Visiting An Army Base in Israel

I shared with the students that over the winter break I had the great opportunity and privilege to visit an Israeli Army base. The plan was for the visitors (us) to serve the the Chayalim hot dogs and chicken nuggets for a snack at around 8 PM.  We arrived at the base not sure what to expect since we had never been on a real army base before. These soldiers were the real deal. The night before some of them had a completed a mission in a town nearby, and they shared with us that in a few hours they would be going out on a another mission.  The base was nothing special. Cement floors and metal barracks. We started grilling the Hot dogs,chicken nuggets and preparing drinks for the soldiers. The soldiers male and female walked up to our station and we served them. They thanked us for bringing them a great treat and we thanked them for all that they do for Israel. We shared with them that we are so thankful to them for protecting the land we love. They are the reason that we can visit Israel and return to live in Israel.  At the end of the night, the tally way 150 Hot dogs, 20 boxes of nuggets, or schnitzel, as they called it and 20 bottles of Soda and Iced tea.  As we were packing up the highest ranking officer on this base approached us and shared with us two points that I will never forget.
One, the visit meant a lot to them. They get cards or gifts sometimes from people but for us to visit them on their base, on their home away from home was really special. He said "The hot dogs and the schnitzel was nice but the feeling of warmth in their hearts was more satisfying then any food. The second thing he shared with us was that every time they go out on a mission the entire group, religious or non religious, says Tefilat Hadarech. The prayer for a person going on a dangerous trip. He said the army knows that their success is in a large part due to God looking out for them.

This was a great experience for me and my family. May Hashem bless the soldiers of the Israeli army and guard and protect them.... and lest us say thank you and Amen.