Brainerd VFW Post Chaplain
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Brainerd VFW Chaplain Rios
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Chappy served 33 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Major. Her overseas service included Afghanistan and Iraq. Also known as the "Happy Chappy" she is the Chaplain Reverend at the Good Samaritan Society-Woodland and Bethany in Brainerd. Also, Chaplain at Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center.
U.S. Air Force Major Rios
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Chappy brings the word of God to all faiths at the Brainerd VFW.
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December 2023 Prayer:
O Mighty God. We look to the heavens on these winter nights and remember your promises. You are a light that shines into the darkness to bring hope and peace to every soul. We yield to the true reason for the season. We are grateful for the spirit of the community that tethers us together during this time of year. We thank you for the benevolence of our community leaders. We are honored by the service of our neighbors and friends as we join to make a wish come true and to assure families, veterans and children have food, warmth and hope during the holidays. Bless every service member around the world. Allow our prayers to reach them and their families. We are a nation that is truly blessed. We thank all veterans past and present for their devotion, sacrifice, and service. May we all take hold of the greatest gift ever given to the world, and may we treasure the gift of freedom. We are truly one nation under God. In your holy name we pray. AMEN |
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November 2023 Prayer:
Almighty God... we call upon you in his and her own way. We thank you for your guidance of our leaders and for our country. Continue to watch over our nation and the canopy of peace we are so blessed to live in. Lord thank you for every Veteran and how our nation honors sacrifice and service. Lord, we lift up our brothers and sisters in the Marine Corps as they celebrate their 248th Birthday. O Mighty God we are truly a blessed Nation. As we reflect during this season of Thanksgiving, fill our hearts, mind and soul with gratitude and thanksgiving. Continue to watch over all sacred soil where our nation's flag is flown. Guard and guide us all to service before self and integrity in all we do and excellence in every task, duty, and care of our fellow veterans. In your holy name we pray. AMEN! |
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October 2023 Prayer:
Glorious Creator and Commander over all things. We give you thanks for your blessings and mercy. We yield each day in gratitude for your protection upon our nation and our community. We thank you for your favor over the decades our Armed Forces served unwavering throughout history, as the pinnacle of courage and the defender of freedom, committed to the sovereignty of humanity to live unopposed with liberty. These truths run through the very heart and soul of every service man and woman today. They are committed and vigilant—no matter the cost they will remain ready. Their commitment and oath elevates them all to a higher moral standard. O Mighty God we ask your blessings upon the US Navy, celebrating 248 years of honorable service. The United States continues to be the light of hope and the stewards of justice and accountability. We ask for your canopy of strength and power to fuel the veins of every American. We ask these things in your Holy Name…AMEN |
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September 2023 Prayer:
Almighty God…. We as your servants are in need of your Spirit to indwell with the souls of every American on this day. September holds many shadows of pains and many acts of great Patriotism. We are a nation in need of our mighty Shepherd…. We are in need of you LORD to guide, protect and restore your divine order within the hearts of man. Help us to remember the great sacrifice of so many, as we remember their service and victory in Asia on 2 September 1945; as we recall the need to always be vigilant and not divided as we remember the souls taken from us on 11 September 2001; allow us to recommit to our pledge to remember and uphold our POW/MIA on the 3rd Friday of this month. Let us be a grateful people, one nation under God and always prayerful for those who serve and those still serving. In your Holy name we pray. Amen! |
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August 2023 Prayer:
O Mighty God, May every vibrant light within us inspire others to celebrate in every moment of blessings and victory. May we remember that we are your handy work and that we have been called to serve in these days with humility and joy. We remember on Purple Heart Day, observed on August 7th each year as a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who were wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. They remember us that we should not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, to serve the Lord. AMEN. |
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July 2023 Prayer:
Glorious Creator, in this day we seek the opportunity to be the light that shines to help those around us. Let us not blind those around us through our self- righteousness. Lord, use us all as a light that heals, guides, and warms the souls we encounter. On July 4th, 1776, the United States laid down its claim to be a free and independent nation by adopting the Declaration of Independence. Today, Independence Day is in the same way, a light shining before others, so that they may see our nation’s good works and give glory to GOD who is in heaven. AMEN. |
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June 2023 Prayer:
Oh Lord, we thank you for each and every veteran who served our country through the years. Comfort those who struggle in life after war. Help us to honor and care for those who have given so much for us. We pray also for the servicemen and women worldwide fighting for freedom from terror. In Your name we pray, Amen. |
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May 2023 Prayer:
Oh Lord, we pause to remember and give thanks on Memorial Day to those who fought and died for the things we have. From the Bible, John 15:13, and I quote, “Greater love has no one than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Bless them and the troops still serving…. Amen |
Spring flowers
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April 2023 Prayer:
Oh Lord, we ask for your continued favor on the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary. It was April 1864 that “In God We Trust” was added to U.S. coins. This is fittingly so when you watch over us. We pray for those in the Ukraine fighting for freedom in this troubled time. We pray also that you protect our troops and use their work for the good of our nation and the world. Bless them all….Amen |
Vietnam
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March 2023 Prayer:
Oh Lord, we ask for your continued favor on the Veterans of Foreign Wars. March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. We pray for those who did not return and to heal the wounds of those who did return. A gathering will be held here on March 29th to commemorate their service and sacrifice. We also pray for servicemen and women worldwide serving the cause of freedom today. Protect them from harm so they can come home to us. In your name we pray, Amen. |
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February 2023 Prayer:
Oh Lord, we ask for your continued favor on the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Please help us selflessly render community service and aid to veterans in need. We also pray that You watch over our service members worldwide in their mission to make this a better world. Now from the Bible, John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Bless our troops…. Amen |
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January 2023 Prayer:
Oh Lord, we ask for your continued favor on the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Please help us in this new year to selflessly render community service and aid to veterans in need. We pray for the brave defenders of the Ukraine as they battle tyranny. We pray also for the servicemen and women worldwide fighting for freedom from terror. Bless them all. Amen |
The oil dipstick on Chappy's car engine reads, "Add two, add one, full and thy cup runneth over."
