I want to thank all you for your support during this transition period as I assume responsibilities as Chaplain of our USS John C. Calhoun, SSBN 630, Veterans Association. It is an honor to be asked to shepherd such a distinguished assembly of mighty men and their loved ones. I accept it humbly and nervously. But with the certainty that the goal is worth pressing on toward. What an exciting "bond" we share as the Calhoun family, brought together from many small towns and big cities by Providential appointment, to have served aboard the mighty steel warrior , USS John C. Calhoun. Over her 30 years of dependable service to stealthfully protecting the Freedom that Our Country stands firm for and the basis on which it was founded, we were successful in deterring the aggression of the time. We helped win the Cold War.

It is that "bond" that has and will continue to link us still wherever we are and whatever the circumstances in this life. My purpose in serving you is to connect that "bond" we share to our future life's assignments, joys and sorrows, and on into eternity. I trust you won't let each other down as we continue to get sigs on lifes' Qual Sheets toward the ultimate Pinning - On Ceremony. Please feel free to use this connection to express your thoughts, needs, and feelings as we proceed.

So, let's get after the task at hand.

Let me first of all publicly express the appreciation and BZ's (do you think there'll be BZ's in heaven?) for a great job well done by our outgoing Chaplain, Kevin O'Brien and for his many years of faithful service. You have been the mainstay, the wind under the wings, for our group throughout its formative years. We sincerely thank you for your effort and dedication for this Watch and pray that your future assignments and duties will be smooth and according to the POD. I pledge the continued support and resources of our "bond of brothers" as you and your family sail new courses. Keep us posted, Kevin, as you venture forward in His service. We celebrate your service.

Here's an article that should bring encouragement to us, authored by Chuck Swindoll.

ATTITUDE

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes."

Carry on!

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Magin
CHAPLAIN
USS John C. Calhoun, SSBN 630 Veterans Association
(812) 878-1894 - (Cell #)