Brainerd VFW Post Chaplain
Eusebia "Chappy" 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 now the manager at BrainCore of Northern Minnesota, located in Brainerd.
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[email protected] 651-333-0514 Chappy brings the word of God to all faiths at the Brainerd VFW. Ch Rev Eusebia Rios. "God's Vision, Our Mission." AMEN Col 4:6 ![]() ![]() |
June 14, 2024: Chaplain Rios was honored at the Department State Convention in Rochester, MN, as Minnesota VFW Chaplain of the Year.
Happy Chappy July 2024 Thought:
Amazingly, on July 4th, 1826 -- the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence -- two luminaries died... within hours of each other.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams became fast friends during the First Continental Congress but the political elections, which made them both presidents, illuminated their very different political views, creating a rift that would last most of their lives. A mutual friend engineered a reconciliation between the two, culminating in a rich and heartwarming relationship, documented in twelve years of letters between them, which historians say must be read to be fully appreciated. As two of the few surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, they were finally able to see that they had far more in common than any differences they had once perceived.
What's more, Adams' last words, as he drifted in and out of consciousness on his final day, were, "Jefferson...survives." In his last moments, Jefferson awakes to ask his aides in his final utterance, "Is it the Fourth?" The aide replied; indeed, it is, Mr. Jefferson. Today is the Fourth of July. We owe you and Mr. Adams tremendous thanks.
The foundation of our Nation; the vision… the hope… and the sacrifice are the truths that embody the precious documents of these United States. They are drenched in the blood, sweat, and tears of a few brave men. Their courage to unite a people, launched from an ink well to paper, in a dim room, glowing in hope. This fragile breath of democracy and of independence took its first steps under a canopy of prayer and inspired by the Word of God. Phrases such as “We the People… the UNITED States… We hold these Truths…” became the mantra of generations past and present. These men, leaving the grip of Tierny and dictatorship, introduced a grandiose and sacred meaning to the ideals of liberty and equality. These beliefs were tangible within the hearts, minds, souls, and conviction of all those willing to place their signature upon the declaration of independence. They fully sought to inspire future generations to nurture and protect the very whisper of our newfound freedom.
I have traveled to many countries. I ask you this: What other nation can freely worship in accordance with their faith? What other nation celebrates diversity? What other nation believe, so deeply, in the farfetched dreams, of their founding fathers who were led by their faith in their God, and in the principles of their faith. Their piety and honor laid out a document to expand and invest in liberty not to smother it.
I can almost hear the moment of silence in that cold damp room, as one by one they shook the dust from their journey to lay afix their signature for posterity. Each man praying in accordance with their faith. Each man looking to the heavens for the strength to build on the fundamental truths that we are ONE nation under God. I can only imagine, with eyes close, they envisioned their family, and the generations to come. To use their example of consecration, to be held accountable and to measure ones integrity and character by the unwavering verse that reads “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’There is no commandment greater than these.”
So, as we safely celebrate the 4th of July, let us remember… those who gave their full measure of life and hope to the very foundations of liberty we stand upon. Let us remember all those who have served under the flag of the UNITED STATES. Let us remember that a house divided cannot stand. Let us remember who we are and what we were meant to be: Patriots, Americans, and a light of hope to a world hidden in the shadows of oppression. We are a nation blessed and highly favored. Let us use our strength with great humility and even more compassion.
Chaplain Rios
Amazingly, on July 4th, 1826 -- the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence -- two luminaries died... within hours of each other.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams became fast friends during the First Continental Congress but the political elections, which made them both presidents, illuminated their very different political views, creating a rift that would last most of their lives. A mutual friend engineered a reconciliation between the two, culminating in a rich and heartwarming relationship, documented in twelve years of letters between them, which historians say must be read to be fully appreciated. As two of the few surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, they were finally able to see that they had far more in common than any differences they had once perceived.
What's more, Adams' last words, as he drifted in and out of consciousness on his final day, were, "Jefferson...survives." In his last moments, Jefferson awakes to ask his aides in his final utterance, "Is it the Fourth?" The aide replied; indeed, it is, Mr. Jefferson. Today is the Fourth of July. We owe you and Mr. Adams tremendous thanks.
The foundation of our Nation; the vision… the hope… and the sacrifice are the truths that embody the precious documents of these United States. They are drenched in the blood, sweat, and tears of a few brave men. Their courage to unite a people, launched from an ink well to paper, in a dim room, glowing in hope. This fragile breath of democracy and of independence took its first steps under a canopy of prayer and inspired by the Word of God. Phrases such as “We the People… the UNITED States… We hold these Truths…” became the mantra of generations past and present. These men, leaving the grip of Tierny and dictatorship, introduced a grandiose and sacred meaning to the ideals of liberty and equality. These beliefs were tangible within the hearts, minds, souls, and conviction of all those willing to place their signature upon the declaration of independence. They fully sought to inspire future generations to nurture and protect the very whisper of our newfound freedom.
I have traveled to many countries. I ask you this: What other nation can freely worship in accordance with their faith? What other nation celebrates diversity? What other nation believe, so deeply, in the farfetched dreams, of their founding fathers who were led by their faith in their God, and in the principles of their faith. Their piety and honor laid out a document to expand and invest in liberty not to smother it.
I can almost hear the moment of silence in that cold damp room, as one by one they shook the dust from their journey to lay afix their signature for posterity. Each man praying in accordance with their faith. Each man looking to the heavens for the strength to build on the fundamental truths that we are ONE nation under God. I can only imagine, with eyes close, they envisioned their family, and the generations to come. To use their example of consecration, to be held accountable and to measure ones integrity and character by the unwavering verse that reads “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’There is no commandment greater than these.”
So, as we safely celebrate the 4th of July, let us remember… those who gave their full measure of life and hope to the very foundations of liberty we stand upon. Let us remember all those who have served under the flag of the UNITED STATES. Let us remember that a house divided cannot stand. Let us remember who we are and what we were meant to be: Patriots, Americans, and a light of hope to a world hidden in the shadows of oppression. We are a nation blessed and highly favored. Let us use our strength with great humility and even more compassion.
Chaplain Rios
July 2024 Prayer:
Glorious Creator. We yield to your infinite wisdom. You have guarded and guided this nation, and all Americans under your covering of unconditional love. Help us to remember the responsibility placed upon the shoulders of all who live beneath the crimson and blue and white flag of liberty. Help us to remember there has always been great courage involved in the birth of a nation and the preservation of it. Bless every veteran past and present who has defended our flag, our nation and the values we hold near and dear to our hearts. The Constitution is more than paper… it is the very blade that separates the United States from a dark, evil, lawless and hateful world. We take the mantle of freedom and place it upon our hearts to protect and defend with our lives and our faith. May we enjoy all the celebrations and yet still pause to remember who we are… and our humble beginnings that has made us strong and benevolent. Continue to bless America, Minnesota and this great community. In your holy name I do pray. Amen! |
June 2024 Prayer:
Let us pray: Almighty Creator, fix our hearts upon your desire to help, to heal, to restore, to uplift. Use us in our communities to bless others. Use us to be a vessel of benevolence. Use us to continue to serve our community, our state, our nation. Almighty God you before you and give you our hearts and our gifts for your glory. And may we find great joy and helping one another, and celebrating with one another. It is in your holy name we pray AMEN |
May 2024 Prayer:
Jesus, we profess our faith in You. You are the Light of the world, and in You there is no darkness. For You are our lamp, O LORD, and our God who lights our darkness. Forgive us for fearing and focusing on the darkness around us instead of being filled with faith and shining like the city on a hill You have called us to be. Forgive us for the times when we have been the absence of light, allowing darkness to dwell in America. Lead us forward to dispel the darkness and bring light throughout the Church, Family, Education, Business, Military, Government, and Arts, Entertainment, and Media. |
We are saved by grace through faith, released from the darkness that once held us captive and now free to walk in the newness of life in You. Light dispels darkness and exposes what is hidden and wicked, so we commit to rise and shine! For by You, Lord, we can take courage to run against the enemy, and by our God we can fight the good fight and keep the faith as living lampstands in our communities and country. We fear no evil for You are with us. Lord, Your way is perfect, You lead us on paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Your Word is Truth, instructing and inspiring us to live in the abundant life You gave when You saved us from the death and destruction of the enemy. Fill us with Truth as we read, study, and live Your Word.
God, You are a shield for all those who take refuge in You. As we abide in You and Your Word abides in us, we take up our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and run boldly into the darkness to Lift Up the Word and Light Up the World! In the Mighty name of our LORD we pray, Amen!
God, You are a shield for all those who take refuge in You. As we abide in You and Your Word abides in us, we take up our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and run boldly into the darkness to Lift Up the Word and Light Up the World! In the Mighty name of our LORD we pray, Amen!
April 2024 Prayer:
Father, we are in an unprecedented season for our generation, but You are still the God of miracles. We have heard of Your fame and renown, as in Your deliverance of Your people at Passover. Oh, Lord, renew Your miracles and wonders today, through the healing of nations and individuals, and while keeping watch over your Service men and women, veterans both past and present. Help us to take hold of the attributes of kindness and benevolence in all we say and do in and for our community. Let us live beyond ourselves and contribute to the American dream by all we say and do. Let us follow the lead of our HOLY Commander in Chief- Our God and Creator. In your holy and healing name we pray---AMEN. |
March 2024 Prayer:
Glorious Creator, O Mighty God...May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to all those you hold most dear. Bless those in uniform throughout the world and across this country, “sweet land of liberty”. May Our Risen Saviour, always be there by your side to bless you, your families and our way of life, most abundantly and be your loving guide. I pray for every family to take the time to tithe their love and commitment to strengthen their spiritual wellness. We are grateful and thankful for the hope and comfort we find in your eternal promises. It is in your HOLY NAME we pray…Amen |
February 2024 Prayer:
Oh Mighty God, Behold a month of reflection and remembrance. We pause to remember the courage and sacrifice of the Four Chaplains, whose memory challenges us all to care for others above ourselves. What a timely message as we enter into the season of Lent. A testimony of love celebrated on St Valentine's Day. From Ash Wednesday and the extra day this month heightened our commitment to our oath to care for fellow Veterans and their families. May we honor you almighty God, our Country and community in all that we say and do. Amen. |
January 2024 Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pause as we enter a new year. Help us to be reflective of all that has transpired in our lives. Help us to remember and see the blessing of a year devoted to serving our community. Grant us the wisdom to see the blessings in the present. Allow us to move forward with the vision of f mercy and grace. Give us the strength to be kind and to honor others before self. Let our deeds and words be an integral testimony of our devotion to our God, Country and Community. We are grateful and thankful for this New Year. Grant us the courage to do more in Twenty, Twenty-four. AMEN! |
December 31, 2023: A Prayer for Trust in God's Plan. Heavenly Father, “At midnight, When the old year dies… And the new comes bounding in, I draw strength from knowing … That in the next twelve months, the snows will go… The buds will burst … The heat will rise… The leaves will fly, that all these things will happen … according to Your schedule and in Your time; That there is order in Your universe, and that I am part of it.” —Van Varner
The one thing that is constant is time. We can lament the past or look to the future. Either way I pray that you cherish and savor the PRESENT. May God Favor and Blessings help you to soar in Twenty- Twenty-Four! - Chaplain Rios
The one thing that is constant is time. We can lament the past or look to the future. Either way I pray that you cherish and savor the PRESENT. May God Favor and Blessings help you to soar in Twenty- Twenty-Four! - Chaplain Rios
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 |
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! |
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 |
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! |
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. |
June 4, 2024: Have you ever wondered how to wait? King David (the one who slew Goliath) said he waited patiently on the Lord. But how did he actually accomplish this? Did he sit around and twiddle his thumbs until he recognized God’s work? Or did he do something while he waited? And how can we best emulate the “man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14)?
It might seem counterintuitive, but waiting often involves action. The pause sometimes feels quite long, especially if you’re waiting for an answer before moving forward. But there are things both we and the Lord can actively accomplish in the interim.
For our part, we should talk to God through prayer about our concerns, dreams, and desires. In the stillness and tension of waiting, we must also read His Word diligently to learn more about His character and love. While we seek the answers, care, and encouragement we need from Him, we develop patience and grow as our faith is strengthened and stretched.
During this time of actively waiting, we begin to see what God does. Like David, we will be lifted from a pit, given a firm place to stand, and receive a new song to sing (Psalms 40:2-3). Yes, waiting is so much more than merely pausing—it allows us to experience God in a deeper and more personal way.
It might seem counterintuitive, but waiting often involves action. The pause sometimes feels quite long, especially if you’re waiting for an answer before moving forward. But there are things both we and the Lord can actively accomplish in the interim.
For our part, we should talk to God through prayer about our concerns, dreams, and desires. In the stillness and tension of waiting, we must also read His Word diligently to learn more about His character and love. While we seek the answers, care, and encouragement we need from Him, we develop patience and grow as our faith is strengthened and stretched.
During this time of actively waiting, we begin to see what God does. Like David, we will be lifted from a pit, given a firm place to stand, and receive a new song to sing (Psalms 40:2-3). Yes, waiting is so much more than merely pausing—it allows us to experience God in a deeper and more personal way.
DID YOU KNOW:
During the Civil War, Lincoln signed a congressional resolution that made April 30 a day of fasting and prayer. It was co-founded by Congress and signed into law by President Truman. The law was amended and signed by President Reagan for the day to land on the first Thursday of May.
The holiday was signed into law by President Truman, and every president since has signed a proclamation that encourages Americans to pray on and celebrate this day. The national holiday has always been the first Thursday of May every year since it was founded in 1952. It stands as a day that continues the decision-making of the country’s founding fathers, which used the morals from biblical lessons in difficult situations. Basically, using God’s guidance to make important decisions in the country and for yourself. Just like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the National Day of Prayer has become recognized by Americans nationwide, and it is even recognized and celebrated in all Hallmark
calendars.
So, let us take a moment in May and remember our fellow comrades on Memorial Day. Let us use the month of May as a time of prayer and reflection. Amen!
During the Civil War, Lincoln signed a congressional resolution that made April 30 a day of fasting and prayer. It was co-founded by Congress and signed into law by President Truman. The law was amended and signed by President Reagan for the day to land on the first Thursday of May.
The holiday was signed into law by President Truman, and every president since has signed a proclamation that encourages Americans to pray on and celebrate this day. The national holiday has always been the first Thursday of May every year since it was founded in 1952. It stands as a day that continues the decision-making of the country’s founding fathers, which used the morals from biblical lessons in difficult situations. Basically, using God’s guidance to make important decisions in the country and for yourself. Just like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the National Day of Prayer has become recognized by Americans nationwide, and it is even recognized and celebrated in all Hallmark
calendars.
So, let us take a moment in May and remember our fellow comrades on Memorial Day. Let us use the month of May as a time of prayer and reflection. Amen!
The oil dipstick on Chappy's car engine reads, "Add two, add one, full and thy cup runneth over."
A minister explained the horse he was selling knew two commands. The horse will go when the rider said, "Praise the Lord," then will stop when it hears "Amen." Trying out the horse, a rider said, "Praise the Lord," but then couldn't remember the stop command when a cliff was just ahead. Finally, he remembered and said, "Amen." The horse stopped just before going over the cliff. The man wiped his forehead saying, "Praise the Lord!"