LT Peter J. Dahlstrom (O-3), CHC, USN

My brother, Pete, just graduated from Officer Indoctrination School (OIS) and is now a Lieutenant in the Navy. He graduated with two other Covenant pastors and a physical therapist who graduated from NPU, so the ECC was well represented.

Luke, my dad and I flew to Newport, Rhode Island for the OIS banquet and ceremony. I was very struck by the comraderie and the pride among the officers graduating. It not something I've seen in any of the workplaces where I've worked.

I'm excited for this next phase in Pete's ministry. For those of you who know Pete, you know he's a bit of a pistol with the gift of unfiltered wit. With his Navy comrades, this works very well and he's received as authentic and refreshingly earthy. It was a pure joy to watch him really truly connect with the others and picture how incredibly effective he will be in military ministery.

When I think about how many military personnel are in their early twenties and what critically formative years these will be in their faith journey, I'm glad Pete will be able to walk beside these guys and gals as their friend, confidant and leader. And, he'll make them laugh along the way...alot. And, Lord knows they'll need that.

God be with you, use you, and protect you, Pete, as you serve at the 3rd Marine Division based in Okinawa and elsewhere. We love you and we are so proud of you!!!

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