My Veteran was Willing to Die for His Country… Jesus Willingly Died for the Whole World!

My veteran is my late husband, David R. Pelleman, who died on February 21, 2023.

After high school, Dave began his service to his country when he joined the United States Army, where he served from 1989-1994.

He received his Advanced Individual Training in Fort Rucker, Alabama in September of 1989-1990.

He was deployed to Korea from 1990-1991. Dave was a helicopter crew chief; and he serviced multiple missions. Some of the highlights of his Army career were doing mountain top resupplies, and commanding Generals and Distinguished Visitors; including senators and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

He later served as a crew chief and EMT with his medevac helicopter unit. As a Specialist with technical knowledge, he was required to have a strong work ethic and outstanding leadership skills. He was in charge of keeping the inside and outside of the helicopter safe, well-maintained and productive at all times.

Dave was also in charge of instructing his Army crew on how to operate, repair, and complete tasks on the aircraft. In addition, Dave performed rescue missions; which gave him the privilege of saving people’s lives.

Dave served in Korea, Texas, and Honduras. He received numerous awards including: helicopter crew chief, helicopter aircrew members wings, Army Commendation, and Army Achievement Medals for his exemplary service.

A proud veteran, Dave also received the Quilt of Valor Award during his last year of life. It was especially meaningful, because the quilt was made by his own mother; Diane Lufkin.

When Dave and I met; it was during his last year of service in the U.S. Army. We quickly fell in love; and in less than a year, got engaged and then married.

Dave was a very self-motivated, hard working man. As a Corporal with leadership positions, and five years of active duty; Dave had acquired college education and a wide variety of skills to be used for future success.

Of all my amazing veteran’s accomplishments; one topped the list: my husband accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior during a premarital Christian counseling session. Not only was he a soldier in the United States Army; he had now become a Christian soldier in The Mightiest Holy Army of God!

Dave Pelleman died of cancer; possibly related to, and/or exasperated from having contracted malaria and taking subsequent medications during his service in the U.S. Army. Our family is currently waiting on his veterans case to be finalized.

Our American soldiers sacrifice so much for us, including their own lives. But one thing for which I’m especially proud of; is my veteran knowing that even the best soldier needs Jesus in his or her life.

Jesus sacrificed his life, not just for one country; but for the entire world! Jesus asks only one thing in return; to believe in him, and accept his free gift of eternal life.

Because my husband said yes to Jesus; I have peace in knowing he fought in God’s Army, where even death can’t gain victory over its soldiers!

I’m so proud to be able to say that my veteran husband, David R. Pelleman is buried at Arlington National Cemetery where he belongs. Though I still greatly grieve his loss here on earth; the silver lining is knowing I will see him again one day.

I’ll see my shining soldier again; because he said yes to Jesus in 1994. Heaven is eternal; no more sickness, suffering, or death.

And best of all; anyone can join God’s Army at any time. Jesus will equip us to fight the good fight, and gain victory. Jesus has already sacrificed his life for us.

There are not many things more honorable than a soldier fighting for others; knowing it can cost the soldier’s very own life. Thank a soldier today, and thank God for sending Jesus, who truly can bring back our soldiers from the dead.

Thank you to our American veterans and American soldiers for sacrificing your lives for us. And, thank you, Jesus; for sacrificing your life for our veterans, soldiers, and all the rest of us wherever we may be in the world.

~Angela Royse Pelleman