Talking with Author Carrie Daws about A NEW HOME FOR ALLIE and a Giveaway!

by Sally Matheny

A New Home for Allie by Carrie Daws

This month, Ambassador International releases a beautiful children’s picture book, A NEW HOME FOR ALLIE. Carrie Daws penned the sweet story about a giraffe named Allie. Joanie Bruce painted the charming illustrations.

The main character, Allie, lives with her parents in Kenya. Her dad serves in the Animal Jungle Patrol. Allie learns her dad received orders and her family must move to Somalia. As her new journey unfolds, so do her concerns about moving.

I caught up with the author of this book in between her writing, speaking, homeschooling, and serving our military community alongside her husband at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. She kindly agreed to share some of her own journey with us.

Saluting the Brave Army Chaplain Corps

by Sally Matheny

Chaplain candidates praying.
(Photo by Capt. Kristin Mack)

Did you know July 29, 1775 is the official birthday of the American Chaplaincy Corps? 

Although some pastors enlisted or were commissioned as early as April 1775, it wasn’t until July when Congress recognized chaplains as part of the national army. Their rank was equal to that of a Captain.

Chaplains often trained to perform medical procedures in addition to attending to the spiritual needs of the troops. It made sense. While some did fight with weapons, most chaplains were back at camp either praying for those heading to battle, the wounded returning from battle, or over the deceased.

Chaplains gave sacrificially in more than one way. Many of those first army chaplains were required to pay those who were filling in for them at their home churches.

Back in September of 1776, Congress recognized the spiritual need of soldiers, whether the soldiers realized it or not. Congress passed the “Articles of War” which included fines and confinement for soldiers not attending services.

Serving as a chaplain was not for the faint of heart either. Any chaplain bowing out of the stresses of war, by going AWOL, was court-martialed and fined.

Rules and expectations varied within the different branches of service. The Navy Chaplaincy, established in November 1776, required religious services twice a day and a service on Sunday.

According to legend, seamen are typically known for their colorful language. It’s interesting to note one of the early rules for the Navy:

"If any shall be heard to swear, curse, or blaspheme the name of God, the Commander is strictly enjoined to punish them for every offense, by causing them to wear a wooden collar or some other shameful badge of distinction ... Commissioned officers forfeit one shilling for each offense, a warrant or inferior officer, six pence. For drunkenness, a seaman shall be put in irons until sober - if an officer he shall forfeit two days pay." 

Drury, Clifford Merril, The History of the Chaplain Corps, United States Navy - Volume One - 1778-1939, (Washington, DC, US Government Printing Office, 1948).

Take note, Congress ordered 20,000 Bibles for the Army in 1777.

April is Month of the Military Child: Interviews with Seven Super Kids

by Sally Matheny

April is the Month of the Military Child

Did you know the military community makes up 1% of the American population? One percent. Wow. My gratitude for America’s military grows every day. I also appreciate the families of those service members. Military spouses and children also serve our country.

Did you know April is the Month of the Military Child? More than 2 million children have a parent in the military. Today, I salute all military children by sharing interviews I had with some special military kids I know.

Serving his country since, 1991, Jeff is a Master Sergeant in the United States Army, stationed in South Carolina. Jeff and his wife, Kristina, are blessed with three children: Haley (21), Brett (13), and Ben (9).

When asked what’s most difficult about being a military kid, both boys said the times they missed their dad. Haley added, “The most difficult thing for me, as an older military kid, is knowing that my mom has to go long periods of time without having her husband by her side.”

However, Haley says there are benefits to being a military kid.” I really enjoy being able to travel to other states while my dad is on active duty.  As a family, we have the opportunity to travel in ways most will never know. Flying on Air Force planes and being able to interact with other soldiers and pilots is a great experience.” 

Brett agrees and says riding in the cockpit of a military plane during takeoff and landing has been one of his favorite things. While some kids may find it challenging, nine-year-old Ben says he likes meeting and making new friends.

Stationed in Texas, Matt is a Major and the Brigade Chaplain for the 1^st Calvary Division Artillery. He and his wife, Jennifer, are blessed with four boys: Hayden (14), Carson (12), Bailey (11), and Parker (5).

The boys also said missing their dad when he is deployed is one of the most challenging things as military kids, especially when it’s someone’s birthday or Christmas. Carson and Bailey add that moving is difficult because they have to leave good friends behind and make new ones.

The thing military kids find the most challenging on some days can turn around and be the most rewarding thing on other days. 

Hayden says he likes making a lot of new friends.  Bailey chimes in, “We get to stay in one place for three years and make a lot of friends at that duty station.” Carson also adds, “We get to live in a bunch of different places. Even though it’s hard to leave our friends behind, moving is good because we get to see other places.”

I asked the kids from both military families if they do special things for their dad (or mom, because she is serving our country, too) to make things easier on them when their dad is away for a length of time.

Ben and Brett say they try to help around the house more. Big sister, Haley adds, “As the oldest member of my family, I find it especially important to show my dad support for choosing to serve our country.  If there is anything I can do to take added stress off both my mom and dad, I try my best to do so.  They deserve it.”  

Kids Draw Pictures for Their Parents in the Military

Carson drew pictures and mailed them to his 

dad when he was in Afghanistan. Hayden sent videos of their soccer games. Bailey made texting videos and showed his dad things in his room. And little-man Parker said he gave his dad some of his toys.

Jennifer adds the boys have taken on a lot more chores around the house, especially as they grow older and stronger.

The last question I asked the military kids was if they participated in any special events offered for military kids.

Haley says, “Over the course of several years, there has been one event offered for military kids which I remember best.  It was a day dedicated to Army and Navy children.  This event was on the base of Fort Jackson and was outside.  There were shooting demonstrations, games, water activities and food that was hot off the grill.  I really enjoyed [it].”

Brett adds, “ ‘Narmy Day’ is when the Navy & Army get their families together. We also sent treat bags with sailors as they were leaving airport for their next stop before deployment and went to see them off.”

Ben agreed. “Narmy Day, concerts, Army Family Day and little activities on base such as a penny fair have all been fun. There’s also a water park on base.”

Haley, Brett, and Ben have lived off base. Hayden, Carson, Bailey, and Parker have always lived on base. Their mom said they think of every activity as military related. Still, they mentioned they enjoy their youth group, CYS (Child and Youth Services) sports, movies on the lawn in Texas and the gym in Colorado.

I thoroughly loved hearing from these military kids. They have wonderful parents raising them to love God and their country. Sometimes I think we forget the sacrifices our military families make for all the families in America.

I challenge you all to reach out to our military kids this month and express your appreciation for how they serve our country. The majority of them don't live on military bases, so many of you will find them in your own community.

Please continue praying for and cheering these kids on because as eleven-year-old Bailey said,

“When I encourage Dad, it encourages him to fight for our country.” 

A big thank you to Haley, Brett, Ben, Hayden, Carson, Bailey, and Parker. Gift cards are on the way.