Fear & Close-mindedness Are Arguably The Real Tragedy Of Death, Says Franciscan Renaissance Man

There are those who just know how they'll react if and when they have to confront their own mortality. They will freely admit that they'll be petrified, and others are confident that they won't be scared at all.

"Perhaps they're right, or perhaps they're projecting how they think they're supposed to feel; in my case, neither fear nor bravery were the dominant notes, but rather one of spiritual and intellectual curiosity and edification," says Ron Walter, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, successful businessman and advocate of ecumenical Franciscan spirituality.

"I recently  had to face my own mortality once again as I dealt with effects of multiple myeloma and ensuing chemotherapy treatment. The encounter led me to a spiritual trek through philosophy, theology and science. In our evolutionary world, I suggest a view of death for we humans as yet another transition into a new form of being."

How does someone become so circumspect when facing death? Walter, author of "Theory of Everything: Franciscan Faith and Reason," (RonaldWalter.com), offers guidance.

•  Allow your spiritual intuitions to unfold. Most people have some kind of belief system on spiritual matters, which may remain untested for years and even decades. Whether you're a devout Catholic, Orthodox Jew, secular Buddhist or one of the growing numbers of "spiritual but not religious," facing death forces a renewed and often harsh look at one's true beliefs. As fallible as the mind can be, it is often attuned to signals emergent from deeper truth when faced with significant circumstances. Do not ignore those signals.

•  Appearances are often misleading. Are reason and faith at odds? How do we really know what will happen to us in death? We might find a clue in death as many of the faithful have in life. Many see the universe entailing a nearly infinite sequence of random events, leading to phenomena such as life on Earth. Most others, however, see a rhyme and reason beyond apparent chaos. Likewise, the apparent silence of death may be just that - apparent. For the spirit experiencing death, a new and unfathomable life may be emerging.

•  Obsessed with one religion, denomination or knowledge base? Death's proposition may have you looking elsewhere. "I find Franciscan theology and spirituality as well positioned to integrate other fields of knowledge and spirituality," Walter says. "While others prefer specific spiritual traditions, I hope they are not blind to the possibilities posed by other traditions. I believe every religion possesses only a  glimpse of God, and disciplines such as science and philosophy capture some of God's content and significance."

"When we hear 'death,' we're conditioned to tremble within," Walter says. "But when we see it for its deeper truth - involving the transformation of body, mind and spirit, recognizing the interchangeability of matter and energy - I think most of us can come away from the inevitable with greater equanimity."

About Ron Walter

Ron Walter (RonaldWalter.com) is an author, commentator and guest speaker with expertise in human spirituality, business management and military leadership. A retired corporate executive with more than 20 years active military service, Colonel Walter currently serves on Boards of Directors for the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Vesuvius Press Inc. in Phoenix. He is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM). "Theory of Everything: Franciscan Faith and Reason," recounts Walter's spiritual awakening following chemotherapy in the winter of 2012/2013. It explores the natures of God, humanity and the cosmos from the perspectives of noted philosophers, theologians and scientists. A major conclusion of the book is that finite beings emerge within Trinitarian relations of divine Love.

Governor Bruce Rauner issued the following statement:  

"I want to thank President Cullerton, Speaker Madigan, Leader Radogno and Leader Durkin for their leadership in fixing this year's fiscal crisis. With their help, a bipartisan group of legislators sent a strong message that the culture in Springfield is changing for the better.  

As promised, we are eliminating a $1.6 billion deficit without borrowing or increasing taxes on hard-working Illinois families. By choosing to make difficult decisions on a bipartisan basis, the General Assembly is helping set a new tone for what can be achieved in Springfield. 

While today's action is an important start, many more tough votes and challenging decisions must be made in the weeks ahead to complete the first steps of an Illinois turnaround. I look forward to continuing to partner with the legislature to enact policies that will create more jobs, increase local control and deliver value for taxpayers."

Governor Rauner plans to sign the legislation as soon as possible.   

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The sound of gunfire ripped through the fog as Soldiers ducked for cover while everything around them was pelted with bullets. Their commanding officer (CO) was injured and stranded out in the open. The Soldiers were ordered not to break ranks, but one Soldier could not leave his CO in harm's way. Under fire, Sgt. Paul Wehrenburg grabbed his CO by the collar and drug him to a foxhole. The CO recovered from his wounds, but put Wehrenburg on report for not following orders. Eventually, the CO dropped the charges and instead put Wehrenburg in for the Bronze Star.

Maj. Gen. Johnny Ray Miller of Tamms, Illinois, the Assistant Adjutant General-Army, is Wehrenburg's great nephew. It was stories Wehrenburg told that turned Miller toward a future in the military and gave the Illinois Army National Guard one of its storied leaders.

Miller retired Feb. 28 after more than 32 years of service to the Illinois Army National Guard and the Army.

Miller said Wehrenburg, who fought during D-Day and across the European theater earning two purple hearts and the bronze star for valor, inspired him to join the military.

"He had some unbelievable stories," said Miller. "He saw a lot of action during his military service."

Miller enlisted in the Missouri National Guard in 1982 where he attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri as a simultaneous membership program cadet. Miller joined the Illinois Army National Guard in 1984 after graduating the academy and earning an Associate's in Arts, Liberal Arts. He commissioned through the Early Commissioning Program at the age of 20.

From there Miller moved home to southern Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois where he earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in History, and served in the Illinois Army National Guard from 1984-86.¬¬

Miller served on active duty from 1986 to 1989 with 3rd Battalion, 63rd Armor in 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division in Kitzingen, Germany.

Here he was assigned as a M1/A1 tank platoon leader around the time the Berlin Wall came down during the Cold War.

"We did a lot of partnership with 224th Panzer Battalion of the West German Army," said Miller. "I really gained a lot of respect for our allies, many had families in East and West Germany and it was not unusual for them to relate their family's story about how they made it to the West."

Miller said he valued all he experienced while on active duty, but said he struggled with the everyday lifestyle of the active duty Army.

"I really learned an appreciation for what it is to be a citizen-Soldier," said Miller. "I grew up, and still live, in a small town. I guess I was a little homesick and the thought of moving every few years was something I was not interested in."

Miller returned to the Illinois National Guard in 1994 and commanded Delta Company, 3d Battalion 130th Infantry based in Marion, Illinois.

After his time as a company Commander, Miller said he, along with every American, unknowingly faced the biggest challenge of this generation on Sept. 11, 2001.

"The 9-11 attacks changed how I felt about my service to the National Guard," said Miller. "It changed for me that day and I'm sure others that were in at the time would say the same about their service."

Miller deployed in 2003 as Commander of 3rd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment based in Marion, Illinois, in support of operation Noble Eagle. His battalion guarded Active Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard bases in Illinois and his staff had administrative control of more than 500 Soldiers in five states.

A few years later, in the summer of 2008, Illinois experienced the most significant flooding since 1993.

"I was mobilized for state active duty with 100 Soldiers from various units including the band," said Miller. "One of my fondest memories was seeing the band sandbagging and still finding time to practice their instruments. This experience was an eye opener in how we approached these type of events and led us to streamline how we, as the Illinois National Guard, respond to incidents using a more scalable and cost effective approach."

Miller has been many places and impacted many Soldiers during his career.

"He is a Soldier's commander. He is someone who leads from the front and understands the importance of what we as Soldiers do," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Bowman of Naperville, State Command Sergeant Major of the Illinois National Guard. "He has always supported Soldiers and non-commissioned officers whole-heartily, for as long as I have known him, and he will be missed in this organization."

Lt. Col. Michael Hough of Petersburg, Illinois, Labor Relations Specialist for the Illinois Army National Guard said Miller's impact didn't stop with Soldiers and NCOs.

"I have learned a lot from him over the years and the things I have learned have changed how I looked at the Army," said Hough. "He is very professional and approachable, and he is a wealth of knowledge."

Hough said he saw how much Miller respected the rank he earned through his willingness to take on more responsibilities.

"Generals in today's Army are very busy, but Miller always made a point to brief us officers when he returned from his trips, deployments or meetings," said Hough. "He always cared enough about us to tell us about the things he learned to make us better officers."

Miller said he has been blessed throughout his years of service and is honored to have reached the rank of major general and position as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army. Miller said he attributes a lot of his knowledge over the years to the noncommissioned officers he has met along the way.

"The NCO is the backbone of the U.S. Army. It makes us the best Army on the planet," said Miller. "I would urge officers and noncommissioned officers to be professional, but to be personable as well. Rapport is a must."

Though Miller credits other servicemembers as being a big part of his career, he said the steadfast support of his family is what got him through tough times.

"My mother has always been my biggest supporter. She has always been there for me," said Miller.

Gloria Miller, Miller's mother said she is proud of how Miller advanced through the ranks.

"As I watched Johnny grow up from a child to a man he has always put his heart and soul into everything he has done and has always achieved his goals," said Gloria. "He always loved the military since he was a child and played Army with his brother and friends."

Despite retirement, Miller said he will be just as busy.

Miller was recently promoted to Site Manager for Dyno Nobel's Wolf Lake, Illinois facility.

"I have been there for 25 years and have worked my way through the ranks within that organization as well," he said. "I won't be completely retired, but will have more time to focus on my role and hopefully get some time to enjoy weekends and hobbies."

Miller said he plans to stay connected with those he has met throughout his career including those from his old battalion in Germany.

"I have reconnected with several members of my old battalion via social media, especially my platoon sergeant Bob Sheetz, who is retired and lives in Germany," said Miller. "I plan on visiting him in the near future."

Miller said his time with the International Security Assistance Forces A3 Team in 2009 was amazing, and he kept a diary of the team's accomplishments in Afghanistan and wants to publish it and talk about everything his team did.

"I have certainly faced challenges during my career, but when I look at this career as a whole I have no regrets," said Miller. "I wouldn't give up one minute of it."

MOUNT CARROLL, IL -- Timber Lake Playhouse, the professional summer theatre in Mount Carroll, has appointed Dan Danielowski of Byron, Illinois as Executive Director. Mr. Danielowski began in December, joining Artistic Director James Beaudry in leading the company into its 54th season.

Danielowski received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls, majoring in Communications with a theatre emphasis and a Masters in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University.  He has an extensive theatre background and over twenty years of administrative and nonprofit experience.

"After a thorough international search, we feel fortunate to welcome such an outstanding leader to our organization," said Robin Wilhelms Saar, Timber Lake Playhouse Board President.  "Dan's commitment and enthusiasm is matched only by his experience developing impactful organizations. His expertise comes at a key moment for Timber Lake Playhouse as we move our organization forward and continue our recent strong growth and artistic excellence. We could not be more pleased to have Dan as our new Executive Director."

Beaudry said of the appointment, "I'm very excited that Dan has joined the company, bringing his experience in both non-profit management and theatre operations to TLP. As we continue to grow and find new ways to make the experience of TLP better for our audience, I know Dan will help drive us forward. I couldn't be happier."

Danielowski and Beaudry are working on several initiatives already. These include plans to improve facilities for the 50 artists who live and work on the theatre's campus each year, broader opportunities for volunteers to be involved with the playhouse, and specific attention to improvements in audience services. A new paid apprentice program for teens who plan to pursue the theatre arts is in also in the works.

"I'm excited to join the management team at TLP," remarks Dan. "I am dedicated to the arts and Timber Lake Playhouse because we provide a key role in supporting and developing opportunities for beginning artists and cultural enrichment that enhances our region's quality of life."

Timber Lake Playhouse's 2015 season will feature both familiar talent and new faces. Beaudry will direct and choreograph a new musical, Big Fish, based on the novel and acclaimed Tim Burton film. Longtime TLP favorites Karl Hamilton and Elizabeth Haley star in that show. Legendary Chicago director, Chuck Smith, returns for his 14th consecutive year to direct The Big Meal, a bold new play about family by Dan Le Franc.

Joining the company for the first time is Stephen Schellhardt, who will direct the acclaimed hit comedy, Greater Tuna. A performer, director and three-time Joseph Jefferson Award nominee from Chicago, Stephen has performed and directed around the world, and currently works at Writers Theatre in Glencoe.

Peter Pan will be directed and choreographed by Zachary L. Gray, who was a resident performer at TLP in 2008. Gray has spent the last six years performing, choreographing and directing around Chicago. He was most recently seen in La Cage Aux Folles at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

Gray will also choreograph the season opener, Hairspray, which is directed by Lili-Anne Brown. Brown has staged numerous hits at TLP including Sweet Charity, Cabaret andThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She is the artistic director of Bailiwick Chicago, and won the 2014 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Direction of a Musical forDessa Rose.

The 2015 season concludes with Roger Miller's musical celebration of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Big River. Courtney Crouse returns to stage this hit show. Beaudry will provide choreography.

For advance group sales or to purchase subscriptions, visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org, call the box office at 815-244-2035, or visit the company at 8216 Black Oak Rd. in Mount Carroll. Individual tickets go on sale in May.

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