Speaking to a need

It is 5:40 am now, my shift for SOG (Sergeant of the Guard) ended nearly two hours ago and for some odd reason I am still awake, despite my lack of sleep the past couple of nights. My entire mission consist of: Ensuring Marines are not sleeping on thier post, ensuring they have accounted for all of their gear, ensuring they wake up on time, making sure they have food and water, their morale is high, and finding out if they have any health or administrative concerns. I also report any unusual activities that occur outside of the firm base to the Watch Officer. (watch the movie "Fire Base Gloria" in order to understand what a firm base is.) I really enjoy being a quasi babysitter to grown men. I realized tonight that I can use my position to really minister to those I work with. When someone is forced to stare down the barrel of a .50 caliber machine gun for four hours with no t.v., magazines, or music to keep them company they are left to their thoughts. So far I have ran into a couple different kinds of people. 1. Those who apparently do not think of anything. 2. Those who only think of their great many exploits. 3. Those who are angry with the world and want to tell you about it. 4. Those who have concerns about their families or need someone to unload their thoughts on. "disclaimer" My categories do not accurately reflect the general populace.
My favorite role upon walking my post is that of a counselor to those who are downcast. Being a Marine is not a very easy job. All of the "freedoms" we fight to defend, we Marines are completely denied ourselves. Lack of freedom, stressful work environment, being away from home, and thoughts about Iraq really get to some people. What makes matters worse is most of these young men are more concerned about how there mothers are handling all of the news. That means that you Parents out there have to grow up! Stop giving your son who is about to go to combat more to worry about. While concerning being a counselor I found that just listening and trying to understand their depression will do a lot. Moreover it gives me an excellent opportunity to share with them who I look to for consolation. I explain how accepting Christ in my heart means realizing that the God of all creation, the very God who gives life and light liberally to all, is the Same God who became flesh and dwelt amongst us, the very same God who died upon the cross to save us from death and sin. This same Jesus Christ promised to send me a comforter, this same comforter is this same God of all creation dwelling now in my heart. This same God, Triune in nature, hears my prayers, sees everything I do and loves me despite myself. I am able to share with them my background and why it is I understand depression. I share how knowing the God that gives all men life will never leave me nor forsake me and knowing He has promised me eternal life is enough to bring me through anything the Marine Corps can throw at me. Starting to get sleepy now....