Sons of The American
Legion
Detachment of Texas
Chaplain
Brad Henderson
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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
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Chaplain Brad Henderson
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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
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
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