letter from a family friend in Iraq

[Dionysos]

My grandmother's preacher has been sending a few updates of his service as a military chaplain. Most of his service has been in Germany, but he does go into Iraq here and there. He's a good man (I'm not sure why he's over there, maybe called up as a reserve iirc) and not a 'typical' military type, but I thought people might want to see a bit of what he says. Take it for what it's worth.


From: rodney@****
To: SHCC@****.****
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2004 4:40 AM
Subject: update

Dear Flock--

I'm sorry for the delay in writing. I haven't written in so long, I hardly
know where to start. I suspect the big news is that I have recently returned
from Iraq. I went down for a week on a site visit to coordinate with our
chaplains there. There was a cool spell when I was there, it didn't get over
110 degrees. Add forty pounds of body armor, a wind like a hair dryer and
world of desert dust and sand, and you have a really harsh environment in which to live and complete a mission. I spent several days traveling by Blackhawk to different military sites and visiting our chaplains and solders. There's no need to get into the politics, since we're there either way, but our solders are impressive. They are committed to being there, dedicated to their task and focused on their mission. Even in such harsh conditions, I didn't meet anyone with a bad attitude. It was an inspiring trip.

The only other out of the ordinary news is that I'm trying to work out a
site visit home in the near future, probably around Thanksgiving. The idea has
been approved by command, I just have to set dates and make flight plans. I'm sure I'll know something soon.

Other than that, life is pretty much day-to-day. I preached last Sunday at
the Protestant Service in Bamberg, I've organized a Prayer Breakfast for next
week, I visit the hospitals with our wounded solders, counsel separated spouses and am setting up the counseling and information briefings for when the troops return in the spring. Life is good, God is gracious, and I do hope and pray that things are going well for you. I miss you all. Rodney B.