Remembering Guadalcanal

I’ve been out to sea for almost a month, so no real activity on the blog because not much noteworthy happens on an open ocean transit. But, sometimes an amazing opportunity presents itself.

One of the great things about this who Navy Chaplain gig is that I get to travel to some amazing places and am provided with opportunities that most pastors never consider possible. I was honored and humbled to participate in a remembrance service off the coast of Guadalcanal this past week.

The CO of the ship on which I am currently embarked received a note in his suggestion box regarding a family connection with a survivor of the Battle of Guadalcanal. The sailor briefly described how is grandfather was in the battle and the ship he was on sank in Savo Sound, commonly referred to as Iron Bottom Sound because there are 46 warships resting on the bottom following 6 months of battles. This sailor also wrote that it was a dream of his since joining the Navy to make it to that specific spot in the ocean.

On the same night the sailor placed the suggestion, he stopped me in the passageway and gave me a brief rundown of how excited he was that he may travel close to the site of his grandfather’s ship. The next morning, the CO mentioned the note and asked me if I would put together a short service in case we passed close by the wreckage of the USS LAFFEY. As luck would have it, we were not only traveling through Savo Sound to refuel in Guadalcanal, our track was close enough that we could alter course slightly and pass directly over the LAFFEY.

I worked with the sailor and developed a short remembrance service to honor all who perished in the Guadalcanal campaign. This sailor created a memorial of sorts by adding a weight to his Dixie Cup (that is the trademark white cover that enlisted sailors wear) that he could place in the water and have it rest close to the ship.

With everything set, about 40 of us gathered on the flight deck as we departed Guadalcanal and with both Guadalcanal and Savo Island in clear view we conducted a short ceremony. In addition, the sailor chose to re-enlist in the Navy in the same spot in which his grandfather survived a major naval battle and the sinking of his ship.

No matter how long I am a chaplain, I will always remember two things about this whole experience off Guadalcanal. The look on a sailor’s face when I told him that the CO wanted me to do a ceremony to honor his grandfather and fulfill a life long dream of that sailor. And, the fact that I was called upon by a ship to conduct a ceremony in some historic waters, somewhere I may never have the opportunity to set my sight upon again.

This is what being a chaplain is all about.

What I Will Miss About Afghanistan

I originally planned to sit down and provide the list of things that made Afghanistan a place to visit and what won't ever leave my memory soon after the last post. However, work got busy and I haven't forced myself to sit down and provide the 2nd half of the first post. So here goes:

1) The People: The majority of Afghans I met are amazing people doing their best to survive and really just want people to leave them alone. They are resilient and will thrive if given the chance. It is my prayer that the sliver of freedom they glimpse through our work takes hold and they run with it and design a way of life that works for them while allowing their natural gifts to flourish. I have many memories of conversations over tea with smiles as well as meeting the children when out and about.

2) Children: Regardless of where you go, kids will always be kids. They are the same everywhere. It was so much easier to communicate with them despite the language differences because you just knew what they wanted. They were rarely shy about coming up and interacting with us and their presence really helped most of the guys realize why they were sent 7000 miles from home.

3) The Food: I ate some of the most amazing food I have tasted overseas. While the meals were always pretty much the same of chicken, rice, bread and fruit it was always sumptuous. The spice they use for the chicken is wonderful and the bread is highly sought after with many Marines buying that whenever they had the chance. And the fruit convinced me that local, organic produce is the way to live. The produce came from close by and was grown with natural fertilizer with a taste much better than what I usually obtain in a store.

4) The Marines: Serving as a chaplain in a combat zone is a special honor and I am glad to have been given that responsibility. It was a once in a lifetime chance to really be with the infantry. I can't fully describe the respect and love I have for my Marines and sailors and they will always hold a special place in my heart. They endured so much for each other and for people they didn't really know and I hope the experience changed them in a positive way as much as myself.

There are many other things I will miss, but I don't want to ramble on and on. Plus, I have to work on a presentation for my Presbytery for next weekend. I get to speak to church leaders about what chaplains do and how they can assist us as we minister to service members.

Home Sweet Home

We are all finally back in NC. I arrived at Cherry Point at 0230 on Christmas morning and then it took 5 hours to get the bags unloaded, drive to Camp Lejeune and then get all the weapons turned in before we met the families and everyone else waiting for us at 0730. It was a great Christmas present for us all and I am glad to be back.

I went into work today to drop some stuff off and check in. Tomorrow thing start back up with a regular schedule. I kind of like the Navy way of ending a deployment. You pull in and then go on leave as soon as everything is settled with the return. The Marines do it a bit differently. I got one day off and then some today as I didn't go in until the afternoon, but I still will have the rest of the week as work days and then after the new year we have more days of classes and stuff and the battalion doesn't get its leave block until January 11th. Makes it feel less like a deployment and more like a long field operation.

But, the most important thing about our return. EVERYONE MADE IT HOME! No KIA during the deployment and I find that impressive with all the fire fights and IEDs we encountered in 7 months. That speaks volumes to the Marines and their leaders over the deployment. We had many close calls but everyone made it back alive and no one lost any limbs. There are still some Marines in the hospital due to injuries, but again they all came back in one piece. Thanks to all who prayed for 1/9 the last few months.

Goodbye Geronimo

So I am writing this from Camp Dwyer. I left FOB Geronimo late last night/early this morning when the helicopter came in from the darkness to take us away from our home for the last seven months. It was a bittersweet moment as I have really enjoyed my time deployed with an amazing group of Marines and sailors. I know that this will probably be the one and only time I get to deploy in combat with an infantry battalion and will truly miss the experience. It is one that has shaped me and my ministry for the rest of my life. I could fill many posts and pages reflecting on the deployment and the last 14 months with the Marines and sailors of 1/9.

Now I get to stay here at Camp Dwyer and give them their last required brief before leaving Afghanistan. It is nice to spend the last few minutes with them at the air terminal here as they are full of smiles at the prospect of hitching a ride to Manas (0n what they call a "Freedom Bird") and then onto the US when their next plane shows up. Today was the overwhelming majority of H&S company who are now at Manas. I look forward to seeing the others as they flow into and out of Dwyer and am personally starting to realize this is all ending in the rapid future (though I don't think it will fully hit me until I am in the line on the tarmac for the flight out of here).

Hopefully I will post some more before I leave as I have a lot of dead time right now, which is a new experience. By the time I finally get back to NC I will have been in the field for a total of right around 300 days this calendar year. I hope I find some hobbies to fill a the time I have coming up. I know there is some travel, including a trip to Whistler, in my future but it will seem odd to have 30+ days of a light work load.

For the 1/9 families, your Marines and sailors have done an amazing job out here and you have every right to beam with pride for their work. This deployment has affected each of them (in a positive way I hope) and I think they will be better for the experience. I do know they are eagerly looking forward to getting home and getting some much deserved rest.

Happy Birthday USMC

As I write this, the birthday has passed but it is still November 10th back home. I have to say that it was an honor to spend a birthday with the USMC in Afghanistan (You can find it on Youtube). No other service puts so much into celebrating who and what they are. The video message produced by the Marine Corps was motivational and, while each of the three cake cutting ceremonies varied slightly each was special and full of motivation and meaning. Most people don't really care about their individual birthdays. I had one out here and let it pass unnoticed. Even most of the sister services don't really mark the day as special when they reach another year in the books. Marines show why Marines are special each day out here, but on November 10th every year regardless of where they are, they remember why they are America's elite service and force in readiness for the President.

I had a great time getting out to see most of the battalion today to wish them a happy birthday and was impressed with the ceremonies. For the families of 1/9 there is a new album on the Facebook page full of photos from today. And for all the veterans out there, Thank You for the proud legacy you have left for those of us who follow you and stand on your shoulders.

Notes From Afghanistan Part 7

It rained yesterday. Not a drizzle type of rain but a full on thunderstorm that continued for most of the morning and has returned again today. We had been told the rainy season begins in December, so the rain was a bit of a surprise, though a pleasant one. One Marine commented on how the rain made everything smell and feel clean around here. I kind of have to agree with him. It smelled and felt like a walk through some woods back home in the springtime. It has left a lot of mud to deal with over the next few days as well as showed us some leaks in the chapel and other buildings and tents. But, it was different and unexpected and it showed us we are close to leaving as the rainy season should signify our exit from Afghanistan.

It was also a means to break the monotony around here. At times it feels like groundhog day. We fall into the same routine day after day and the rain forced us to stay inside a bit more or change our routines in other ways for the day which was a refreshing way to snap us out of our current ruts. Something we could all benefit and learn from as we head back and will get into different ruts and routines back home.

The guys continue to do well out here and are looking forward to going home. That is the #1 topic of conversation during my visits with them. They are dreaming about their first meal upon return to the states and what they plan to do while on post-deployment leave (most have a plan to do nothing for a few days or weeks). I just wonder what they will remember about this deployment.

Final Care Package Request List

First off thanks for all the support for the Marines and sailors of 1/9. We are quickly approaching the end of our time out here which means a mail cutoff date is looming. I am assuming that date will be on 01 November which means this is the last time I will post anything asking for care packages. We are sitting good on items right now but want to still get some in to set up the next unit once they arrive for about a month's worth of stuff so they are good until their mail begins to arrive. Again thanks for all you have done for 1/9 over the last 6 months. The stuff gets used quickly and is greatly appreciated.

Care Package Needs October 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: We received a huge amount of supplies and are doing a good job trying to get them out. We'll take any more that you send, but I think they will be good for a few months.
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages

Notes From Afghanistan Part 6

Again, it has taken a bit of time to actually sit down and update this thing with what is going on out here. If they would only let me access this from a government computer I might actually get to do it more often. But that would take an excuse away from why I am slow at updating. Being stuck at an outlying position waiting for a flight or ride back has given me a decent amount of time so I figured I'd get on an MWR computer and post a quick update.

Since the last post Ramadan has ended and we saw September 11th come and go. Eid out here was interesting with people traveling all over the place and celebratory gunfire from the locals each of the three nights. It was an eye-opening experience to be in a Muslim country for both Ramadan and Eid. And apparently there is another Eid in November which is affectionately known as "Big Eid" from our linguists. I can't imagine how much of a party this one day will be.

RP and I continue to travel around seeing the guys and they are all doing well. We recently attended the "soft opening" of a school out here. I say soft because it seems that we always do some big event twice. The first time a few people show up almost to make sure we really planned on doing what we said when we said. That results in a true event a few days later after the local elder goes out and tells everyone that we mean what we say and will be there. At first I thought it was an issue of mistrust, but I actually think it is ingrained into the culture as often as it happens and as widespread it is across villages and districts out here.

We had another run at the FOB on September 11th in conjunction with the Chicago 1/2 Marathon and 5K. This time 123 people showed up to run a 5K (actually 3.4 miles) that morning and it was enjoyed by all. I am amazed that running in the morning would be such a hit out here and continues to be the thing I arrange that actually draws people out to participate. I think it has something to do with the fact that we get a chance to feel like we are back home for the few minutes that we are running with numbers attached to our chests. Hopefully we can get one more done before we head back home.

Both RP and I are approaching a milestone in that we have our Fleet Marine Force boards scheduled for this week (if we ever get back to the FOB). This is a qualification program to demonstrate we have grasped the many aspects of the USMC mission and its history. It takes quite a while and is a requirement for RP while stationed with a FMF unit and I wanted to get it done to do some in depth learning about what my Marines do, etc. All we need is to get back and make our scheduled boards. A few prayers that we can get back would be appreciated.

Care Package Request List for September 2011

Being stuck at a remote post has a few benefits, one of which is updating the blog when I get a chance to hit an MWR computer center.

Care Package Needs September 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: We received a huge amount of supplies and are doing a good job trying to get them out. We'll take any more that you send, but I think they will be good for a few months.
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages

Chapel and Chaplain:

Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot.

I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area. And what we don't use during our deployment will be used to set up the incoming unit with an initial supply of stuff until their mail begins to arrive in country.



Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095

Notes From Afghanistan Part 5

I know it has been a while since describing what is going on out here, but we have been busy and the powers that be blocked all the blogger sites on government computers so I had to find time to get to the MWR tent to post. I don't know what made them change their minds, but such is life out here.

Since the last update, RP and I have traveled extensively to the companies to see the guys. We have also hosted a few different chaplains in the area showing them around to show off the Marines and sailors and all the good work they are doing out here. One of the visitors was a Navy chaplain who happens to be Muslim. He was out here for Ramadan. While he was here we got to attend an Iftar meal where they break the fast in the evening. It was great watching a friend live out his faith in a country predominately of his faith. He led the Iftar meal and the prayers that evening. He also was provided the opportunity to talk with the local mullahs and elders about Islam and how he lives out his faith in a pluralistic environment. The local leaders were rapt with attention at what he said and seemed to appreciate him making the visit to Nawa. It was also great for me to catch up with an old friend and see Ramadan from his perspective. It should end in the next few days so I am excited about seeing the national party that will go for about a week out here.

With school coming up, we have been busy getting school supplies ready. RP and I just had a truckload of supplies picked up by the Afghan Army to give out during Eid. They were overwhelmed and surprised with the support from people back in the States to give so generously to the children out here. And, after we gave them all those supplies we got about 15 more boxes worth yesterday. I spent this morning getting those ready for distribution. We'll pass those out next month as we get out in the villages. We also received some soccer balls and stuffed animals for the kids as well.

Well, that is it for now. I have only a few minutes left here at the computer so I am looking forward to another busy month out here with more traveling and being out there with my guys. I can't believe it has already been 3 1/2 months since we left which means we are approaching our half way point. It seems like only yesterday that we got out here. I guess time really does fly when you are having fun. I am actually starting to realize how much I will miss being out here as well as my time deployed with an infantry battalion. I need to figure out how to swing another deployment before they transfer me in 2013.

Thank You

Two thank yous need to be said:

(This is a good example of what we receive in care packages each and every week. Sometimes twice a week.)

First, I haven't said this in a large public manner yet. Many of you who send us care packages get emails expressing our gratitude as I get the information and time to sit down and write. We get anywhere from 15-50 packages a week and it keeps RP quite busy sorting through the packages so we can get the stuff out to the companies as well as keeping track of who is sending us stuff so we know who to write emails to. I mostly write emails back as it takes about 6 weeks for mail to make it back to the states. Some of you I don't have addresses for, so I wanted to take a moment and thank you for everything you provide the Marines and sailors of 1/9. They are never short of toiletries (though not always getting the brands they prefer) or snack food. While we rarely are there when the care package items arrive at the locations, we do know the stuff goes quickly as the large boxes we send (hold about 40-50 large flat rate boxes) are empty by the time we get to the company positions. Please keep the love coming and know that the guys and gals (we have some females attached to us at times) appreciate all you send.

The second thank you is another one to the USO. They do a great job bringing out people to entertain the Marines and sailors. While not every position can benefit from the visits, the fact they are aggressive in getting people out here speaks volumes to their dedication to those deployed out here. This is my fourth deployment (first in a combat zone) and I had not experienced the USO until this one. The first show wasn't really up my alley, but the second trip wasn't even a show. It was John Stewart, David Blaine and Karl Malone showing up to talk with the guys and sign autographs, etc. I was amazed at how attentive each of these individuals were in just sitting down and talking with the guys. Those conversations with people who just two days prior had been in the States made a huge positive impact on the morale of those they met. David Blaine even freaked everyone out with some card tricks and had John Stewart jumping up out of his chair a few times. I am forever grateful for those who support the USO and those celebrities that take of their time to fly out here and just talk with those who are deployed. A special thanks to John Stewart who flew out on a Thursday night/Friday morning, flew back to the States on Sunday and was back at work on Monday. And he gave FOB Geronimo a shout out on the show.

Care Package Request List for July 2011

Sorry it is almost mid-month before getting this out. We were busy sorting the love you have sent us already as well as getting out and about with the Marines and getting the Peachtree Road Race set up, etc. I have updated this based on what the guys are asking for and what we are running low on.

Care Package Needs July 2011

The ones in bold are especially needed right now


Afghan Children: School starts here in September, so we're trying to get the supplies early
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Text Books (English and Math)
Any kind of study aids
Shoes
Socks
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Backpacks
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)

Marines:

Socks (Brown, Green, Black)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Horseshoes
Shampoo
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages

Chapel and Chaplain:

Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors

Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot

If anyone can spare the cost of shipping, the guys are really asking about horseshoes. I don't have that many sets and all they really need are the horseshoes, we have plenty of stakes and other items to create the pits for them to play with.

I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area.

Mail Any packages to:

Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095

Peachtree in Afghanistan

Participants lined up at the start of the race (Photo taken by one of our civilian contractors)

In my short time here with the Marines and Sailors of 1/9 I have been looking for something that would really spark their interest. We planned a Superbowl party this past February with limited attendance, despite offering alcohol (and designated drivers and a duty van). We get little to no interest in other activities we plan to take their minds off the job and give them a bit of a break from the grind of being Marines. Until yesterday. There are about 400 or so Marines, Sailors and civilians on our FOB. We had 100 register to run the Peachtree Road Race yesterday morning. Who would have guessed that the best attended event of the chaplain would be a 6.8 mile (our loop didn’t permit the normal 10k distance) run, at 0530, in the heat of July, in Afghanistan. It amazes me that the guys turned out in such numbers for a race. I was completely surprised. It must have been the idea that for an hour or so they were able to get off the FOB and be in unison with people in Atlanta in running a 10K with 60,000 other people.

The race organizers at the Peachtree are simply amazing. I have run the event in Atlanta four times previously and enjoyed each one of them. I remembered a few years ago that they were honoring those serving overseas by allowing them the opportunity to run the race while deployed. So, in March I started doing some research to see if they still offered that deal to the guys. The website doesn’t advertise the program, so I was worried it was a one time deal at the beginning of our involvement over here. I decided to call the office and see if they still had that program. And boy do they still have the program. They mailed me 150 race numbers specially made for those serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait along with 150 shirts of varying sizes instead of one or two sizes (which the guys really appreciated), and a 14.5 foot banner (now hanging in our MWR tent) which was identical to the start banner with the addition of “Afghanistan Division” in the lower center portion.

All of that came in a few weeks ago and I was sworn to secrecy about the shirts and told we couldn’t post any photos until after the race had begun in Atlanta. This wasn’t hard as very few people have permission to post photos from over here. I started taking names earlier in the week and it was going slow at first and then the momentum built up to the 100 that ran it yesterday. We got placed some water on the course but I didn’t need to as some of the contractors that work in the chow hall took it upon themselves to pass out water to those running. And we had another group out there for the hour or so cheering guys along on the run. Two civilians stayed out on the course taking photos of the guys running. Marines that didn’t run were also poking their heads out of offices and tents talking with the runners and taking photos. One other highlight was that I called into the race start line at 0530 our time which was 2100 Atlanta time and they started the race for us on Peachtree Street. A retired Army officer gave me the countdown and they fired a starting gun and I heard some loud cheering in the background. They took some photos of that start and will email them to us. They also mentioned that CNN was filming the start as well. Everything that the people of the Peachtree did as well as the support from those not running gave this the feel of a major race and for an hour we were running the streets of Atlanta.



What I've Learnned About Freedom in Afghanistan

Tomorrow being the 4th of July, I have done some reflecting on what it means to have freedom and what that really looks like. Living out here has shown me a great deal that I may never be able to fully articulate. One thing that has struck me while out here is the idea of freedom and how we may miss what it really means back home. Out here we are truly seeing it in action. I know that there may not be as much “action” as many had hoped for out here. Personally, I’m just fine with that. I don’t need a Combat Action Ribbon or a Purple Heart to prove this was a worthwhile deployment. I think the mission we have allows us to really see freedom start to take hold in a country that hasn’t known it for a long time. This is something that is hard to communicate to young Marines, but I am trying my best to open their eyes to the importance of looking for places to crack the door on freedom just a bit.

We tend to take our freedoms in America for granted because most of us have spent our entire lives in America and enjoy the freedoms that are guaranteed by the Constitution and defended by people such as the Walking Dead. Sometimes this allows us to overlook what freedom truly looks like. Out here our main job is to provide a bit of breathing room for people to experience freedom for the first time. And we see it in what we would consider simple and ordinary actions. But, those things are huge steps here in Afghanistan.

The individuals who don the uniforms of the Army or Police out here have taken a huge gamble that they and their families will remain safe. People target them specifically to make an example of what happens when you choose freedom over a regime of terror. They have made a choice in their new freedom to extend that freedom to their fellow Afghan citizens. The linguists that allow us to communicate on patrols and in shuras have made similar choices and want to see freedom of choice spread among this country. Some of these linguists may never be able to return home for fear of retribution. The religious leaders of the Afghan military are looking for ways to allow for a freedom of religion, something that the Muslim faith holds in high regard, to take hold in this country after 30 plus years of intolerance. Girls are going to school for the first time in a generation despite the possibility that their school may be destroyed because a minority of people feels they don’t deserve an education.

Most Marines would say this wasn’t their ideal adventure in Afghanistan, the adventure of helping a people discover and cultivate the freedoms we take for granted is an adventure that will provide stories for a lifetime. It will also provide mental images that will never leave them such as the smile on a child’s face going to school, when I saw a young girl clutching her school books and full of excitement coming home from another day at school. Members of the Afghan Army and Police force paying such minute attention to the Marines such as a younger brother does to the older, wiser siblings. As we celebrate July 4th and the courage of our nation’s founding fathers to make a difficult choice and pledge their sacred honor for freedom and liberty, look for the many signs of budding freedom in this country. You might have to look beyond the nightly news as I know that the stories of everyday Afghans gets set aside for the death counts. Help encourage people back home and those you know overseas to make more room for that freedom to grow and change this country into something amazing and unique.

I won’t lie, I had questions about what we are doing over here before we left, and to an extent I still do but on a different level. I want us to do so much more and we can to help a people who want freedom to make choices about them and their families. The people over here aren’t much different from us and have the same hopes and fears for their lives and the lives of those they love. It took time for freedom to take hold in America after the Declaration of Independence. And it took even longer for other countries to recognize the freedom that we offered. It took the US 13 years to draft a form of government that we all agreed on and we have been changing it for the last 235 years. It will take time over here as well. We have to look past our instant gratification culture and understand that something that will last over here will take many more years before there is a stable foundation. But I am convinced that it will be worth it and that the majority of Afghans long for a stable foundation to rebuild their lives and country on after 30+ years of war.

Notes from Afghanistan Part 3

This past week was another busy chapter in our lives out here in Afghanistan. We spent most of the week at one of the remote company positions visiting with the Marines out there. While remote, they have some pretty good amenities and it was nice to spend a long block of time in one place. We then went to a shura (a meeting of local leaders) where they talked about religious tolerance and how to live as a more religiously tolerant country. I didn't have a translator near me, so I didn't understand much but at one point a local mullah (basically a preacher) got up and delivered a fire and brimstone style talk to the shura. I didn't get what he was saying, but that he was fired up and angry about something. You can recognize that style of preaching no matter what culture you are in. Apparently, he was giving a tongue lashing to the need to keep Pakistan out of the business of Afghanistan according to what I was told by those who had a translator nearby.

We then went to the main camp in the area, Camp Dwyer, where I am now for another shura this time between the chaplains in the area and our counterparts in the Afghan National Army. It has been a good time so far, but I am looking forward to when we leave and I get back with my Marines. I'm not a fan of doing things as a chaplain away from them. Though I am not looking forward to the drive back. The roads out here are horrible and it will be a long time before I complain about roads back in the US. The drives out here are mind jarring with no break in the rough terrain.

I am continually struck by the people as we drive around the countryside out here. They are for the most part friendly and want to talk with us and engage with the Marines as they patrol. RP and I got out to a medical outreach in one village this past week and it was nice to talk with the kids and a local doctor and learn about how they do medicine, etc. I think that if more people were to actually see Afghanistan on a day to day basis, we would pump more humanitarian aid into the country and the people back home would have a better understanding of what we are accomplishing out here and why it is important for us to still be in here large numbers. When given the space to live out their lives, Afghans are courageous and will do what it takes to make their country better for them and their families, not much different than the US.

Notes From Afghanistan Part 2

Last week was a busy week for the RP and myself. We held our first service as the Religious Ministry team on Sunday the 5th and haven't really let off the gas since. I did the invocation for the Turnover of Authority ceremony on Tuesday and we immediately went out to visit one of the companies for a few nights. We got back on Thursday and then on Friday headed back out to visit another company coming back in on Saturday night, just in time to get ready for the meetings and services on Sunday. And now we are back out with another company for a few nights. Right now I am doing part of my duty as chaplain and posting photos on Facebook for the families to see their Marines and give them a small glimpse into what is going on out here.

We got our first batch of mail and care packages last Sunday, though I know there are many more still at Camp Dwyer. We are supposed to get another batch on Thursday so that means a bit of work for RP and I to get them all sorted this weekend so we can get the stuff organized and ready to ship out to the companies as soon as we get room on a convoy. And it seems that all we do is ride around on convoys from one place to another. I am keeping track of the number of convoys and am curious to see how many I will end up riding in by the end of our deployment.

Yesterday afternoon I got to see my first ever USO show. Four deployments later I finally get to see one. This is definitely one positive change from being on a submarine for deployments previously. It was a group of three female comedians who flew out to our FOB to do a show and then flew right back out to another location. They were pretty good and it was nice to have a bit of a live comedy routine to liven up the day.

Care Package Requests for June 2011

I now have a better idea of what we have from the previous unit and what we need for not only the Marines but also for the Afghan people we are here to serve. Any of the regular readers who want to drop some stuff in the mail or pass this list and address along would be greatly appreciated.

Care Package Needs June 2011

The ones in bold are especially needed right now


Afghan Children: School starts here in September, so we're trying to get the supplies early
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Text Books (English and Math)
Any kind of study aids
Shoes
Socks
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Backpacks
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)

Marines:

Socks (Brown, Green, Black)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Shampoo
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages

Chapel and Chaplain:

Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors

Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot

I thank you ahead of time for anything you send.

Mail Any packages to:

Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095

If someone wants to send something bigger (like a small fridge :))contact me at bubbleheadchaps@gmail.com and I’ll give you a list of things that would make help my ministry in a big way.

Notes from Afghanistan

We are safely in our new home for the next seven months. We got here a few weeks ago and are in the final stages of taking over from another unit that has started their journey home. They did some great things out here making this place better for the locals and we are looking to make it that much safer before we finally leave.

Based on my first impressions of the place, I wasn't too sure there was anything but open space and dirt (what they affectionately call moon dust out here because it is like baby powder). However, I got to get out with a convoy the other day and was surprised at how green this place can get near the major river that runs through our area. It was also nice to get near the district center and see what the hub of activity looks like in Afghanistan. One good thing about my job is I get to travel around frequently to see my Marines. This also allows me to see the area and meet some of the locals, both of which I am looking forward to doing.

My RP and I have assumed the duties of ministry in this area so tomorrow is the first day of preaching on the FOB and we are getting settled in. We are also expecting mail tomorrow and with that the first batch of care packages specifically for 1/9. We have been sorting the ones from the previous unit this last week and getting those out to the companies to make room for all the love people are sending specifically to 1/9. The next post after this one will be an updated request list. The American people are extremely generous to those deployed out here and we are very appreciative, even if most of the service members fail to tell people that back home. The care package items are quite the draw that gets people to stop by the chapel and we have plenty to give them thanks to all of you who send stuff our way.

It looks like there will be few if any photos to post on the blog over the next few months. The computer rules around here are pretty strict due to recent security leaks, etc. I am still trying to find a way to get them posted here and will do so as soon as I can figure a reliable method that stays within the rules.

Greetings From Afghanistan

We arrived at Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan yesterday morning at about 9am. From there it was getting settled in and walking around getting a feel for the layout of this base. It is pretty impressive here as it is the larger base that we will report to and such. We are only here for a few days before we head out to our area of operations. We are scheduled for a good deal of training over the next few days to orient ourselves with the area, culture, specific procedures, etc. I am ready to get to our final destination, but it is nice to have a decent place in the rear to come back to. There are about 5 dining halls, an MWR tent from which I am typing this right now, a gym, a PX, laundry facilities, etc. I think I have to come back up here around once a month, so it will be a nice break. I know that my RP will like the break as well.

The only thing I really know about this place is that there is a lot of open desert around here and it is hot. I think it was 110 yesterday. Not all that bad, but the fact that at 6am we were in rain and 50 degree weather made the shock of that temperature that much worse. I hope to get some kind of decent internet access where we are going so that I can continue to update what it is like out here.

Today I will do some more walking around finding the chaplains and see what the worship schedule is like for tomorrow and the other days we are here as well as if I need to preach tomorrow. Plus, I might get an idea as to when I am heading out of here. I think it all depends on when the chaplain I am relieving is heading this way as there is a issue of rack (sleeping) space out there.

On Our Way to Afghanistan

We arrived this morning in Manas, Kyrgyzstan which is a short stop on our way towards our final destination in Afghanistan. It is run by the Air Force, so we are living in relative luxury right now. The small chow hall had more than I had even thought possible while deployed and even the sleeping quarters are pretty plush. We get mattresses. Much better than what we had out in Twentynine Palms just last month. I have no idea how long we will stay here waiting for our next flight, but it is nice to actually get a bit of rest after the fight here. It was about 15 hours in the air with a two hour layover in Germany to refuel the plane and change the flight crew. The base here has plenty of things to do, but I sense it will get old fairly rapidly. We are ready to get to our final destination and do what we are trained for.

I have heard that we have already had care packages sent our way and now we get to see who can make it to our area first, the postal service or Transportation command and the Marines. Because we don't really know our schedule and when we are flying out, my money is on the USPS.