepherd
Some of “Marty’s” education included Ranger School, Pathfinder School, and Special Forces Qualification Airborne, Military Free Fall, Scuba, and Winter Warfare. Early in his career, he won the 24th Division NCO of the year award at Ft. Stewart where the 1/75 Ranger was based. He was also schooled in mountain climbing, celestial navigation, and engineering. He completed advanced medical training, advanced language training, and advanced weapons training. He participated in the First Gulf War, the Iran Hostage Rescue, and military assistance in Central and South America, Yugoslavia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. And yes, he finished a math degree through The Ohio State University, as well. As much as anyone could be, he was equipped for a career in the valley of the shadow.
Marty retired as a Master Sergeant in July of 1995. Even now, as he has been out longer than he was in, he recalls his adventures often. Some memories he can share, some he can not, and some he will not, but it is certain that those years helped to form him into the intelligent and resourceful man of God that he is today.
Moments of “Special” Anointing
One might expect a person with such an intense background in military education and combat to be distant and cold. He is not. In fact, his faith kept him grounded as he served God as well as his country. “I went to church whenever church was available. When I was in garrison, I tried to encourage others to go, too, and I didn’t encounter too many who were against it. At Ft. Stewart, I was able to sponsor the youth group at historic Flemington Presbyterian Church. In Germany, I played music for both Catholic and Protestant services when I could. I also was able to take part in the International Baptist Church in Bavaria, which is sponsored by the First Baptist Church in Atlanta.”
Marty says, “I was fortunate to serve with some strong Christian brothers throughout my enlistment.”
Green Pastures and Still Waters
His relationship with God helped him to find inner peace when he faced hard times. “It’s important for a soldier to have some kind of spiritual connection because from one moment to the next, things can change and you might not make it out.” Because of Christ, Marty understood that no matter what happened in battle, he would be OK.
While In the Valley of the Shadow of Death
During his enlistment, Marty’s favorite scriptures were found in the 23rd Psalm. He says he prayed before and after combat situations, but not much during actual fighting. During the fighting, he stayed focused on accomplishing the mission. His relationship with God helped him to find inner peace when he faced those times–not courage as much as peace. That peace “kept me from freezing up and being unable to do what I was supposed to do.” He held on to the truth in the words, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
I asked him about the most important spiritual lesson he learned. He replied, “God watches over us, even in the most adverse conditions.”
He Restores My Soul
According to Marty, another reason it is important for soldiers to have some sort of strong spiritual connection is because it promotes a more moral lifestyle. “Away from home, it’s easy to be drawn into an immoral line of thought or action. A relationship with God keeps you grounded and encourages others around you to attain a higher standard. It helps you become a more focused soldier, too.” This is good advice for all those who walk in the valley of any shadow.
With Goodness and Mercy Following
Marty believes that it would be good for all citizens to serve in the military. In his words, “It teaches you to be a part of something bigger than yourself.” For that same reason, everyone should consider committing his life to Jesus Christ. Just like the military, the family of God on this planet is so much bigger than one man.
The Amen
Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11. Nearly everyone knows someone who has chosen to walk through the valley of the shadow and served our country in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. Remember to thank our heroes. I have heard it said that a soldier who is killed in battle loses two lives, the one he lived in the military, and the one he would have lived if he had not chosen to serve. I am blessed to be able to thank mine in person, and hug them as well. Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Aaron and Joey. And thank you, Marty. What you gave has provided what all Americans can share–our beautiful United States.
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