STATS:
Name: Grey Shelfer
Age: 22
Home Town: Lehigh Acres, FL
Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite Bands: Switchfoot, P.O.D., Delirious
Years in Service: 5
Current Rank: Second Lieutenant
Current Status:Vance Air Force Base, OK, 8th Flying Training Squadron Student Pilot
Deeper Devotion:
To start, how long have you desired to be in the military? It seems that a decision like this must have been a tough process to go through.
Grey:
It’s hard to pinpoint when I first developed this interest; to a certain degree, I’ve always been interested in military service. However, I distinctly recall doing several school projects in high school concerning the military and past conflicts, which further sparked that pre-existing interest.
Deeper Devotion:
What do you believe were some of the greatest factors in making the decision to join the Air Force?
Grey:
While there were external influences, this was largely an internal thing. Once I embarked on this adventure, I realized that I would only have God by my side, along with my family’s support back home, to see me through this journey and so I had to be extremely motivated.
Deeper Devotion:
So, do you consider your military service as a calling from God?
Grey:
I can’t describe it as anything else. I honestly can’t imagine myself doing anything else and I truly believe that satisfaction, that contentment is a direct result of me following God’s will for my life.
Deeper Devotion:
Wow, that’s great. Now that you understand this is a calling from the Lord, are you able to look back and see how God was preparing you for service?
Grey:
In retrospect, I can see how the Lord provided me many opportunities over the years to develop relationships with people who had first-hand experiences with the military and consequently offered me much valuable advice. These relationships, in turn, opened many doors for me especially those related to my receiving a nomination and appointment to attend the Air Force Academy. Also, the Lord prepared me mentally, spiritually, and physically for the challenges He knew I would have to endure.
Deeper Devotion:
You have chosen to attend the Air Force Academy and enter the military as an officer rather than an enlisted soldier. Do you feel the Lord’s calling is for the military to be your life long career?
Grey:
Right now, I’m already committed to twelve years of service due to my status as a pilot. So, it is quite conceivable that I would make this career. However, that is obviously all contingent upon what God has in store for me; I guess I’ll just have to wait and see!
Deeper Devotion:
Explain for us some of the most exciting opportunities this experience has given you.
Grey:
Obviously, anything relating to flying has been an awesome experience. I once got to fly acrobatics in a pre World War II era biplane during an exchange visit to the country of Colombia. I also had the chance to study abroad in Spain for a month as part of an immersion program. I’ve also dined and conversed with various dignitaries and politicians like Ross Perot for example.
Deeper Devotion:
What are some of the tougher duties that go along with these great experiences?
Grey:
My four degree or freshman year at the Academy and all that entailed (basic training, hell week, recognition), survival training, and to a certain extent my current involvement with pilot training have all been very difficult. Yet, those difficulties have also been very rewarding at the same time.
Deeper Devotion:
Considering the pros and the cons, what would you say has been the most important thing God has taught you since joining the Air Force?
Grey:
God has taught me that I can’t rely on myself. He has shown me how to depend on Him and provided me with many outlets to do that. Most prominently, He gave me some awesome classmates at the Academy and even here at pilot training, people I would gladly give my life for. I know I can always count on my brothers and sisters regardless of the circumstances.
Deeper Devotion:
As you well know, the United States is leading a controversial campaign in Iraq. Could you explain your personal convictions about war?
Grey:
First and foremost, I believe we have an amazing President, a man who is truly after God’s own heart. I believe the Bush administration is truly trying to keep this country safe from other terrorists while at the same time liberate a nation who has been enslaved by a dictator for years. If that involves going to war with Iraq, then I support their decision wholeheartedly.
Deeper Devotion:
It’s comforting to hear that you so passionately support our President. Support, however, is far different than anxiety. Do you ever find yourself worrying about the war?
Grey:
Our military is so well prepared to handle any contingency. War is something you train for from day one of basic. Plus, we truly do have same amazing leadership in place right now, those who are looking out for our men and women in uniform. I only worry for those who have to face our military.
Deeper Devotion:
What advice would you offer to students that may be concerned about the present conflict with Iraq?
Grey:
Ultimately, God is in control of everything. Certainly, it is natural to feel a certain amount of anxiety and fear. But, God controls those events going on around us. Honestly though, the best thing one can do to alleviate their concerns and to help others at the same time would be to publicly show their support for our military and our country.
Deeper Devotion:
That’s great advice. On a final note, is there any specific way that the Deeper Devotion readers could pray for you and your colleagues in the military?
Grey:
You can pray for the families of our service members, as they are so brave to send their loved ones off to a foreign land to defend our freedoms. You can pray for public support. Finally, you can pray for our leaders both politically and militarily that they would keep our best interests at heart and that God would lead them accordingly.
Deeper Devotion:
Thanks Grey. Your testimony and trust in God is something we can all learn from. Know that Deeper Devotion and our readers will continually be supporting you in prayer!