Tag Archives: Loss

Memorial Day: “Freedom is Not a Gift from Heaven”

by Chaplain (Colonel) Bonnie Koppell The scene: Kandahar Airfield Chapel. The occasion, a memorial ceremony for Private Jason Hasenauer. The voice of the First Sergeant from the rear of the sanctuary- “Sergeant X”. The hearty reply- “Here, First Sergeant.” The First Sergeant calls out for “Captain X”. Again, a robust, “Here, First Sergeant.” “Private Hasanauer”… silence. [...]

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Of Matzah Balls and Memories

I stood in front of the open refrigerator door, peering intently inside as if the multi-layered plastic containers filled with left-overs were going to give me the answer to my question. THE question, of course.. the one I had asked myself every morning this week. What will I take to work for lunch? The brisket [...]

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