A Navy public affairs article talks about the services of the (New York) Times Square Church hosting services for 2,000 during fleet week — including US service members in town for the event: 

TSC’s Fleet Week Salute Service offered New Yorkers and visitors alike an opportunity to thank Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines in attendance for their service and sacrifice, as well as a chance to extend prayers of support and protection to those serving abroad.

In what appears to be an awkwardly worded paraphrase, the article says

A relationship with a higher being is an important outlet and escape for service members, said Lt. Phillip Coffman, a Navy Chaplain…

An “escape” is something that enables someone to take a break from reality or routine; it is a “temporary distraction”. Religious faith, and the “relationship with a higher being” that goes along with it for Christians, is not an “escape” because faith is part of a Christian’s reality and routine; it is not a distraction. That said, religious services themselves are often a welcome interruption to the high ops tempo of certain phases of military service, and that appears to have been the case for the troops in New York during fleet week.

One of a few service members spoke of the importance of such services in their lives:

Marine Corps Sgt. Alan Garcia added, “Church is a big priority in my life. Something that’s been taught to me is that you can always make time for church. We like to think we are busy, but there is always time in our lives…”

That’s an admirable perspective, and its good to hear a US Marine speak publicly and positively about the role of faith in his life — just like others, including General Craig Olson, have.

Photo credit:  Fireman Recruit Chelsea DeLuna greets the congregation of Times Square Church at a Sunday service for Fleet Week New York, May 24… (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan L. Wampler/Released)

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