Chaplain Hurricane Duane? What will folks think? What do I think? And how did I find myself in the midst of my Union President, Vice President and Secretary shaking their hands? I havent the slightest notion. It seems a blur like the time I looked up in Medical School to find the class voted me Class President. To some it may have been obvious, but to me it wasnt. Same thing today. Wham! "Thank you, why of course I'll be Local Chaplain!" And here I am. I know God works in funny ways...(after ALL...they are HIS ways!)...so who am I to question? What's the saying? Many are called, but few are chosen? Well...I didnt even know I was in the running. I always seem to find these things out last.

Just yesterday, my recently departed father- in- law's Chaplain card from his VFW post fell from my wallet. I thought it funny at that moment that he was their Chaplain, and now I'm OUR Chaplain! But, though slightly confused and un-sure of myself, I know things happen 'cause they are supposed to, and I'm not complaining. I can play you a G Augmented 5th chord on the piano or guitar, but part of my brain still tells me when referring to a passage from "GENESIS", I immediately think of Phil Collins. But, hey! Youre never too old to answer a call here or there, and for a good cause. Sometimes its just fate or destiny. Sometimes, it's just 'because' God said so.

I've semi-reluctantly accepted this Chaplain-ship with hope and a smile. I say only "semi" reluctantly because its just that Im shocked at the places my life takes me. Most times, my fault and by my own actions...but somehow this time...it's just because God thought it was supposed to be me. I can accept that. I can only hope to prove that my Brothers and Sisters can count on my support. And, a prayer or two. So now, 2008 finds me with a book hitting the stores, a re-issue of Hurricanes hits ahead with maybe a tribute perhaps, care-giving my brother who has Cancer, and acting as a 1st Officer for Fords. And I have got my wife and my dog to think about, and am managing 2 myspace pages, and administrating 1 other. My hands are full! Instead of hauling amplifiers and guitars, I need roadies to haul my POST-IT's around! I guess as a Chaplain, a Bible's not too much to carry.

Ok, so this is just one more thing. How bad could it be? God and Guitars. Both start with "G"...thats good. Both are Dominants. Both produce love, sorrow, joy and pain...but I'm just lucky to be able to put a couple of meaningful sentences together. Still, I'll do it. It will be just like playin' on stage...only this stage belongs to "The BIG GUY"!. Preachin'? Ive been accused of doing that before. Usually I'll latch on to a point, and won't let up till I get my point across. Even if it's wrong. So, to be there, and be supportive, and lead members to a sense of Spiritual hope otherwise lacking in our Union Local, I realize it's an honor to be Chaplain. Maybe I CAN make a dent in the frustrations felt by my co-workers. Rock Musician, Chaplain. Chaplain...guitar 'shredder'. Kinda sounds the same, huh? (sigh) I didn't think so either. So be it. I'm the new "Chaplain" Hurricane Duane.

I've never minded prayer, prayin' or speaking to audiences. I just usually have an electric guitar or stack of keyboards in front of me to hide behind. Now...if only I could find a Bible as big as a Marshall amplifier stack.......!

And so dear friends, Ill be back here bi-monthly for awhile, but as always, you can drop me a line anywhere below. Keep the faith, keep it real..and "Faith without works...." you know!

Peace All,

"Chaplain-Hurricane" Duane Thomas,

www.drivinsidewaysindetroit.blogspot.com/

P.P.N Local 102

&

Johnny and the Hurricanes, Inc

www.myspace.com/johnnyandthehurricanes

www.myspace.com/duanethomas1

**Special Thanks: LA, Larry, Team Detroit, Sonja, Hurricane Shelter, Ralph/Soulful Detroit Forums, and Lucky the Wonder Dog!