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From Military to Mentorship: Dave Bittel's Life Journey
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Dave Battelle's life story reads like a roadmap of divine intervention and purpose-driven choices. Born on December 7, 1932, in Lansing, Michigan—exactly nine years before Pearl Harbor—Dave shares a childhood memory that still sends chills: at just three and a half years old, an inexplicable feeling prompted him to run home rather than wait for a stranger who had lured him to a park. This "little angel" likely saved his life and foreshadowed a lifetime of pivotal moments where instinct and faith would guide him.
When drafted at 21, Dave faced grueling conditions at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. During a twelve-mile forced march in 120-degree heat, only 40 of 225 soldiers finished—Dave among them. His military journey took unexpected turns, leading him to Percy Jones Hospital in Michigan rather than the Korean frontlines. Later, as a chaplain's assistant at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, he found purpose showing Moody Science films and ministering to troops. These experiences instilled discipline and clarity that transformed his approach to education when he returned to civilian life.
The GI Bill became Dave's gateway to a 31-year teaching career across Lansing schools. Unlike his earlier unfocused attempt at college, Dave returned with veteran's determination: "Get an education and get a job." This mission-oriented approach served him well as he taught seventh grade, led a police program, and became the only male teacher of human growth and development in his district. Perhaps his greatest legacy emerged years later when former students—including one who became a bank president—approached him to share how he had changed their lives.
Throughout his story, Dave returns to one consistent theme: "The Lord is going to direct you where He wants you." From narrowly avoiding dangerous combat roles to finding his calling in education, Dave sees divine guidance in every chapter of his journey. His testimony reminds us that our lives touch others in ways we may never fully know, and that purpose often reveals itself through the rearview mirror of time.
Have you considered how seemingly small decisions might be shaping your greater purpose? Listen to Dave's full interview to discover how faith and service created his extraordinary legacy.
Chapters
1. Early Life in Lansing, Michigan (00:00:00)
2. A Three-Year-Old's Close Call (00:11:13)
3. Military Service and Assignments (00:18:24)
4. College Life and Career Beginnings (00:28:10)
5. Teaching Career and Student Impact (00:38:34)
6. Faith, Family and Reflections on Service (00:50:53)
112 episodes
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