Back on land - 7 December 2008

Friends and Family,

After traveling to the Philippines, Korea, and finally Hong Kong, the 31st MEU safely and successfully finished its fall patrol last weekend by arriving in Okinawa. This means I am back on land! While I was able to also set foot in the Philippines and Hong Kong, it is great to be back on Okinawa. Nine weeks at sea is actually a very short deployment. The east and west coast MEU's typically deploy for seven months at a time, with their destination being the Middle East. The Pacific Area of Responsibility (AOR), while strategic and important, is obviously quite different. There were no contingency operations that we were needed for, which is good news. While events like the terrorist attacks in India and the unrest in Thailand were/are very unfortunate and ugly, thankfully neither escalated to unmanageable proportions for those respective countries.

The highlight of the patrol was the port visit to Hong Kong. Of all the places I've visited in the world, Hong Kong is at the top of the list. The amazing cityscape on the north side of the island, contrasted with the beautiful southern coast and old British colonial area, separated by only a few miles, really have a lot to offer. I was able to troop around with a couple other lieutenants who I knew from my time in Virginia that also were assigned to the MEU.

Professionally speaking, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Learning the MAGTF (pronounced MAG-TAFF, which means Marine Air Ground Task Force) basics first hand will prove to be invaluable as I move forward with my career. The highlight of this portion was a four day visit aboard a Japanese naval vessel called the Kunisaki, during the Navy's annual exercise with the Japanese. Myself and five other Marine Officers went to the Japanese ship to serve as Marine Liaison's with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. It is interesting to think about that fact that only one or two generations ago we were killing each other, now we are aboard one another's Naval vessels as allies discussing warfighting tactics. That is some pretty awesome progress in my opinion. Wouldn't it be great to eventually be able to say that about some of the bad guys that we are fighting now? Other than the fact that I'd be out of a job, I think it'd be an awesome thing. I'm sure I could find something else to do anyway.

I will be returning to MWCS-18 for the final 6 months of my tour in Okinawa. As it stands right now, I will be heading to Norfolk, VA, this summer. I've learned, however, that in the Marine Corps nothing is guaranteed until you see it in writing, or until you are actually on the plane! We'll see how things pan out.

That is all for now. Take care and hope to hear from you. Press on towards the Goal. - Philippians 3:14. Always.

In Him who is able to do immeasurably more,
1stLt Steven R. Haack

Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Disney, 31st MEU, and one beautiful girl - 10 September 2008

Friends and Family:

Last time I wrote a quick debrief of my summer activities. Isn't it crazy how a relative period of time, or a number of personally significant events can be squeezed into an email that lasts a mere page? Playwright/journalist Ben Hecht's sentiments ring true, "Time is a circus, always packing up and moving away." Likewise, the real truth can be found in 2 Peter 3:8, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day" (see also Psalm 90:4). What does this mean? One take away for certain is this: cherish our time here to work for Jesus and His kingdom, while living in the light of eternity all the while. Amen. This email will prove to be no different.

Allow me to share one last story about my summer before I move forward. This is perhaps the most significant summer event, which I did not mention before for fear of it being overshadowed by the rest of my previous email. Anyway… this summer I had the outstanding privilege of being visited by my girlfriend, Abigail Cleveland. Abby, a Marine Corps brat whose dad was also an officer, is the niece of a former Navy chaplain, Rick Hamme. Rick mentored me during my time in Quantico, VA. After leaving Virginia, Uncle Rick graciously gave me Abby's contact information, as well as consequent permission to begin correspondence (thanks, Uncle Rick!). After seeing her photo, it did not take me long to decide to act; this was around the time I returned from the Philippines last November (to see what was going on in my life at that time visit http://okinawaone.blogspot.com/ ). After corresponding via electronic messages (email, facebook, im), I felt that we needed to meet if anything were to come of all this. Conveniently enough, my sister, Stacy, was getting married shortly after Christmas (good timing Stacy and Brennan, thanks!), thus, a trip to the States was in store anyway. After finagling the airlines and ticket prices, I wound up in the DC area (where Abby and her family have lived for the past 10 years) for five days prior to my sister's wedding. I had an amazing time with Abby and her family, to include Uncle Rick. I gave her a webcam for Christmas and our time spent on the computer increased exponentially over the next several months. Even before leaving DC, we talked about her coming to visit Okinawa (the fact that she lived here from 8 months-3 years old was a good excuse for her to come back and visit since she hadn't been back since, besides seeing me of course!). When she arrived in June for her three week visit, it was a very pleasant surprise to see how solid of a foundation we had from over six months of talking about everything under the sun, reading together, and praying, all over skype, from over half-a-world away, and all for FREE (besides monthly internet service)! Needless to say we had another amazing time. We're now in the ninth month of our relationship, with much invested on both sides. It's exciting of course… love always is! But Christ is the Rock upon which we stand, and therefore we know that Romans 8:28 holds true. As we continue to move forward in our relationship, your prayers would be coveted. Thank you very much. I hope that brief history was as fun for you to read as it was for me to write. Be advised the rest of the email is not about love, but rather, the Marine Corps and other events, which are still interesting topics, but probably not as interesting as Abby ;)

Another area of excitement for me comes from my recent assignment to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). In a few short days I will board the USS Essex for a 2.5 month tour of the South Pacific region. This will begin with movement to the Philippines, followed by Korea, with the last stop being Hong Kong. This schedule will remain intact barring any real world contingencies. For those who don't know, the MEU, of which there are a few in the Marine Corps and two-three afloat at any given time in the world, is a maritime force in readiness that is trained and prepared to execute a wide variety of missions from airfield/port seizures, to special operations, to non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO), to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). Most recently the 31st MEU was involved in HADR missions when Burma/Myanmar was hit by cyclone Nargis this summer, as well as assisting in similar fashion when Bangladesh was hit by cyclone Sidr in November of 2007. In summary, you can think of a MEU as America's 9-1-1 call to any global emergency that needs military assistance - terrorist threat, natural disaster, or otherwise. Besides the operational side of the MEU, which is a welcome change of pace from the world of Marine Corps Communications, I've never been aboard a true Naval vessel (the High Speed Vessel I took to Korea and Philippines before is a far cry from the real thing). Considering all this, and the fact that being part of a MEU does not come along very frequently, one can see why I'm excited about this opportunity.

As a final note, on Labor Day weekend, Jim and I went to Tokyo with high hopes of climbing Mt. Fuji and plans to visit Tokyo Disney the following day. I am pleased to inform you that we climbed all 3,776m (12,388ft) of the mountain in just over five hours (note we began the climb at the 5th station of the mountain - elevation 2,305m). We began the climb on Saturday night to see the sunrise on Sunday morning. The sunrise, coupled with the experience as a whole, was spectacular.
We went to Tokyo Disney the following day to boot. Being greeted by Disney World/Land classics such as Alice's Teacups, Space Mountain, Peter Pan's Final Flight, and It's a Small World, made us feel right at home (and like kids again). Amen.
That is it for now. Take care and please let me know how you are doing when you get the chance. I'd love to hear from you before I leave.

Fair winds and following seas,
1stLt Steven R. Haack

My past year as a Communications Officer in the United States Marine Corps - Stay motivated.

First Lieutenant Haack's experiences in the communications field cover a broad spectrum. Whether it be acting as Data Platoon Commander, Syscon Watch Officer, MWCS-18 Communications Detachment OIC for a major MEF and follow on Wing-level exercise, or Company Operations Officer, these different opportunities have provided a base of knowledge extending beyond the scope of his paygrade and MOS.

As a Data Platoon Commander, a Captain's billet by T/O, he quickly learned his MOS by becoming familiar with the concepts of data network planning, software and hardware application, and the installation and operation phases of data communications systems, network services, and equipment. He was educated in such matters on numerous occasions when his unit played in Wing, MEF, and Joint-level exercises, most notably Ulchi Focus Lens 07, Talon Vision 08, Wolmido Fury 08, Key Resolve 08, Foal Eagle 08, and Cobra Gold 08. Also as a platoon commander, he was the Responsible Officer for a CMR valued at over $5 million, to include $500,000 worth of CCI gear; he managed this account for over ten months without error, all the while improving accountability and maintenance measures for the equipment.

On many of the exercises mentioned above, Lieutenant Haack also acted as Syscon Watch Officer. Responsibilities included monitoring all ACE communication circuits including data networks, radio networks, and switched-voice networks, then acting as the focal point for conducting restoration efforts for these networks, systems, and links to ensure communications and systems availability. By executing these duties for Wing, MEF, and Joint-level exercises, he learned valuable lessons with regards to extensive communications architectures, which often times spanned across an entire country or peninsula, and the supervision needed to execute such plans. Complex logistical and operational preparations were also a heavy part of the planning process for all these exercises, familiarizing Lieutenant Haack with MSC movement timelines and criteria, TPFDD data, and extensive personnel and gear accountability.

His broad understanding of communications and operational concepts was tested and confirmed on two significant occasions. In November of 2007, after cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh, he assisted in the development of a thorough communications support package for 3rd MEB's Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team with less than 12 hours notice. Then, from February to April 2008, Lieutenant Haack served as MWCS-18's Detachment OIC for MEF-level exercise Key Resolve, and the follow on Wing-level exercise, Foal Eagle.During this six week period, he was responsible for all phases of planning, supervision, and execution of his detachment's deployment and retrograde from Okinawa to the Korean peninsula. With 35 Marines under his charge, at two different locations in country, he oversaw the communications support of two flying squadron's for these exercises, providing their Combat Operations Centers and Air Ground Support Operations Center with vital communications services to include secure and non-secure radio, voice-switching, and data services.

In all these situations, he has demonstrated the ability to work in a high demand environment by consistently maintaining composure and confidence, which enable him to render sound judgments and decisions. As the current Alpha Company Operations Officer for MWCS-18, another Captain's billet by T/O, he is planning for a Group and a Wing-level exercise simultaneously, working closely with the G-6 and with S-6's from adjacent units for the exercise. Lieutenant Haack leads by example and motivation, emanates core values daily, is very mature, continually demonstrates superb physical conditioning, and would be an asset to any command.

*End of Statement

Please note that I wrote this about myself for the purposes of applying for a certain billet that would take me to a place commonly known as the Middle East. Hopefully it will all pan out.

I think it is also important to note that this professional biography of sorts makes me sound much more important than I actually am. Furthermore, it may make it seem like my intent in joining the Marine Corps was to become a very good communications officer. While I believe it is very important to be good at what I do, as that too bears testimony to my Faith (Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for men."), my purpose must always be glorifying God through sharing my Faith with others and coming to know Him more. By His grace, I can say that has happened on numerous occasions in numerous circumstances throughout this past year. The morale of the story is it's all about Jesus.

So, what began as an autobiography where I bragged all about myself, has become an excellent way to reflect on my past year in Okinawa while keeping it all in the proper perspective. Where would I be without Jesus as the Lord of my life anyway? Actually, I can legitimately answer that question... I would be on my way to hell. But, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord... [for] there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 7:25-8:1). Amen.

"Don't Waste Your Life" - 3 August 2008

Dear Friends and Family:

Greetings from Okinawa. A lot has happened since the last time I wrote. Among other things, the mission trip to Thailand was an amazing experience; I recently changed billets (jobs) from Data Platoon Commander to becoming the Operations Officer for my Company; and my friend Jim and I just bought plane tickets to go to mainland Japan at the end of August to climb Mt. Fuji, Japan's tallest peak.

Though it was a while ago, here are a couple things from Thailand that were significant for me and hopefully they will be for you too... The missionaries we went to support were a 55 year old couple from the midwest, Dave and Shirley, who had taken early retirement to move to Thailand so they could minister to/provide loving Christian homes for Thai orphans, most of whose parents died from AIDS, drugs, or violence. Having just read John Piper's classic, Don't Waste your Life, before going to Thailand, it was an amazing contrast to a tragic example Piper gives on pages 45 and 46, "I will tell you what a tragedy is. I will show you how to waste your life. Consider this story from the February 1998 Reader's Digest, which tells about a couple who 'took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Punto Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30-foot trawler, play softball and collect shells.' At first, when I read it I thought it might be a joke. But it wasn't. Tragically, this was the dream: Come to the end of your life-your one and only precious, God-given life-and let the last great work of your life, before you give an account to your Creator, be this: playing softball and collecting shells. Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgment: 'Look, Lord. See my shells.' That is a tragedy. And people today are spending billions of dollars to persuade you to embrace that tragic dream."

While Dave and Shirley will be the first to tell you they are far from being saints, as american Christian's often assume foreign missionaries to be, they are most certainly storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Amen. I challenge you, whether young or old, to read Matthew 6:19-24, and assess where you are storing your treasure.

Another significant part of the trip was something I've experienced on other mission trips throughout the world, Thailand included, and it is something I wrote about a couple months ago. Ephesians 4:4-6 says it best, "There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." There is perhaps nothing more significant to a person's faith in Jesus when that person bears witness to people of other nations, languages, and cultures who worship the same great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. It speaks volumes to the authenticity of the Faith, in a way that can bring you to your knees in awe, reverence, and wonder. Amen and Amen.

Thanks for reading. More news to come soon on my job transition and climbing Fuji once we actually do it. Please write and let me know how you are doing; I'd love to hear from you. Until next time, take care. Press on towards the goal to which God has called [you] heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Phil. 3:14

Semper Jesus,
1stLt Steven R. Haack

Post Script - Special congratulations to my great friend Brian Hammer, who just got married this past weekend. Way to make it happen, Brian and Jill, by the grace of God. That a baby. 1800 miles on a bike. ONE.

The Work of God - 18 May 2008

Dear Friends:

It's been almost two months since I last wrote. I arrived back in Okinawa after a very successful exercise and experience in Korea, which I shared in my last email. In the six weeks that I've been back on island I have continued my involvement in a very cool Christian community called the Harbor. It is a ministry/hospitality house run by Cadence International (a missions organization who ministers to the military throughout the world, where there is a US base, there is a Cadence ministry nearby almost without fail). This has provided the ministry outlet that I'd been longing for a few months ago. The Harbor is led by a pastor named Mark. He has a deep love for Jesus and the Truth, and has a very effective teaching ministry (he has a wife and three daughters too, please pray for them and their ministry to me and other service members like me). The Harbor has recently started small groups and my friend Jim (also a communications officer, and lieutenant, but in the Army ) and I have the privilege of leading one for single guys. We are examining "The Best Question Ever" (self-proclaimed of course, by the preacher/author Andy Stanley). The question is this, "In light of my past experiences, current circumstances, and future hopes/dreams/aspirations, what is the wisest thing God would have me do in this situation?" It is partly based on the verses Ephesians 5:15-16. Please pray for the group as we examine this and grow together as men of God and followers of Jesus, and pray for Jim and I as we have the privilege of being in leadership positions that afford us the opportunity to invest in peoples' lives in a small group/community setting.

Typical of when I've written my past emails, I'm either on my way back from somewhere or getting ready to go somewhere. This email proves no different; tomorrow I leave for Thailand. The circumstances, however, are quite different than the joint military exercises that have taken me throughout this region of the world, and I couldn't be more excited/thankful for this opportunity. I am actually going on a mission trip through the Harbor to work in a couple different orphanages that a missionary couple run in the Chiang-Mai area. As I seek God's continual call on my life, I can't help but think of my passion for Missions being in there somewhere - which is directly related to the joy, love, grace, passion (list goes on) that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given me.... and my desire to share that priceless gift with others. This trip will be a way for me to examine that further. While that may be a benefit that I get from this experience, the truth is that this trip has nothing to do with me and everything to do with God and His glory. Whether me and my other team members go to Chiang-Mai for the next two weeks or not, God is at work there, has been at work there for a very long time prior to our arrival, and will be for a very long time after we leave. But you know what the really amazing thing is? We get to share in the His Kingdom work for this short time. Amen.

Despite the impersonal nature of this email, I request that you reply and let me know what is going on in your life. I love hearing from anyone on this list and responding on a personal basis, so please do so if you have the chance. That should do it for now. Fight the good Fight of faith, and press on towards the Goal. - Philippians 3:14.

In Him who is able to do immeasurably more,
1stLt Steven R. Haack

If you wish to keep reading, please do. Significant spiritual insight follows from friends of mine on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. These are two of my best friends in the Marine Corps, and they are training each respective country's military/police to defend against terrorism. Listen to God at work in their lives and be blessed by them as much as I have. It is truly an honor and privilege to call them my brothers in Christ, and brothers in arms. Furthermore, be encouraged that these are the officers that are leading this Fight.

From Afghanistan:
I am sorry that I have not been better about writing. Things are going well, pretty low key. I have been on a COP that was shot with harassing fire but that is about it. I get to go outside the wire on patrols a few times a week. I was moved from a little COP out in the mountains to a bigger base because the Afghan staff needed work with their logistics. It was fun being up there because it was more like an infantry type billet, but it is still good down here. I am keeping busy, but still have enough time to get a good nights sleep; spend time with the Lord in the word and in prayer; and do a little bit of reading. This is a huge blessing, I thought that it was going to be so busy that it would be tough to get that stuff in.

I just finished reading Watchman Nee's "Sit, Walk, Stand," and thought of you much. Like most of the books that make a lasting impression on me, I disagreed with it most of the way through, but by the end began to digest what the author was getting at. I have taken to the Puritan writers who have more of a bent towards laboring to kill sin, Jonathan Owen says, "If you are not killing sin then sin is killing you." The more that I have thought about it, I don't think that these two concepts are necessarily at odds. We must be sanctified though the strength of the Holy Spirit or it is merely self will, but we should labor towards that end eagerly pleading with God that the Spirit might work in power in us, and knowing that the battle is won.

From Iraq:
Things have been much more busy with the job lately. We have a lot of different things going simultaneously. It has actually been nice because we've actually been able to accomplish some tangible things. The past couple weeks we've captured or killed several key terrorist leaders, some of whom operate beyond Iraq. I was intimately involved with one of these and it was great to actually do something for which I've trained. I am extremely thankful for the opportunities that my job presents, but it is typically very passive, so it was great to be actively involved in securing this country rather than instructing the Iraqis on how to do it.

The high op tempo has kept my team split up for the most part in several different locations, so meaningful conversations have been more limited. It has been frustrating. After the conversation I spoke of in my last email, I was hoping I would be able to follow up with guys shortly thereafter. But God has been faithful to bring the opportunities in the past, and I believe He will continue to do so on His timeline, not mine. I have to learn to be at peace with that without growing complacent or losing my sense of urgency. This has also made my time with Lord more difficult to guard, and I have not been as jealous for as it I should be. Pray that I would be disciplined in this.

[After conversing with a friend who has had lots of questions about the Faith]

I admitted that there is plenty of emptiness in churches in America where emotionalism has become a substitute for truth. There is a equal amount dead intellectualism. But truth, when understood, should awaken the deepest passions within us. I went back over my testimony once again, emphasizing how life changed when I realized that fact. I took him to several passages in which we are commanded to to be joyful. I took him to Jesus' life and showed him who He really was. He could go toe to toe with the intellectual giants of His day, never back down, and shred them. He could then go play with kids, spend time with prostitutes, and spend all night in prayer and worship. He could go voluntarily to a cross, the thought of which caused him to sweat blood, without wavering. Then He could break down in tears over His dear friend. And it was all driven by love for us and for His father. That love made Him strong and it made Him passionate.

..sharper than any double-edged sword...

"The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

This verse indicates that when we read the Word of God there should be a holy conviction in the deepest part of ourselves. Such a conviction may be in either a positive or negative light. For example, it could be something which God has shown us about Himself or His character that we are compelled to share with others (positive), or it could be something that corrects a certain prejudice or belief the reader holds about God, himself, his spiritual walk, etc... (negative). Note that while I classify the latter as negative, the end result after conviction and upon repentence/understanding a deeper Truth through the Word is absolutely positive. As a matter of fact, I would argue this is one of the best ways to be corrected and to learn, from the Truth of God's Word.

I was convicted in this way recently. I am reading through the Gospel of John, and a verse in the fifth chapter struck me. Jesus has some harsh words for the Jews in John 5:39-40, "39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life." Jesus' words struck me here because I felt like, at least according to verse 39, Jesus was talking about me. I certainly do 'diligently study the Scriptures,' and I think that by them they help me understand how and why I do possess eternal life. But after reading verse 40, I was in fervent prayer about coming to Jesus in order to receive life. I want to come to Him; I don't want to be the one who refuses. The fear of God strikes me when I think about having a Pharisaic faith, one based on memorization of the Law vs. learning Scripture by heart, one based on do's and dont's vs. being compelled by Christ's love to act/behave in a Christ-like manner, one that diligently studies the Scriptures to find life vs. coming to Jesus, the Author of Life. It makes me shudder, and fall to my knees asking for God's mercy. Lord knows I desire to study the Scriptures, but Lord help me if it is because of some self-righteous sort of motivation. I want to know Jesus and come closer to Him by my study. I DO NOT want to be the one who studies but refuses to come to Him.

A few days after reading this, I was put at ease when I read through John 8. Jesus is again speaking to the Jews, and again scolding them for their unbelief after He gives compelling reasons through compelling speech as to why He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Specifically verses 42-47 caught my eye this time, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here... Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say... He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." I DO hear Jesus. I DO love Him. His speech is blatently clear to me - He is the Son of the living God, the Messiah, the one about whom the Scriptures testify. It is for these reasons, among others, that I know I'm on the right track - it's all because of Him, who He is, and what He has done. The fact that I can catch even a piece of that is only by grace, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Amen.

The main reason I write about this experience/conviction is to say that we always must be in the position to be corrected by the Word of God. This keeps you in spiritual check, and keeps spiritual pride from becoming your vice. So, if you or I are not in that position of humility, where we can be corrected by God's Word, or even more so, where we can welcome that holy conviction and correction, get there by surrendering your life and your will to Jesus Christ.

And that will do it for now.

Coming to you from the Republic of Korea (ROK) - 26 March 2008

Not more than seven months ago I sat in virtually the same location as I am right now - Camp MuJuk in Pohang, South Korea. It is amazing to think/see, however, how significantly things can change over such a relatively short time. Seven months later I am the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Marines from my unit, whereas I was one of six lieutenants the last time I was here. I am now a First Lieutenant. And South Korea from late February through late March is a little different than the sweltering summer heat of the ROK in August. While there are still other changes than the few I've mentioned, not one is more significant for me personally than the spiritual position in which I find myself.

Remembering back to August, I can think of the significant time of healing that my heart was undergoing. At that time the Spirit of God was pouring into my life, showing me once again how great His love for me is. This was truly amazing and broke me down to my core. It was at that time I adopted what I will forever claim as my life verse(s), Philippians 3:10-14. Knowing Christ is my Goal, and like Jacob in Genesis 32:22-30, I will not give up until that hunger is satisfied. While that tenacity may at times bring more pain - God did break Jacob's hip, after all - it is a promise of the living God that, "You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you" (Jeremiah 29:13-14). Pain is nothing to fear, by the way. Listen to the deeply encouraging words that the writer of Hebrews gives to us, "Endure hardship as discipline... no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:7...11).

This time in Korea has been much different. The exercise went very well from a Communications perspective. The Marines from MWCS-18 accomplished their mission effectively and with professionalism. Because it has gone so well, we've been afforded the opportunity to engage in other life matters without reservation.And as the OIC, I am able to emphasize what areas I'd like my Marines to be working on in their free time, for example, getting on a normal physical training (PT) schedule and working on their online courses. PT and studying Scripture were at the top of my list. This led me to the most significant difference - a spiritual one. Over the course of the past month it was pointed out to me that I have been the one that has been doing the pouring out this time around. This is not of my own accord, but similar to the way the Apostle Paul says the comfort that we have received from God can be poured into other's lives (2 Corinthians 1:4). In that same way, I have been able to share the amazing Life that Jesus has given me with my fellow Marines. Hear these amazing examples...

The first Sunday we got to Korea the chaplain hadn't arrived yet. Fearing a missed opportunity for myself and for others to hear the Word of God, I held a church service for 15-20 Marines and delivered a powerful message about the faithfulness of God, playing off the Marine Corps motto of Semper Fidelis, which is Latin for "Always Faithful." Questions about Jesus and Christianity were asked to me directly by some of my Marines, and I led a Bible study each Wednesday night of the exercise. The Wednesday before Easter, I shared some of the compelling similarities between Christ's death and the first Passover
the Israelites experienced (Exodus 12). Eyes were opened, literally and figuratively speaking, as the Messianic symbolism of the first Passover were noted for the first time by many (email me to learn more about these).

Here is one compelling miracle that is representative of the time I've shared with some of my Marines. One of them who had spoken with his wife prior to this exercise about needing to "get back to church," called her the first night after we had a significant conversation about Jesus. Before even mentioning to her anything about our conversation, his wife told him about a question that their two children asked her that day out of the blue. They came downstairs after playing in their rec room and asked their mother, "Can you tell us about Jesus?" Upon hearing this, the husband was floored! He then shared bits and pieces of our conversation and both husband and wife were brought to tears! Amen. Jesus is amazing.

Add to all of this my prayer request from my last email - asking you to ask God on my behalf for the opportunity to minister, disciple, share the Word with others. Look at how He has answered! Most faithfully and in a way I would have never imagined. Now there are about five Marines from my unit and a similar number from other units who are going back to Japan with questions answered, and/or a hunger to search Jesus out for themselves. Please pray for continued opportunities in this area, as my passion is sharing the Word of God with others. It literally stirs my heart and I love it and it brings me closer to God because I believe I am in His will most when doing this. Please tell me how you are doing and how I can pray for you. Also, check out my blog for more insight into what God has been showing me recently http://okinawaone.blogspot.com/ .

Lastly, I just want to say in a [somewhat] public forum, congratulations to my grandparents Karl and Donna Abt who are celebrating 60 years of marriage this weekend. Amen for that too.

Sending you Love from the Korean Peninsula,
S.R. Haack

David's Mighty Men

Coming to you from the Republic of South Korea. Don't be mistaken - God is still at work in the hearts of men, regardless of where you place yourself on earth. So here is the latest that I'm enthralled by...

Listen to the exploits of David's Mighty Men, as written in 1 Chronicles 11 and 12:

"Jashobeam... raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter" (11:11). "Abishai... raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became famous" (11:20). "Benaiah... was a valiant fighter... [who] struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver's rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear" (11:22-23). "They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were swift as gazelles in the mountains" (12:8).

Such were the exploits of these men. In modern day terms, some might call them gruesome. I, however, being the hopeless romantic that I am, beg to differ. These were men fighting to defend King David, God's chosen and anointed King for the nation of Israel which was God's chosen people. They fiercely sought justice on behalf of the one true God, and fully supported this man, David, who is described as a man after God's own heart.

I wonder if I would have been one of David's Mighty Men? I'd like to think so, because that is what I long for; I long to fight valiantly. A physical battle? Sure, if that's what it comes to. A spiritual battle? Most definitely. I think that is why I like being a Marine, because it gives me that ethos on the outside- the warrior ethos - of one who will fight come hell or high water, who will adapt and overcome.For me, that translates into my spiritual life as well. It helps me relate so well to that warrior aspect of God's character, "The Lord is a warrior, the Lord is his name" (Exodus 15:3). It is amazing to think that I could be like God in that way. Should I be surprised? I was made in his image, after all. Either way, whether physical or spiritual, I want the battles I fight to be ones in which the end result is me capturing, even if it's just a small piece, the heart of the living God; the one true God; the same God that David and his Mighty Men served. What an intense thing to fight for! But I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it as tenaciously as Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32:22-30. And son of a gun I know I will capture it. Why can I be so confident? Because of God's promise, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). I intend to do exactly that. This coincides well with my life verses from Philippians 3:10-14. I love how that works out.

On a different note, this time in South Korea has been significant for me personally. Both times I've come here (now and last August) God has moved me/shaped my heart/shown me himself in life-altering ways. I thank him for it. It is truly remarkable. And I love that I get to share it with the world - even if no one ever reads it! It is good for me to just get it out there, put that 'ink to paper' so to speak.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

Joy - where is yours coming from?

So I'm kind of happy right now. I mean I am just absolutely content and at peace, right now, in this moment. I just breathed a sigh of relief. What a truly amazing feeling.

Actually, 'happy' might be poor word choice. Reason being is 'happy' has to do with circumstance. Joy - that's it. So let me rephrase... So I'm kind of full of joy right now. See, joy has little to do with circumstance and everything to do with the goodness and trust of God. A more descriptive way to express this would be to say that I have a deep Joy welled up in my soul, and the reason for this is directly related to the goodness of God. Again, I am not referrring to goodness reflected by my current life circumcstances, though I certainly have nothing to complain about! I am, however, referring to the goodness of knowing that regardless of what may happen in my life, God is sovereign and always has my best interests at the forefront of His plan for me. And I can truly say I have full trust and confidence in that, in giving the control to Him, having Him be the ONE who sits on the throne of my life. Amen. And believe it or not that evokes an incredible feeling of freedom and abundance that only life in Jesus can bring.

A significant part of this deep joy has to do with what I have been recently reading in the Bible. The Word of God speaks and gives Life and Faith if the reader is willing and open. This is a biblical truth in itself, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). Furthermore, I am learning daily another biblical truth, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). This is seriously how much we need the Bible if we are to pursue Christ with all our hearts.

So my last blog was about Judges. After that I read Nehemiah, and now I'm in the middle of Numbers. Considering what I just shared in the above paragraph, I'm going to share some of the testimonies that I have found to be the most compelling as of late. First, Nehemiah... After Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes for permission to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (2:1-6), he did not expose this vision to those living in Jerusalem until the appropriate time. From the text we can tell that this was at period of at least 3.5 days (2:11-18). The situation warranted that Nehemiah harbor this vision, as he had to inspect the current situation in the city once he got there to consider how he could best accomplish this seemingly monumental task. 2:17-18 show that when he finally did cast this vision to the Israelites, after waiting the appropriate time, they responded in unison, "Let us start rebuilding" (v.18). Moral of the story, be aware/conscious of the appropriate time and place to cast your vision. Furthermore, when you do finally cast it, see it through to the end and realize where your help comes from. For example, when Nehemiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem face opposition to rebuidling the wall, Nehemiah prays a simple, humble, yet heartfelt and fervent prayer to Almighty God, "Now strengthen my hands" (6:9). What a significant lesson on approach to leadership in the face of adversity. By the way, if you've never read the story the wall gets completely rebuilt (6:16) because God is awesome. Way to go Nehemiah and God.

Now, Numbers... The testimony that captured me in the most significant way was from the 13th chapter, when the Israelites go explore the Promised Land. Ten of the twelve men who went to spy-out the land said the people there were too powerful, the cities too large and fortified to be able to take possession of it (13:27-29). But Caleb, who speaks on behalf of Joshua as well, says, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" (v.30). These two men, in Faith, see beyond the current circumstances. They see with the perspective of the promise of God, that He has said this is the land He would give to the Israelites. So regardless of who owns/inhabits it now, God will surely give it to them! They have vision seasoned with that invaluable Faith perspective, which has full trust and confidence in the promises that God makes to His people - and rightfully so! These men who were willing to go out on a limb and voice a risky and unpopular position are the only two from this bunch God lets into the promised land (14:30). Amen to that. Not that this faith journey is about getting rewards because we seek God, but surely God DOES gives rewards to those who believe in Him so strongly, in the face of opposition or unopularity. Sidenote - if I get to have a son some day I want to name them one of these names, Caleb or Joshua. That is motivating.

I am about to get on a boat and go to South Korea. That is also motivating.

Living the Dream.

Any difference?

I'm reading the book of Judges right now. I'm only through the first 6 chapters, but the unmistakable cycle of the Israelites turning from God, then being redeemed by Him once again, can be clearly seen. I've often wondered, when reading the Old Testament, how the Israelites, after being blessed by God soo much and redeemed by His great Strength and Power soo many times, can simply turn from Him to worship other gods. They make a habit of it, and it is easy to criticize them for being so short-sighted and having such little faith in the ONE True God who has revealed Himself to them on numerous occassions. Thankfully, because God will not let His name be slandered or mocked, His mighty right hand always comes through to save this chosen people of His.

The Lord made it clear when He gave Moses the 10 Commandments that first and foremost, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). Secondly He said, "You shall not make for yourself an idol... You shall not bow down to [the idols] or worship them..." (Exodus 20:4-5). Besides clearly stating it, don't forget when the Lord saved Israel and displayed his love, mercy, compassion, for His chosen people. He brought them out of Egypt, out of their slavery and bondage; He parted the sea so that they could make a successful escape! This is just one of the many examples of God showing these qualities with respect to His chosen people, the Israelites. Despite these facts, they turn to worthless idols and heathen behavior time and again.

As stated before, it is easy to be the critic as we read these testimonies of old, after all, hindsight is 20/20. But herein lies my question and challenge... how is the short-sighted behavior of the Israelites any different than the children of God (the "New Israel" as we are called) today? Even committed Christ followers, those chosen of God (because "we did not chose Him but He chose us" John 15:16), have problems with chronic sin - habits or behaviors that they just can't seem to kick, even though they know full well that the acts/thoughts are sinful. It is like the Apostle Paul says in Romans 7:14-25. I guess it comforts me to know that even the greatest missionary in the history of the church had this problem - that his sinful nature won at times, regardless of how many times he had tasted in the heavenly Gift (and we know that Paul tasted this Gift full well, as He actually saw the Resurrected Christ when he got knocked from his horse on his way to Damascus and became a Christian because of it - see Acts 9 or Acts 22). I would contend, therefore, that my behavior is no different than the nature of the Israelites of old. And as disgusting as it makes me feel, I am just like the Israelites of old except for one REALLY IMPORTANT FACT. That being: I have had the perfect sacrifice made on my behalf, that of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:27, 9:26-28). This is actually a REALLY BIG DEAL, because no matter how disgusting I may feel or think I am like the Israelites of old, it simply isn't true! I am a NEW creation in Christ! "The old is gone, behold, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The blood of Jesus' sacrifice covers me and cleanses me from all sin! This is a mystery and nothing short of an ABSOLUTE MIRACLE. So, rather than ending this blog post on a negative note like I thought I was going to, I will rejoice, as Paul does at the end of his passage in Romans 7, "Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Because, "If we confess our sins [Jesus] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteouness" (1 John 1:9). I swear that if the Bible didn't say that in black and white I probably wouldn't believe it since it is soo difficult to comprehend. But dang it; it's the Truth because the Bible does say it, so Hallelujah and Amen!

Do not think that this means as a follower of Jesus you are free to sin. "...do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature" (Galatians 5:13), and be aware of the fact that, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace" (Hebrews 6:4-6).... That is a whole other message, which I'll write about once I wrap my head around it (which I won't ever completely be able to do obviously, though my feeble attempts do produce fruit on occassion).

ONE Lord, ONE faith - 30 January 2008

Dear Friends:

I have some great news for you... our God reigns! He is sovereign, and He cares, and He is faithful.

I have been so encouraged as I've stayed in touch with some of you, since I last wrote in November, to learn about the testimonies that God is giving you as you walk with Him. Hearing about people growing in faith, sharing the Gospel with friends and family, committing to mission work/ministry, being challenged by God in current life circumstances, coming to know Jesus and His redeeming power in a deeper way.... it all points me in ONE direction that can be summed up by Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. When I hear from you with respect to what I mentioned above, I can feel it in the deepest part of my heart that the Jesus you know in whatever part of the world you are in, is the exact same Jesus that I know over here in Japan. While each of us may be more aware of different specific parts of His character, which we have learned through our respective experiences and challenges, I am convinced of this Truth from Ephesians... it is the same God and Father "who is over all and through all and in all." This is part of the mystery of the Gospel and the Faith which we profess. Amen. And it is nothing short of an ABSOLUTE MIRACLE!

Let me share a quick testimony of my own before I conclude, of which some of you I'm sure were catalysts of/a part of... the unit that I am part of just got a new company commander (my direct boss). At the change of command ceremony his first words to the Marines were him thanking God for this opportunity; this got me wondering if he was a Believer. I had to drive him and his family somewhere today since they don't have vehicles yet since they just got here (actually I was driving them to go pick up their new cars) and I had worship music on in my car. He asked me if I "went to church around here." Since he
asked, I dove right in to telling him my testimony since being on the island and what Jesus is doing in my life currently. I quickly learned that he too went to a small Christian college (Covenant College), and his wife grew up in different parts of Africa because her parents are missionaries, and that they are thinking about starting a Bible study for international people that are on the island, which is directly related to their heart for missions and reaching into all the world. How amazing is that! Here is how some of you were involved... as we were conversing in the car I was so FULL of the joy of the Holy Spirit. I knew, so much so that I could literally almost hear the prayers, that some people must have been praying for me to be surrounded by Christ followers, both above me and below me. I know that prayer had to have been said for a circumstance like this to have arose. So... your prayers are being answered. Amen. Thanks be to God. And thank you too.

I will conclude by asking you to pray for me to have an outlet to teach - Bible study, Sunday school, anything... I just feel compelled that I need to be doing that. I will also say that I would love to hear from you about what is going on in your life and how I can pray for you. I have started a blog http://okinawaone.blogspot.com/ if you want to check out my other, more frequent thoughts. I am going to Korea again in late February, but this time I am the only officer going with a detachment of 35 Marines. This is a great opportunity to have as a lieutenant, being the OIC (officer-in-charge) of a deploying detachment, and I can't wait. Finally, I will be promoted to 1st Lieutenant Haack in about a week. Motivating.

In Him who is able to do immeasurably more,
2ndLt Steven R. Haack

Flashback - Thanksgiving in Japan? - 23 November 2007

Hello Friends:

Back from the Philippines a couple weeks ago. Not planning on going out for another exercise for a couple months. As for this time of year, if it weren't for all the Americans over here I wouldn't have had a Thanksgiving. But luckily there are enough, and there are turkeys on Okinawa, so everything worked out.

Here is a letter that I just wrote to a friend of mine who is on this mailing list. I felt this should be the update that I sent out;
hopefully it will minister in some way...

Thank you for the Thanksgiving greetings. They are appreciated, as was your last email to me, to which I have yet to respond. So here it goes...

I agree with you about writing, especially letters (emails nowadays). I actually had a revelation about this some time ago; hear me out. I think the reason writing letters (electronic or snail, whichever you prefer) can be so powerful at times is because of the fact that over half of the New Testament is just that, letters from Paul to his beloved friends and churches. God used letters SIGNIFICANTLY in history (His-story) to spread the Gospel message, and for Paul or other disciples to share deep, marvelous truths about Jesus Christ. No wonder there is such power in the pen! Just as reading some of those biblical letters can rejeuvenate the soul, or give you any other type of thrill of emotion, reading letters written between friends in Christ, sharing love, truth, growth, can do much the same thing by the power of the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 4:3-4, which talks about the fact that the same Spirit is in me, you, and all believers, amen!). I was so excited when that thought first came to me! Let me know what you think.

I'm really excited for you. Per the last email you sent me, it seems like you are doing life right now in a very whole, and worthwhile way. Putting Jesus first always makes things pan-out (probably because that is a biblical Truth ;) Romans 8:28), even if the road seems difficult or impassable at some points. God bless as you continue to strive towards that end. That is where Philippians 3:14 always comes into play for me - press on towards that Goal!

As for me, I'm just trying to do life right now too. In my recent spare time I earned my SCUBA license, which is awesome for a place like Okinawa where the reefs are alive and well, teeming with fish and other sea creatures. I was surrounded by a school of hundreds of barracuda on my first dive in the ocean! It was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. I'll be going to mainland Japan in mid-December for an officer exchange program with the Japanese - don't know what to expect other than it is going to be a really cool experience. And when I get back from that I get to go right to the pistol range to do my annual pistol qualification. This is all motivating for me.

Other amazing news is that there is a Marine in my platoon who recently recommited himself to Christ while I was in the Philippines, and another Marine who I recently shared the Gospel with in a way that was very relevant to him and his current life situation. The second Marine received it well, and is taking baby steps. I'm praying for him and his wife for their hearts to be softened, and for the Reality of Christ to impact them in all its glory. Please pray for them, as well as the rest of my platoon, and for me to be the platoon commander that God wants me to be. Amen!

That should do it for now. Thanks again for writing. Keep things in check over there at Hope College; don't do anything I wouldn't do. Take care until next time... end of letter.

This is the end of my message to you now... hope and pray you had a good holiday; Lord knows we have lots to be thankful for. Please email and let me know how you are doing. I would love that a lot.

In Christ,
2ndLt Steven R. Haack

Flashback - ...to the Philippines - 11 October 2007

Dear Friends:

Greetings from Okinawa. I will soon (in a couple hours) be deployed to the Philippines in support of another exercise we have with the Filipino military, much like what we did in Korea. I delight in the opportunities I have to see these different parts of the world. Each new place I go/new experience I have enlarges my vision of the greatness and glory of God our Creator. This is awesome because as my perception of God grows, so does my Faith and Trust in Him - Amen! Whether it be the exotic languages which sound nothing like English, the multitude of cultures, the beautiful Asian people - Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and so many more, or the geographical differences - from oceans, to mountains, to jungle-like terrain, it all adds up to ONE thing - Romans 1:20.

Since being back from Korea I moved into an apartment that overlooks the ocean (see pictures - one of sunset from balcony, one of living room, one of me and Frank). This is a direct answer to prayer! When I got to Okinawa one of the biggest desires I had was to live on the ocean, mostly because I knew the crashing/rolling of the waves would be healing to my soul, and because God's power and might and beauty can be seen every time you look to the horizon.Keep in mind it is extremely difficult to find a place because everyone wants to live on the ocean. I got here at just the right time, when someone was moving out of the apartment I now live in. While in Korea, my good friend Caleb took care of getting the lease signed and paying my security deposit, first months rent, etc... and low and behold, here I sit, watching the sunset every night over the East China Sea, amazed that each night seems more spectacular than the last. There is only ONE who could orchestrate these types of circumstances; his name is Jesus.

Please pray for me what Paul prays for the Ephesians in 3:14-20. I want Christ to dwell in my heart through Faith even more so than He already does (v.16); I want to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (v.19). Oh my gosh, these prayers are ridiculous because they are nothing short of miracles; they are more than all we can ask or imagine (v.20). Thankfully we serve a God of Miracles, of Redemption, of Salvation, and so much more. I encourage you to "press on towards the goal for which God has called [you] heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14. Please let me know how you are doing, as I cherish the responses I get and maintaining communication with those who are/have been so dear in my life.

Semper Fidelis - Your brother in Christ,
Steven R. Haack

Flashback - Korea and back...almost - 29 August 2007

Friends:

Yes, Korea was great, and yes the exercise went well (actually I'm still here and will be home in about a week but I couldn't hold this email in any longer). A quick note on that... it was great to be on a deployment already. This exercise provided an opportunity to see our equipment being used, and more importantly, the hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not couple million dollars) of data gear that I will be responsible for in a few weeks. As Communication Squadron 18, we support the entire 1st Marine Aircraft Wing with regards to comm, and to see the Tactical Air Command Center in its fully functional mode during this exercise really put my job in perspective, especially with regards to the fact of how data-centric the Wing has become. Not long after I get back I'll most likely be headed to the Philippines for another exercise called Talon Vision. Seeing the world on a free ticket and doing what I'm able to do isn't a bad deal!

In other news, God has done great things in my life while in Korea. I encourage you to read on. I came to a conclusion recently, after a nice run that I had the morning of 16 August, and wrote it in my journal. Now this conclusion was aided by my friend Oswald Chambers, and of course, the Bible. It's not new, as the Fathers of our Faith have stumbled upon it in different ways, but it is new for me. I came to this conclusion after pondering my life verse (which I've adopted recently) because I realized that knowing Christ is THE goal of my life:

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:10-14).

It has become increasingly clear to me over the past year or so that I've been in the Marine Corps that life is not about what we do, or even, what we do for God; but rather, it is about coming to know him more. For example, "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better," is Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in 1:17. Don't be fooled, however. Participating in God's work and sharing our Faith is still important, but look, even that acheives the end of coming to know God as well, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ" (Philemon 1:6, emphasis mine).

Look at this compelling example that Oswald uses on 16 August: "It is possible to know all about doctrine and yet not know Jesus. The soul is in danger when knowledge of doctrine outsteps intimate touch with Jesus. Why was Mary weeping? Doctrine was no more to Mary than the grass under her feet. Any Pharisee could have made a fool of Mary doctrinally, but one thing they could not ridicule out of her was the fact that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her; yet His belssings were nothing in comparison to Himself... The one sign of discipleship is intimate connection with Him, a knowledge of Jesus Christ which nothing can shake." Again, it comes back to knowing Christ. Amen.

There's more points I've got, but I can't keep going in this here email. Let me know if you'd like me to share with you. Also, I would love to hear some feedback about this so-called revelation. Thank you and thank God.

As I said at the beginning of the email, I will be heading back to Okinawa within the next week, and by the grace of God, moving into my oceanview apartment. I will send pictures of that when I get there to persuade those who've thought of coming to visit me in Okinawa to make it happen. Lastly, I just want to say thank you for praying for me. Your prayers are coveted. I know that some of you must be praying for me because I can feel it in the deepest part of my soul that I am being encoruaged by the Spirit of God because of the power of prayers being said on my behalf. Be ensured that they are not only being answered but that I'm doing the same for you.

Love in Christ,
2ndLt Steven Robert Haack