Retired military couples called as service missionaries at military training bases throughout the United States are finding great joy in serving soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen. Their primary responsibilities are to the LDS recruits going through basic and advanced training, then to all service members in the armed forces.
Missionaries assist with Sunday meetings and support the spiritual well-being of the trainees. Basic training is grueling and intensive and the ongoing war causes young men and women to reflect on their values and their purpose in life. In this new environment, many young men and women who came from less-active families return to full activity. One soldier at Fort Sill in Oklahoma said his life changed for good the morning he walked into Church services. As he shook service missionary Elder Gary Poppleton's hand, he felt the Spirit and knew that's where he should be.
"Over and over again, the young people express how much the LDS service group has meant to them," said Sister Lynnette Hancock, who serves recruits at Sheppard Air Force Base, near Wichita Falls, Texas. "They wouldn't have made it (through training) without the Church. It has turned their life around. What greater reward could any missionary couple have?"
Service missionaries help recruits and families connect and work to resolve concerns. "We provide families with our phone numbers and e-mail address so they can contact us about any concerns they have," said Elder Tom Washington of Lackland Air Force Base in southern Texas. Some write letters to the service missionaries.
"Many (recruits) struggle with homesickness, low self-esteem and other challenges," said Sister Hancock. "We want them to realize how much Heavenly Father loves and cares about them."
On military installations where advanced training occurs, missionaries transport service members to LDS services in town. They teach institute, hold family home evenings, organize game nights and trips to the temple. Some open their homes to service members for a calm place to visit.
"We provide them with a home-away-from-home atmosphere," said Elder Charles Gooch, who serves at the Camp Pendleton Marine Base in San Diego, Calif.
Other service missionaries offer "temporal" nourishment — either baking snacks or organizing wards to serve meals after institute meetings. Sister Hancock appreciated one airman's high praise: "This is the best food I've flapped a lip over since I joined the military."
Military missions are service missions. In fact, proselytizing is prohibited on all military installations. But the Lord's work moves forward through the service members. Recruits often invite their "battle buddy" or others in their units to Church services, family home evening or institute classes where they often feel the Spirit for the first time. Those desiring to learn more about the Church are taught the missionary discussions by full-time missionaries. Some join the Church.
"It's so satisfying to know you are making a difference," said Sister Winona Gordon of the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Texas.
Military missionaries also serve the base-wide military family. Some volunteer time in schools tutoring students or in museums acting as docents. Others work at the thrift shop or Airman's Attic — a free thrift shop for lower ranking airmen. Some work at hospitals through the Red Cross, volunteering in out-patient clinics, moving patients, or as volunteer chaplains doing pastoral care visits. "Through teaching marriage enrichment and parenting classes, we have been able to support military families in their desire to improve their marriage and parenting skills," said Elder Jerry Lee of Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. "Our volunteer efforts have brought us credibility among the chaplains and other base personnel."
"We feel that not only are we serving our Church, but also, and as important, we are serving our country and the soldiers we work with," said Elder Robert Warren of Fort Lee in New Jersey.
Missionary couples at military training bases work with chaplains, drill instructors, commanders and other members of the training staff. "Chaplain assistants notify us if we have any LDS members in the hospital," said Elder David Fisher of Missouri's Fort Leonard Wood. "We can visit them and give them priesthood blessings.
While military missionary couples work under the direction of the mission president, they coordinate their efforts with the stake president, bishop and group leader associated with their service member's group. Often they visit less-active military families and assist other full-time missionaries in sharing the gospel. "Besides the joys and sorrows of working with the recruits, we have the blessing of working alongside the young missionaries," said Sister Gordon. "They bring us new life and energy."
Military missionaries love their mission.
"I cannot think of a missionary calling we would enjoy more than this one," said Elder Olson.
"If you want to experience the true joy, this is it," said Elder Jim Monson of Fort Gordon, near Augusta, Ga. "You get so close to these young people that they become your kids and they look up to you as a parent for love and guidance. It truly is a spiritual feast."