John Caudle Interview, World War II Part 2

John Caudle, Part 2. An interview with a hero!

John Caudle and his B-29 Crew. Photo most likely taken at Tinian Island

This post is a followup to part 1 of an interview I conducted with John Caudle, a Farmington, NC World War II veteran. I think you will really enjoy this time I spent with John. You can see in his eyes the reflections of 65 years.

Enjoy


T. Kyle

John Caudle, Farmington, NC World War II Hero

Meeting John Caudle in 2009 was a rich experience. John was scheduled to be on the first rounds of veterans going on the Triad Flight of Honor, a trip for World War II veterans to see their memorial.  
To describe John,  I would call him a humble gentleman. By age 18, he was stripped from his country roots and traveled all across our country and even a small island in the pacific, Tinian.

A young John Caudle during the  war.

This island was the launching pad for the Enola Gay, a plane that was engaged in the paramount event of World War II and will forever be engraved in the annals of American World War II history.  Caudle knew the bombardier of this famous plane, John Ferebee, who was from the same small county in North Carolina. 
John served as a tail-gunner in a B-28.

I hope you enjoy this reflection John offers, a relection over 60 years after this amazing experience.

 Click to watch part 1 of his story.

James Foster, A Cooleemee World War II Hero

In 2009,  it was my great honor to take James Foster from Cooleemee on the Triad Flight of Honor to Washington, DC.  Mr. Foster demonstrated a meek, kind demeanor. You'll hear him talk about working triage the day Eisenhower pushed the American troops on the banks of Normandy.  Later, he found himself post Battle of the Bulge liberating concentration camps. I think you will be moved by this great American!

 

Click to watch interview

John Barber...Gone but not forgotten. A World War II Veteran

One of the great memories I will cherish for a lifetime was my participation on the Triad Flight of Honor committee.  Together, with the support of Rotary 7690 and citizens all across the Triad, we took over 1300 veterans to see their memorial.  Listening to these veteran, I learned so much of what made our country strong.

A World War II veteran that was known by many in Davie County, North Carolina was John Barber. I hope you will enjoy this 20 minute interview with a gentleman, a veteran, a public servant and loving husband.....John Barber.

Click to watch the video

A lamp unto my feet.

As a person who grew up in a Christian Church, I'll admit that 2015 is a climate where a lot of faith people are shy to admit, confess and demonstrate their belief system. Television, new organizations and many politically motivated groups will label you very quickly as zealot, crazy, or ultra religious. I woke up this September  11th morning thinking about my reliance on God in my life and wanted to share a few simple scriptures that I hope will encourage you to reach out to the creator.

1. John 1:1 says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. “ This means that from the beginning of time, Christ was alive and in our time he has been made real in flesh and the bible’s very words are of Christ.

2. Psalms 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. “ Our every decision should be made based on His word. It makes dark places light.

One of those incredible sunrises over Shackleford Banks.

3. Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. “ The word is powerful. It is the road map to salvation. It’s active. It separates soul and spirit.

4. Matthew 4:4 says But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  We may believe we can make it through this world on our own, but we can’t. We may live, and we may even prosper, but the word of God is what brings sanctification (this is the act or process of acquiring sanctity, of being made or becoming holy.) in to our life.

My son Lewis at 35,000 feet reading his Old Testament

5. Ephesians 6:10-17 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” This is more of my favorite metaphoric  descriptions of God’s word. It is our protection. It is our shield. We are truly up against cosmic powers, darkness. How else can’t we withstand against evil forces. They are around us; our family is affected by them.

6 Finally. Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. “ Meditate, both day and night. Yes I know, are we monks??? I believe this applies to us as follows. If we bath ourselves with God’s work, our decision of what we say, where we go, and how we treat people with be our 24 hour thought process.

I have written this because I acknowledge I am a broken person. I believe the only way I am put back together is NOT my friends, not my job or successes, and not even my incredible marriage. It is through the Lord Jesus Christ.  There are only two ways to enter into his spiritual realm; Prayer and His Word.  I encourage you to not be afraid to open your bible and also go to a quiet place and simply speak to the Lord. It may seem odd at first, but I believe in time, it will become as natural as speaking to a friend.... And why not, He is your father.

TKS