What I Won't Miss About Afghanistan

So as I can now do some reflection on the last 7 months, I can say there are definitely things I won't miss about being in Afghanistan (in no particular order):

1) Gravel: The military puts this on almost every square inch of our positions and it makes walking difficult. I am so glad to walk on solid ground that doesn't move with each step I make. I never realized how much I appreciated walking on grass or concrete. This also makes running difficult and I had to reduce the frequency of my running outside due to the gravel and how it was tearing up my feet. It felt so good to run on the road the other day.

2) Military Plane Travel: It just sucks. Waiting at least 6 hours in a terminal for a crowded flight either on a C-17 or a run down charter plane. The wait is painful and for my flights in and out of the US on old charter planes where we had less room than a commercial airline made the wait even more depressing. Some guys get to fly back on commercial name brand carriers, but I didn't have that luxury this time. I think it will be a long time before I complain about commercial air travel as I now know just how bad a flight can get.

3) Dust: Not sand but dust as fine as baby powder. It is called "moon dust" by the military because of its consistency. A slight wind and it gets everywhere and then all travel shuts down. You just can't get and stay clean out there. I have a new idea of what dirty really is and missing a shower for a while doesn't bother me anymore.

4) The Military Industrial Complex: While I didn't reside on one of the large bases, it was completely disgusting to see what all our tax money pays for in country. Millions upon millions of dollars for gravel that isn't really necessary. Coffee shops at the large bases. In a combat zone. Thousands of civilians from odd countries to maintain all the larger positions and do things such as cleaning that the Marines and sailors can do on their own just like at the smaller positions. Chow halls that aren't necessary. We blow so much money on things that aren't necessary in combat. In a recession this is just unacceptable, especially when we could use that money for projects in the country. It takes so much pain and frustration to approve a road project, unless you want to pave some road at a large base. And I never went to the really large places such as Bagram, Leatherneck or Kabul. I can't imagine how my head would have spun there.

Just a few things I won't miss about Afghanistan. I'll post on what I miss and I guess that list might be a bit larger as it was a great experience overall.

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.

A First Visit With the Press

So, it was a busy week besides the whole Thanksgiving thing. For those that don't have access to my Facebook page, I got interviewed by a USMC Public Affairs Officer a few weeks ago and that video made it onto Armed Forces Network, Youtube, etc. And last Monday night I had an interview with the hometown paper of my parents. I'll include all the links in this post.

This first one is the initial raw video:


The next is the final product:


That led to this interview in the paper:
http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/16540107/article-Thanksgiving-in-Afghanistan-?instance=main_article

So, for those of you who have seen or read the above, I apologize but this is the first time I've been interviewed like this and am taking full advantage of showing off.

And for all the 1/9 families, the guys are really starting to get excited about coming home in the near future. They spend more time smiling than not right now as their excitement and happiness are rising exponentially.

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.

Continuing to Help Afghanistan

I know many of you who occasionally stop by here to read have also been sending care packages to the guys of 1/9 or school supplies out for the Afghan children. And the response has been nothing short of amazing. As we approach our mail cutoff date on Tuesday (01 November), I ask that you consider continuing to send out school supplies. Just to a different address.

Out here in Afghanistan, the Marines have sent out small teams of females to base out of selected positions and go on patrols with the infantry Marines. These groups of women are called Female Engagement Teams or FET for short. We have two of these teams in our expansive area and there are many more throughout the larger area in which we work. These women have a natural ability for women and children to come up and talk with them. Women won't talk with the male Marines and the kids just naturally gravitate to the female Marines. One thing that allows is for them to carry school supplies and small stuffed animals with them on patrol and pass them out. We have given some supplies to the FET when we travel to help them in their mission.

The platoon commander for all of the larger area in which we work, contacted me the other day and asked if I could arrange for some school supplies, stuffed animals, etc to be sent to her as we are heading out soon. This is a great way to continue to help the Afghans as 1/9 begins to head back to the States and it will help the Marines that come after us and those with whom we have worked beside the last few months.

If you have any desire to continue to help the FET do their work, please send out some school supplies to the address below. I would ask that you only send pencils, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, rulers, notebooks, notebook paper, flash cards, coloring books, small stuffed animals, toys, etc. Please DO NOT send things such as markers, mechanical pencils, pens, glue sticks or bottles of glue. Those things have a chance of being turned into something harmful to the Marines out here. If you send something to Lt Hammond, include an email address or some way for her to contact you and she should be able to let you know what she is in more need of after sending a first package.

1st Lt Hammond
RCT-5 HQ Co, S-3 FET
Unit 40305
FPO AP 96427-0305

These women do great work out here and really help out the infantry Marines and it would be wonderful for all of you who have sent these supplies to 1/9 to continue to support another worthy group of Marines in the work they do.

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.

Care Package Requests for August

Sorry it is almost mid-month again before getting this out. We were busy getting out and about with the Marines, which I love doing as it gets me off the FOB. 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
Shoes, Sandals, etc
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Clothing (Winter type to hand out after Ramadan)

Marines:

Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Horseshoes
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
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

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.

Notes From Afghanistan Part 4

I don't realize just how busy my life is out here until I see how infrequently I am posting and updating people back home. I rarely get a block of time to sit at the computer and compose some thoughts and when I do get a good chunk of time I am usually on Facebook for the sole purpose of posting photos for the families of my Marines and sailors. And on the slow connections we have out here it takes about an hour for every 10-15 photos.

So, it seems I haven't posted in over a month about what is going on out here and the last time I posted while I was at Camp Dwyer for a conference. And as it would happen I am posting again not from Camp Dwyer, but back at Geronimo after the most recent conference I attended. It has been quite a busy month, especially seeing how we have had two other chaplains come out for a visit, one to check in on me and see how I am doing and the other was the Catholic priest to come out and provide mass for the Catholics in the battalion. He did a great job and I received nothing but positive feedback from the guys that attended his services. The priest held 5 services in one day amidst traveling all around the area to visit every company position so all would have a chance to take in a service if possible. It was during that trip, because I was focused on making sure a fellow chaplain could visit all my guys, that I realized just how much chaplains accomplish each day. Plus, I am looking at my calendar for this month and am amazed at the lack of white space due to the travel schedule for myself and the RP.

We finally got out to Alpha Company, who are working for another battalion, and spent a few days there to visit and check in on the guys. Hopefully the schedule allows for that to become a routine monthly occurrence. They, like all the other guys, are doing well and are doing good things in their area though they may not fully appreciate the good they accomplish each day. The companies around here also continue to impress and the other chaplains who visit remark on their spirits and their professionalism.

Part of my job lately has been to provide Ramadan awareness training for all the Marines and sailors, especially as I travel anyways it made sense for me to give that training. I am looking forward to seeing how the Afghans observe the upcoming holy month and am confident that I will learn a great deal about their culture from watching them observe Ramadan. I have already learned a great deal through providing the training and talking with Muslims about the holiday and what all that entails and how it affects them each year. It has been eye opening living so immersed in another culture, it makes me think that I am on less of a deployment and more of a long-term full immersion mission trip. Especially as my eyes have become wide open to the humanitarian need out here.

One thought before I go: I am amazed and humbled by the generosity of the American public. We are constantly receiving care packages in the mail. The last two mail drops have included about 45 packages each time for the general use of the battalion. I am doing all I can to get them out to the companies as soon as we can find space on the convoys because I will run out of room if we don't. For those who have sent stuff, thank you so much as what you send gets to us right as we need those items and it keeps the supply fresh and flowing out to the men.

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.

Care Package Needs May 2011

So the time is drawing near that we will be heading out to Afghanistan. One thing I am using this space for is to relay care package needs from both the 1/9 Marines and the Afghan children that life in our area of operations to those out there who may be interested in sending some stuff our way while we are living in the desert. I have been told it will take about 3-6 weeks for things to get out to us so I wanted to start this list as soon as the mail address went active. Anything sent without a specific purpose will be distributed evenly among the companies and my RP and I will deliver the items as we get around the battle space visiting the Marines and Sailors. If you want the items to go to a specific person or group of people, please drop a note in the box indicating that. Also, if you know of any school teachers that want to send notes please do that as well. I intend to decorate our chapel with letters and cards from the kids.

Care Package Needs May 2011

Afghan Children:

Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc

Crayons

Colored Pencils

Pencils

Pens

Notebooks and Paper

Backpacks

Soccer Balls (Deflated)

Kick balls (Deflated)

Marines:

Socks (Brown, Green, Black)

Foot Powder

Razors

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)

Bulk Drink Mix

Baby Wipes

Gum

Chex Mix, Trail Mix

Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Chapstick
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 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.

Way to Go USO

So this isn't an update on anything in the last few days but a huge thank you to the men and women volunteers at the USO at John Wayne International Airport in Ontario, CA. They have done some amazing work the last few days. It started on Thursday night when we arrived at 11pm after a 2.5 hour bus ride from Twentynine Palms after EMV. I happened to be on the first bus at the front and was the first one inside the USO on Thursday night, the first of about 650+ Marines and sailors they would host that night alone, not counting the next two nights with the rest of 1/9 and all of 3/6 getting home.

When we got there, they had cold soft drinks in every part of the USO for us to have along some great snacks. Additionally, they had someone on the grill non stop cooking hot dogs for anyone who wanted them. I have been in a few USO locations and this by far was the largest I have ever seen. It looks like they took over an entire terminal that isn't used anymore and just spread all kinds of love and kindness to our servicemembers. The volunteers took time to talk with each person as they walked in the door and were extremely patient dealing with so many Marines cramped in a space designed for about 150 or so. They were there in shifts all through the night and it was amazing to see that kind of dedication to take care of some hungry and exhausted Marines.

I talked with many of the volunteers (the two Navy vets were glad to talk with a non-Marine for a few minutes). One lady had never seen a chaplain come through and had all kinds of questions and enjoyed talking with me about what I did each day. I am so grateful there are dedicated people that will come in and meet servicemembers regardless of the hour they come through.

Thank you and continued blessings to the USO on their ministry to those they serve.

Notes from California-EMV Part 4

This is the last post from California as I am hopping onto a bus in a few hours to make it to the airport and wait 6 hours for our 0500 flight back home. I have really enjoyed my time out here with my Marines and have learned quite a bit more about the USMC and what to expect in Afghanistan. The desert environment has been quite the challenge on me and my equipment and I learned tricks to overcome that. One thing I would improve is to have some dedicated training/mentoring for the Religious Ministry Teams (Chaplain and RP) that come out here for a month. It is a mentality of go figure out how to operate under a schedule and training environment that is nothing like deployment. So, RP and I had to figure out ways to make the training effective for us.

We did five foot patrols with the guys in a mock town in two days this week to get our teamwork and communication down. We have some more work to do, but there has been a good start and we can build on that next week and during our in country training period.

I got to participate in a few key leader engagements with Afghan role players. I was just there to engage with their religious leader if needed. It was great to learn the culture in an intense setting and to eat Afghan food. I did get to say a prayer at one of the meetings. It was odd saying a prayer as a Christian in a room of Muslims. I gather I did a good job as it was well received and I heard a comment of how our prayers are very similar. 

Easter was great, despite preaching in 30+ mph winds. 80 people showed up across all three services throughout the afternoon. We couldn't do a sunrise service due to the training schedule, but I was pleased with the turnout. We'll see how many show up once we get into country. I am predicting a pretty good turnout, but that depends on how things are going.

It was a good experience for RP and I to bond and get a good feel for how we work together and what the stressors are for each of us. We also learned what happens to each of us as we get tired and exhausted. I am really looking forward to heading out in a few weeks and ministering where there is a distinct and great need.

Easter Sermon from EMV

I know this is posting things a bit early, but I am not sure I will have time to post this tomorrow due to the crazy schedule and lack of computer access after I finish preaching the three services to all the positions of the companies in the field. While in the field I don't typically use a manuscript instead just relying on notes. But as this is my first major Christian holiday in the field I wanted to post the full text, well minus any ad libbing I do tomorrow, to test out something I want to do in country. I want to post sermon notes and texts so my lay leaders can use them as discussions so when I visit the Marines they are connected with any kind of series or recurring themes while I have been unable to visit. Plus, it gives a small window into how I reach my Marines. Unfortunately, you won't be there with them at the Forward Operating Bases in the desert and haven't been with them the last month, but I hope you get a feel for what they are going through and what they need as I have discerned.

Easter 2011

Psalm 113:1-2, 14-24 (Opening Prayer)

Colossians 3:1-4

Matthew 28:1-10

“Who Jesus Is”

24 April 2011 Field Services

Have you ever experienced a moment that you will never forget. One that is etched in your mind for all eternity. 9/11, for us old folks, the Challenger explosion, your first kiss, when you proposed, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one. This is one of those moments for the two women named Mary in the text. Normally, those moments have significance to just us, but this moment changed history and affected everyone for the last two thousand years.
I have been trying to picture this whole scene at the tomb in my mind the last week. Let’s all put ourselves in the women’s shoes here. What would this whole thing look like?
A man we trusted and followed despite ridicule and banishment from our religion that defined our lives was brutally executed this past Friday. He didn’t go quickly either. He hung there dying for hours undergoing torture at the hands of people who couldn’t care who he was or what he meant to us let alone the world. All his other close friends essentially abandoned the last three years of following him and went back to their old jobs and lives the next day. Who can really blame them though? They needed to live and this Jesus guy wasn’t really who he said he was right? He promised to save Israel and had open arms for everyone. He did heal people, but so did other. So maybe he was just a fad like all the others.
If I’m honest with myself, I’d probably do the same thing. I put most of my chips betting on Jesus, but hold some back in case I’m wrong. The disciples did the same thing, it seems like human nature. But, these women don’t run away from Jesus, they are slower to go back to their old lives. Despite their world crashing down on them and essentially losing everything in his death, they go to the tomb after the Sabbath. They are following their customs when things get back to normal in Israel and want to anoint the body and help keep the stench down. They want Jesus to have respect and dignity in death, even if he did let them down.

When they get there though, the world changes again in a dramatic manner. According to Matthew, the earth shook, the stone rolled away and an angel was sitting on the stone. Imagine that scene for a second. You are grieving the loss of a dear friend and then bam, an angel is sitting on the stone at an open tomb that was sealed last time you looked a second ago. I’d run far and fast. The women pause and the angel says, “Do not be afraid.” Yeah, right! That would make me want to run even more. The angel says that the one we are looking for isn’t here, he is risen. Every scary legend I learned about graveyards is coming true before my eyes. These women know about Lazarus and how he walked out of a tomb, so this scene isn’t exactly new to them, but no one was there to raise Jesus. Did he do this himself? Before they can ask a question, the angel say to go and tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. They leave still afraid but are doing what the angel instructed.

On the way there, they see Jesus who greets them saying, “Hi!” like nothing has happened. Don’t be afraid and tell those scared men to meet me in Galilee. It seems like Jesus expected this and it isn’t all that amazing that he is talking to people a few days after his death. But, Jesus is not exactly like us. He looks like us, talks like us, walks like us, feels like us, but there is something distinctly different and this event has brought that into clear focus. And he needs people to tell the world who he is and what he is here for.

We misunderstand him all the time. We tend to lose focus on what Jesus came for and why he went through all he went through the last week of his life. On Sunday, he entered Jerusalem as a hero and then went and turned over tables at the temple. Monday he curses a tree as an object lesson and tells some parables about what is going to happen. Tuesday he seals his fate with the religious leaders. Wednesday his arrest is arranged. Thursday he has his last meal and is betrayed during his prayer with God. Friday he is beaten and executed after a trumped up trial in a kangaroo court. But, despite all this he came back. For us, each and every one of us here today. For this world so broken that creation moans for renewal. That is the gospel. That is the grace of Christ. That made everything he taught took a different meaning. Everything he said has eternal consequences and shapes how we live out our calling to bless to world.

In the passage from Colossians, Paul says we must seek things of Christ because he is part of us and we part of him. Christ has participated in everything we undergo in life and rose above it all. So doing the things of Christ are what brings his glory here on earth. So what exactly are the things we, those of us called Christians who proclaim the glory of the day we remember today, are called to do?

We have to go back to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to see what today means. Jesus laid out the kingdom and what he was here for in the Sermon on the Mount. It also defined who Jesus is. The sermons in Lent have revolved around “Who is Jesus?” Today the answer is proven. We heard it from Jesus’ mouth earlier in Matthew so lets look again at how wide, wonderful and glorious this kingdom is.

It is humble, full of broken people doing what they can to help others as much or more than they help themselves. It is people who are looking to make peace with the world and others. People who care for creation as gardeners and not just consumers. People who love even their enemies as much as friends. People just like us who know they need Jesus to live into that kingdom. It is inclusive and waiting for anyone to come into the kingdom at any time.

The kingdom is Christ’s death, our sins, forgiveness, thankfulness, community, hospitality, inspiration, equality and our calling to be a blessing to the world. The kingdom is here for those of us who are broken and know the world is broken and know that is not what the world should be.

This kingdom turns our culture and what we value on its head. It doesn’t matter why you are here today, this kingdom is for you. You may only worship today and Christmas, you may only come when you need strength, you may come every Sunday because it is the only way you make it through the week. Jesus is alive and on the move for you.

This kingdom is for losers like me, where the least of these become the greatest in the kingdom and are the focus of Jesus’ ministry and who we losers are called to minister to as well. And what is amazing is that the king of this heavenly kingdom loves losers like me so much that he defeated death for me.

And this king is more than just someone who died to save us. I have to admit that sometimes I cannot adequately put into words who Jesus is and what it means to have him as my king. Those raised in an African-American faith can articulate that better than I ever will so I will take excerpts from a description of King Jesus by the Rev S.M. Lockridge from 35 years ago that is still powerful and relevant on a day like today.

"My King is: The king of the Jews-that’s a racial king. The King of Israel-that’s a national king; the King of glory; the king of kings and the Lord of Lords.

My king is a sovereign king. No means of measure can define his limitless love! No barrier can hinder him from pouring out his blessing!

He’s enduringly strong! He’s entirely sincere! He’s imperially powerful! He’s impartially merciful! He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world!

He’s God’s son! The sinner’s savior! The centerpiece of civilization! He stands in the solitude of Himself! He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology!

He sympathizes and saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate.

I wish I could describe him for you, but he’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible! He’s irresistible!

You can’t get him out of your mind or off your hands! You can’t outlive him and you can’t live without him! The Pharisees couldn’t stand him, but they found out they couldn’t stop him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in him. Death couldn’t handle him and the tomb couldn’t hold him.

That’s my King, that’s my king, that my king and he’s the kingdom and the power and the glory Forever. AMEN!"

Notes from California-EMV Part 3

It has been a good two weeks out here. The battalion seems to be performing well. I'm not a ground combat tactician so I'm basing that on what I am hearing, etc. The Marines are in good spirits and are eager to get this last week done and get back to NC. I can say I am there with them.

I have had a good time out there watching artillery do their job in the combined arms portion of this long training. It is weird being out in the field with weapons flying overhead. You definitely hear them coming before you see them land about a mile away. My RP and I have yet to spend more than two nights in any one location. We are getting tired by all the traveling, but it is rewarding and I am there to serve my Marines so that is what we get to do. We did get the last two nights back at Camp Wilson for some rest and refit. We are heading back out in two hours for the last event here that will last until Thursday and then on Friday we are off to the airport for the flight back to NC.

I would have some great photos from the last week or so, but the cell phone literally cooked in the heat and isn't working at all. And my camera didn't make it past the first week.

Next up is getting ready for the Easter preaching extravaganza tomorrow as I plan to do 4 services so I can be at every company position for Easter. That is why the rest over the last few days has been well timed. Last week I got to do something pretty special and participated in a Passover Seder out in the field. I had to order the meals for everyone three months ago due to the special order nature of the event, but it was great to participate in such a setting for a special meal. I even got a thank you email from one of the moms for making sure to think about the Jewish Marines out here. That was one of the emails that makes the job worthwhile.

Notes from California-EMV Part 2

So I just got back to the main base out here, Camp Wilson, sort of unexpectedly due to some training I have to give to all the companies before we leave here and two of them are back here for the next two days so I get to give them the training tomorrow. It will be nice to get a shower and do some laundry. The soda I just finished was amazing after not having anything cold to drink for the last two weeks. What a great time out in the field though. I was able to get out with each of the companies for a few nights over that time and held some field services with good attendance numbers of about 10% of the companies. I also got to get out and walk alongside the Marines as they performed on some live fire ranges, one of which I have heard them talk about since the day I arrived 6 months ago. Range 400 out here is a sort of coming of age type experience for the infantry types and I must say it was quite impressive. I walked along with the Battalion Commander who provided some great insight into what I was seeing. There were times where machine guns were firing overhead and I was 100 yds from explosions of all kinds. Pretty surreal to say the least.

We have endured all kinds of weather out here in the desert. From 100 degree days to 30 degree nights to even some rain and 50 mph winds. It is truly looking like a great place to get that final training in before we head out and deploy. I'll leave now so I can go and finish some other work, relax and get some sleep before getting up late tomorrow (6 am instead of 4am like the past few days.)

Notes from California-EMV Part 1

So I am now out at Twentynine Palms, CA for Enhanced Mojave Viper training, our last hurdle before deployment. We have been at the main training camp called Camp Wilson all week and will push out to the remote training areas today. It has been an interesting week out here. It all started with a charter flight from Cherry Point on Sunday afternoon/evening to Ontario, CA. We had to arrive on base 10 hours before the flight to draw weapons and pack up, etc. We loaded the buses and headed down the road to Cherry Point and the bus I was on got lost twice on the way there. Not to worry because we were at the terminal for hours before the flight left. For military flights they weigh you in before you get on which was a new experience for me. The flight left about 90 minutes late for various reasons so we didn't land until about 11pm California time, got on buses for another two hours and finally had our gear here in the desert at about 4am. Back up at 8am for the normal day to begin.

Most of the week was training for the Marines so RP and I got some good PT in and basically worked out of the chapel on Camp Wilson. Many classes and meetings throughout the week. I also got the honor of getting my smallpox vaccine on Wednesday. Man it is itching right now. The other infantry battalion chaplain and I got to do some visioning of our plans for deployment as he will be in an area close to ours on deployment and it was nice to have deep theological discussions like in seminary again. We are both from different backgrounds and had some great discussions on a wide range of topics and how we do worship, etc. One of my Chaplain School classmates is stationed out here and he stopped by for a few hours on Thursday to catch up and offer some tips on deployment, etc. All in all a good and productive week with some good counseling and lay leader training as well.

We held a Bible study on Wednesday night and had a movie night on Thursday for anyone interested. Not much turnout, but the guys have typically been exhausted each night after training. Other than yesterday the temperatures have been quite comfortable and makes me glad we are here training because it is dry and there is usually a breeze to cool you off. I'll get one final run in and hopefully have time for a shower before we push out for 4 weeks. I have decided that if I were to deploy to a place like this, I'd probably go crazy. I'm too much of a personality that needs to get out and do stuff to be stuck at an established base with restaurants and such for a long period of time. This week has been long enough and I am ready to get out there with the Marines and get this show on the road.

Hopefully I'll be able to get some updates as we are out there training. If not, I'll provide the select few of you who read this an update when I get back to this bastion of civilization in a few weeks.

Week In Review (21 March- 27 March)

This week was interesting to say the least. Pretty steady business as we get ready for a long training out at Twentynine Palms, CA. This is the last hurdle before deployment. I showed up Monday morning thinking we were flying out on Wednesday, but that got moved to tomorrow which actually worked out best for me because I had a ton to get done around the house. I felt like I was in meetings for most of the week. The first one started at 7am each morning and I usually wouldn't get a breath until around lunch. Had a few more guys stopping by thinking about getting married before deployment, but not as much as a few weeks ago when it was pretty much all I did that week.

The weekly visit to the brig was interesting because as soon as I sat down to wait for the first Marine I came to see, they called away a fire drill. So twenty minutes later I finally got back in to see my guys. None of them will be there when we get back, so I hope that that was my last visit for a while provided no one else does something to get put in there.

We got issued a bunch more gear for deployment but aren't allowed enough bags to carry it all to CA, so I just picked what looked most needed and will pack the rest when we deploy. I can't believe how much gear we are required to take with us everywhere we go. Supposedly, the people in charge of our embarkation are pretty picky about how much gear we take and such so that has been fun playing within the rules to pack all this stuff. Hopefully, I've gotten everything within the limits.

The Passover Seder meals also arrived this week. Of course they would arrive after we had shipped everything to CA on trucks so it has taken some favors to get the 8 meals loaded on the plane. I'm really looking forward to leading the Seder in a few weeks, though some of the food items aren't looking too appetizing, especially as they are MRE type foods.

It has become quite apparent that deployment is right around the corner. I am finally in contact with the chaplain for the battalion we are relieving and getting as good a lay of the land as possible and beginning the turnover process. I am sure we are both excited but for opposite reasons.

The weather was nice and I got to run along the river after work a couple of times this week. I will miss this time of year where the weather is pleasant, though a bit schizophrenic. Hopefully it's not too hot in CA during the day and we can get some workouts in during any free time that may arise. I am trying to get some approval from the network people for access to the blog while on USMC computers so that I can post updates from the field, especially care package needs once we are deployed.

Week In Review (07 March--20 March)

OK, it's actually two weeks, but I was visiting my family last weekend and didn't really feel like posting then. Plus, March Madness has started and I was more focused on that in my free time than writing stuff for a blog not many people read. It has been easy to find time tonight with one of the games being a huge blowout (I didn't think VCU would win the first game much less have Purdue down by 20).

The last two weeks have been absolutely crazy. Our deployment schedule has been accelerated so we are leaving for Afghanistan earlier than expected. And we still have to plan for and head out to California for some training later this week. Needless to say I feel like I'm back on a submarine again with the hours I am pulling right now. 11 hour days are short ones and are much appreciated. At least I don't have to stand duty every third night and get the weekends off for the most part.

We got back from Virginia late afternoon on the 6th and I had to be back in to work on the 7th at the regular time because of a training on the repeal of DADT. That took all afternoon and pretty much frustrated me the whole time. You would think chaplains would be more of the attitude that it didn't really matter who came into their office and would care for them equally, but I guess there are some with serious issues surrounding the repeal. That afternoon the CO gave me a heads up that we might be leaving early when I talked to him about going to a future presbytery meeting in Los Angeles and he said not to buy tickets just yet. Apparently the junior Marines were a step ahead of the CO as the next day I had 7 people come in for pre-marital counseling (every Marine is supposed to see me before they get married as part of our marriage check in sheet). I have been averaging 6 per MONTH. I think I am now up to 12 this month already. I also had to prep an Ash Wednesday service, but with the craziness and freaking out about the deployment date, no one showed up. I have to say, I think it was a good service planned, but oh well such is the life of an infantry chaplain. We did get Thurs and Friday off because it was planned that way for a while, so I headed home on Friday to visit the parents and friends.

And when I got back to work on Monday it was just as crazy every day. I have been on CACO watch again until tomorrow, and the whole turnover on Monday was pretty bizarre, but I'll save that one for later. I confirmed with the people at the Peachtree Road Race that we are going to run a satellite version of the race in Afghanistan on the 4th of July and am looking forward to coordinating that. RP got everything lined up for United Through Reading while on deployment so the Marines and sailors can read books to their kids via DVD each night. I also got the Easter liturgy printed out so it could go in the stuff that needed to get sent to California this week.

Tuesday was Operational Stress Control and Response (OSCAR) training for about 125 members of the battalion, including me and the RP. It was a good training and should help us help the Marines better during the deployment. I also got some recreational equipment (kickball, wiffleball, etc) ordered for the battalion for deployment. I am taking the approach of getting them some childhood games to play while on deployment to break the routine as I know they will bring electronic means of recreation on their own.

Wednesday was pre-deployment brief day. I had to attend both because I spoke at both and also was required to attend the brief for the single personnel. We also had our readiness inspection that occurs before we are allowed to head out for deployment. The RP and I passed with only one deficiency and we knew about that one and it was self-reported. No big deal and it won't keep us from heading out. We also got the two mount out boxes with all we need for worship, our office supplies, candy to give out, devotionals, bibles, rosaries, etc packed and ready to go.

Thursday was a meeting with some other chaplains in the morning, it took about two hours, as none of us had really scheduled anything as our RP's were all taking advancement exams so the schedules were wide open and we took the time for fellowship and venting to each other, good self care was had by all. RP and I also got out and visited all the remote battalion shops for the week in the afternoon and got the offices cleaned up and ready for us to go away for a month.

Friday was Jane Wayne day when the families get to come in and go on a range and shoot and get to play on the obstacle course. We all get together for lunch and get to meet some of the families as well. We had some good hot dogs for lunch. We had to load our stuff onto the container that is taking them to California tomorrow morning. I also got the newsletter article done and submitted. I also got the Power of Attorney for my mom done in the morning as part of the deployment preps. And got the semi-annual report to my endorser completed and off before we went to California so I don't have to worry about the report while in the field.

Busy two weeks and this one looks to be just as busy.

Enough Already

I usually don't delve into theological debates here as the main focus is to try and provide a glimpse into the everyday life of a Navy chaplain. Those stories alone, many of which can't be told due to confidentiality, could take up many hours relating on a blog. However, this whole Rob Bell/Universalism/Is Hell Real debate is getting old, especially now that the collateral damage is hitting close to home.

For those that don't regularly follow theological debates that rage on the Internet all around you, I'll provide a bit of background. Rob Bell has written a book titled Love Wins that delves into the topic of hell. I haven't personally read the book yet and hadn't really intended to until it came out in paperback. But, picked up a copy today using a gift card so I wouldn't feel too bad about paying for a hard cover book (I stopped buying hard cover new releases while in seminary to cut back costs while I didn't have a steady job). Even before the book hit the shelves this past week people were blowing up the Internet with reviews of the book they hadn't yet read calling him a heretic and all kinds of other nice names we save for the people who rankle our theological leanings. Those who saw him as a spokesman for their theological positions disowned him, etc. Granted, I haven't yet read the book and even once I do I won't bother to post a review, as most people probably could care less what I think of the book.

What bothers me is the reaction. I hadn't really paid much attention to the lead up as I was out in the field serving my Marines and had more important things to worry about. And frankly, you could probably say I still have more pressing problems: an accelerated predeployment schedule, leaving for deployment training this week, getting Easter services prepped before we leave, working out the rough memorial service outline for deployment, counseling Marines until well after dark each day, cleaning the house and car, etc. However, a friend of mine got caught up in this whole hysteria and has paid a pretty steep price. He was a student pastor at a church in NC while attending seminary at Duke. He is in his last semester and was on track to get interviewed for provisional ordination in the Methodist church this month. Sometime during the lead up to the book's release, he wrote a piece for Emergent Village about what he lost and gained when he lost hell. His view of hell and mine are not the same, but that doesn't matter.

After he wrote that piece, he was released from his position as a student pastor. This isn't something that is done by the congregation alone. It takes the work of a senior clergy member, one who is supposed to mentor student pastors as well as provide assignments. I don't doubt that other factors came into play (my friend acknowledges as much). He was going to get a new congregation in less than three months anyways and will graduate from seminary in two months. I am a firm believer in firing pastors when they violate the trust and confidence we place in them as leaders, much the same as why military members suffer dearly when they break the rules. Maybe, it is the wide theological range of beliefs found in my own denomination that makes this so confusing to me. It does make me glad that my denomination allows some wiggle room in our "orthodoxy" to allow theological discussion and growth on a variety of issues. Where was the grace in this process? What about some serious discussions about beliefs before summarily dismissing someone who was leaving anyways? What lesson does that teach the congregation if their beliefs aren't "orthodox?" Now you have a congregation, and apparently a denomination that is afraid to discuss theological issues. I for one am crying out loud, enough already.