The Gulf Breeze
November 2022, Volume 9
What’s Inside • Pastor Kirt: Love in the Garage • Behind The Scenes: Keeping our Military History Alive • Message from Chip Hull: Hurricane Relief Efforts • NCC Veteran’s Comments: Impact of Military Service
November
B IRTHDAYS
BRUCE
1
SALLY
11
JO
2
PEGGY
12
BRENT
3
JOHN
13
ANTHONY
5
JOE
15
MARION
5
BOB
16
CAROLYN
6
SUSAN
19
JOHNNY
8
GENAI
19
CLARENCE
8
LINDA
21
ROBERT
9
BARBARA
22
JOEL
26
JOHANNA
28
BARBARA TOM
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If your name and birthday are not listed above, call the NCC office at 239-213-1325.
Every Monday – Bible Study with Dawn Birch 12 Noon – everyone welcome 6 p.m. – women only If missed, look for weekly Dawn Birch voice memo RECAP e-mails with easy click on audio, not blue icon, to hear a recap of the Bible Study Every Wednesday – 11 AM Issues Hour, Sunshine Room and ZOOM Every Wednesday – 4 PM Bible Study with Pastor Kirt, Sunshine Room and ZOOM Every Sunday – 9:30 AM Prayer Time with Dawn Birch, Sunshine Room and ZOOM Every Friday – 12-1 PM Time of Prayer, NCC Sanctuary. All invited!
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First and Third Wednesdays – 12:30 PM Mens’ Lunch after Issues Hour, Blueberry’s Cafe, 3350 Tamiami Trail North Sunday Service, November 13 Celebration of NCC Veterans Wednesday, November 16 12:30 PM F3 Luncheon Bistro La Baguette 3560 Tamiami Trail East Save the Date: Thursday Evening, December 15 F3 Christmas Trolley
Back Cover Photo courtesy of Carolyn Spurgeon “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they walk by.” Will Rogers
Watch for upcoming events for our congregation in the weekly newsletter. If you are not receiving the newsletter, be sure to contact the church to get your name and email on the list so you don’t miss any upcoming fellowship times.
NEW: Look for the Icons in the NCC emails to be connected to the NCC Zoom Room when it’s time for the event to begin: the blue icon (for Dawn’s Bible Study), the black icon (for Pastor Kirt’s Issues Hour), the orange icon (for the Wednesday afternoon Bible study with Pastor Kirt), and the purple icon (for the Sunday Prayer time.)
Love in the Garage
By Pastor by Dr. Kirt Anderson Kirt Anderson
“There no greater than lay down life for one’sdarkness friends.”John 15:13 Noisidea why it love stuck. As to a little kid I one’s was watching and the darkness did not overcome
TV in the living rooma — maybe because had light of the Sounds like Jesus and Ch Norman Rockwell depicts young Marine, stillwe in uniform, sitting inworld. a garage just visited Hollywood — or because it was getting with some home-town guys and kids. He holds a Rising Sun flag, as souvenir of — blue but star Charlie Frosty the Snowman, someclose scenetoof Christmas combat. The withMcCarthy red border(that on the wall means someone because of “magic” in with and a top hat and spectacles) wasthe Marine silk hat transfixes “came to life” in thepuppet home served survived. Home from action, the — bumpety bump bu boys interviewing and men with some account. A harrowing moment, orat a him freshgo memory W.C. Fields. — butofhe’ll be back again s combat, or a miracle. They look and listen intently. A hometown kid,ofreturned Newness life? Resurrection? Return? home“Is a man. He was there. They were not. He coulda died. it true, Mr. Fields, that you were standing on the either magical or it is not! corner of Hollywood and Vine and cars were lined
It’s perhaps because of the hero-worship following the war that so many vets up waiting for your nose to turn “That’s The “...and themeshe carried stopped telling their stories. How manygreen?” times have we heard, never through virtually I thought. I didn’t get the joke but I like Rudolph!” Christmas songs are drawn, if not from the talked about it.” did think about the story of poor Rudolph who
story itself, then from the deep longing
We in churchland can be dismissive of such
from one to ninety-two — hope for two fr
to information play with the in theirWar reindeer human heart of memory, family, time I haddidn’t to pry get some outothers of a Korean vet who was at the Yalu—when the Chinese somehow games. came flooding across. “I just did what I was taught fallingand in love, children, warmth in the cold got outta there.” the dark, redemption and hope — for all of
Privileged to be withatRich Pettingill a‘cause few years anatHonor “secular” songs Christmastime, ours back tell inorDC any on teeth all. Flight tour, I was treated to the same humble self-effacement. “I really didn’t do the real story! Rudolph, Frosty, rockin’ around and anything.” We were in quiet awe at the “Forgotten War” memorial.
jingling just don’t measure up to Mary, Joseph, Christ makes His way into Christmas even Magi, shepherds, trees. morespitting obvious songs get canceled. While th Then...druggie radicalsand metpear those returning from Viet Nam with epithets. continues to stump the secular, the realities Calling them “monsters” and “baby killers.” One wonders how Rockwell would have Rosacea-nosed depicted such aRudolph scene taking at LAX was place different fromorallSFO. the love in Christ, of Immanuel, of the pre-exis rest but provided light to guide them through the being born into those vile circumstances Thesenight. generations service menhim and women their lives, theirworld, health,continue their to make their way They of used to call names. risked But when broken sobriety, and their hope. Call it love of home or country or family or friend...or Rudolph finished his work they all loved him and hearts. It’s been said many times, many way “greater love.” Brave men and women won for us our freedoms. shouted out with glee. His light shone in the the Savior is born!
Both of my parents were veterans of WWII. I didn’t have to serve and so I didn’t...perhaps regretfully. But perhaps not. My respect might not be so high if I stood among them. As it is, I can hardly look on a wheel-chaired vet wearing one of those armed service caps without a tightening throat. Like those in the garage, who of us would not love to hear their story.
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KEEPING OUR
MILITARY
HISTORY ALIVE By Chris Pettingill
To prepare this special edition focused on our veterans, and in line with Kirt’s article herein, I recalled a wonderful experience this summer when Rich and I extended our quick trip to DC in order to attend the Annual Open House of the Tank Farm in Nokesville, Virginia. From an event that, in its first year, started with 15 guests enjoying an impressive collection of small arms, a WWII restored jeep, and several tanks to ride on around the farm, the Open House is now a two-day annual event that attracts over 16,000 people. The vision behind this project is Alan Cors, a humble hero whom many of us may remember
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from his having attended NCC. He is the owner of the Tank Farm, as well as being the visionary and driving force behind the development of the Americans in Wartime Museum, and the Voices of Freedom project. This organization attracts veterans from all service branches and first responders who join as volunteers in educating the younger generations about serving others, with special focus on military arms and military experience. Specifically, volunteers at the Tank Farm Open House give visitors the opportunity to talk about items in the exhibits, to converse with reenactors in encampments, and to learn, yes, even during tank rides, about military equipment. The veterans were all passionate about sharing their experience and knowledge. It warmed our hearts to meet many of them and see young people and their
educate and inspire others for generations to come.
families having fun and being fully engaged during walks around the exhibits and encampment fields.
While at the Annual Open House of the Tank Farm, Rich and I noted that the Voices of Freedom RV was there and learned that in Prince William County, VA, ground had already been broken for the Americans in Wartime Museum’s permanent location. Given the level of energy and passion of all we observed, surely both future Tank Farm Open House events and the new Museum will be well worth a visit when in the DC area.
Alan Cors’ initiative here is to Educate, Honor, and Inspire current and future generations about Ameicans who have served and sacrificed for America. He says there is nothing that compares to hearing stories of war and military service directly from those who have served. An avid collector of military arms and vehicles, Cors decided that his real interest was knowing more about those who served, during both wartime and peacetime. To this end, the Tank Farm Open House attracts visitors to learn about the military experience while the Voices of Freedom project goes cross country to seek veterans‘ first hand stories of their experience and records them for preservation at the Americans in Wartime Museum. This project truly honors each of them by preserving their voices in order to
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NCC Paticipation in
Collier-Lee Honor Flight 2018
Pastor Kirt with Rich Pettingill, Veteran US Navy, Korean War Era
Victor Ortino with John Summerfield, Veteran US Air Force, Cold War
2022 Billy Birch with George Kranz, Army, Korea and Viet Nam
Pat O’Connor with Dennis Lloyd, US Marines, Viet Nam Dawn Birch with Adrian Genoti, Navy See Bees, Viet Nam
NCC is seeking a Vet for each of the 2023 Honor Flights scheduled. Eligibility now extends beyond WWII service to service in Korea and Viet Nam eras. The established dates of the next Collier County Honor Flights to visit the memorials in Washington DC are April 29th and May 20th, 2023. Based on feedback from participants, the full day is so much more than seeing the monuments and memorials. We are hopeful one or more of our NCC Vets will be interested in applying for one or both of these dates in 2023. Not only is the day there special but also the flight back and the celebratory welcome at the airport are the icing on the cake! 6
Steve Chancy with John Bauman, US Air Force, Korea
Patriotism and love of our veterans are alive and well in SW Florida. Our NCC Pat O’Connor, a guardian for the 14th time, or any of the other NCC participants here can answer questions should any of our veterans want to know more or apply. NCC enthusiastically supports the Collier County Honor Flight Program. There is no cost to the Veterans who participate. If you served in any of the wartime eras mentioned, we encourage you to apply. Thrilling, poignant, unforgettable, and surpassing expectations are frequent comments heard from participants. Thank you to all who have participated in 2018 and 2022!
NCC VETERANS
Speak of Military Service Impact... Cmdr. John Langenheim, ret.
Jim Klusendorf “After volunteering for the draft in Fall of 1961, I reported for Induction in April 1962 and after basic training was assigned to Kimbrough Army Hospital at Fort George G. Meade. MD, for OJT Military Pay Specialist. My military opportunity allowed me to earn my master’s degree from George Washington University. Judy got a job through the mail teaching first grade on the Post. Our son Jeffrey was born in April, 1964 at a cost of $7 for 4 days of food. A positive impact on our future!” Rich Pettingill United States Navy “My 4-year U.S. Naval enlistment included 4 months of Class A Schooling and then 28 months as a “Tin Can” sailor home ported in Newport, RI during the Korean War era. GI entitlement allowed for college bachelor & master’s degrees. Both prepared me for my life journey. I was touched by the experience to participate in the 2018 Honor Flight program with Pastor Kirt as my guardian.”
Dr. Robert A. Strohaver Colonel, USAF, Ret. Professor, Med. Univ. of S. Carolina, Ret. “My 22 years in the USAF Dental Corps provided major life-long impact and the dual satisfaction in practicing dentistry while serving our country. It provided my residency in prosthodontics, extensive travel, teaching, research, publication, lecturing and leadership experience, and led to a second very rewarding career in dental education. It has also helped provide our 21 wonderful years of retirement in beautiful Naples.”
As told to wife Kat, “Serving 21 years in the Navy during the Cold War allowed me to travel around the world. My most exciting patrol was around Iceland. I am proud to have served my country and to have been in a position to train new submariners for a future in the submarine service.” John Walter United States Army “My military service gave me balance, perspective, discipline, and respect. I have the utmost gratitude for the previous generation and those who have served, preserved and assured our freedom.” Mike Lyster United States Navy Submarine Service, EN1(SS). “All the difference in the world! The US Navy Nuclear Power program created my career. Serving on a missilecarrying nuclear submarine instilled in me the importance of teamwork and getting the job done. We won the Cold War!” Bruce Zimmerman, US Army, Infantry “Serving in the Army Infantry held me accountable - taught me to live and work with a team of varying backgrounds and created a challenging opportunity for leadership at an early age.” Henny C Weissinger MacDill Air Force Base Tampa, Florida “I met my wife of 52 years while serving in the United States Air Force in Tampa.”
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Thank you for your service, NCC Veterans!!
We
SALUTE YOU, Our NCC VETERANS! Howard Abraham Bill Allyn Lew Allyn Don Barter Bill Buchanan Scott Conner Gene Culler Joe Davis
Brent Douglas Mike Foose Tom Goff Bruce Hayhoe Gary Helms Hugh Howard Paul Johnson Richard Johnson
Ray King Jim Klusendorf John Langenheim Ron Lanich Mike Lyster Walter McCullison Phil Messer David Miller
Brewster Morris Cecil Nance Harold “Mike” Overholt Rich Pettingill Don Preston Neil Rossboroug Rick Scott
Steve Smith Bob Strohaver John Summerfield Don Sveen Cathy Teghtmeyer Larry Teghtmeyer Joel Thomason Thomas Tomb
John Walter Henny Weissinger Marc Wemli Paul Yeso Bruce Zimmerman
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a
MESSAGE from
BOARD PRESIDENT Chip Hull
NCC Hurricane Relief Efforts Immediately after Hurricane Ian left its path of destruction throughout Southwest Florida, hearing of the impact on our church family, members of NCC began to mobilize volunteers. We began cleanup efforts for affected homes and helped people who were displaced find shelter. The Care and Compassion Team, along with the Men’s group and the F3 women’s group, began looking for ways to connect with other groups in order to offer assistance and to coordinate projects and people. This time has been very difficult for many who have lost valued keepsakes, have had homes badly damaged or have, indeed, had homes in total ruin. The love shown by NCC for those affected has helped lift spirits and raise hopes by coming side by side to help shoulder the burden. We will still have a long way to go before things return to some type of normality, but our people are resilient and, as in the past, when faced with adversity, we will answer the call and persevere. At our first Sunday service post Ian, one of our members suggested we start a Relief fund to help those people in need within our church family and the community. The Board of Trustees unanimously supported this initiative and we have raised a significant sum to aid those in need. We will continue to accept donations to the NCC Hurricane Relief, and our awareness of needs will be ongoing. The Care and Compassion Team will coordinate with Pastor Kirt to gather requests for assistance and will disburse funds when approved. If you need financial support or other help to aid in your recovery from Ian, please contact Pastor Kirt or Ken Brandle. Many thanks to all the volunteers for their efforts and their willingness to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus!
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THANK YOU from
LYNNE WILCOX
During Hurricane Ian, four feet of flood water ravaged my home and guest house studio, making my home uninhabitable. I was overwhelmed with the help and emotional support from our NCC church members. F3, the Care and Compassion Committee, and the Men’s Group pitched in to help remove salvageable items, wash linens and furniture, provide cartons and bins and pack boxes, save art works, provide lunches, move a few remaining cartons to storage after the movers had left, and much more. A week after the hurricane I placed my husband in memory care and accepted advice and council from those who had also made such a difficult decision for a loved one. I was also able to find a rental from a referral from one of this wonderful group of people. Without the concern, willingness to assist, and fellowship of NCC, the past month would have been unbearable. I am forever grateful! Thank you all, Lynne Wilcox
THANK YOU from
YULIYA VAIL
‘Love’ is showing up, this congregation has…and continues to…show up for us daily. Your messages, prayers, hugs, nuggets of wisdom seem to come at times they’re most needed. Your prayers were with us even when needing to get a big power boat off our yard! So thanks for ‘loving on us,’ as Mary Miller would say. It is soo felt and appreciated! Yuliya Vail
THANK YOU from
KATHY LETARTE
Thank you so much to my NCC angels, who helped me through the aftermath of Hurricane Ian; Nancy Thomas who took us in and found a long-term rental, and Falconer Jones who connected me with his architecture son Connor and helped put together a team for renovation. Bless you all! Kathy Letarte 10
CELEBRATING OUR VETERANS Veterans Day is our opportunity to honor our military veterans, past and present. Thank you, NCC veterans, for your willingness to serve and protect. Thank you for demonstrating courage and valor in so many ways. And thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you. We appreciate you!
Air Force
Armistice Day
Army
Battle Bravery Coast Guard Courage Honor Loyalty Marines Military Service Navy Peace
Sacrifice
Salute
Steadfast Valor Veterans Day Psalm 60:12 “With God we shall do valiantly; it is He who will tread down our foes.”
*Words can go in any direction. Words can share letters as they cross over each other. 11
Naples Community Church 849 7th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 Naples Community Church Naples Church 849 7th Community Avenue South Naples Community Church 849 7th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 849 7th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 Naples Community Naples, FL Church 34102 849 7th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102
Connect with Us! Kirt Anderson Founding Pastor kirtea@naplescommunitychurch.org
Zen Jordan
Administration “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand onoffice@naplescommunitychurch.org the curb and clap as they walk by.” - Will Rogers
o nDawn n e cBirch t with Billy DeanC and Worship Kirt Anderson music@naplescommunitychurch.org Founding Pastor
Us!
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