From Iraq: A (Sometimes) Weekly Update from Bishop +Geoff
(Bishop +Geoff currently is an Army Chaplain Assistant assigned to the 133rd Chaplain Detachment, 316th ESC and assigned to the 4th Infantry Division, Baghdad, Iraq.)
May 26, 2008 - Memorial Day at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, USA
Just a quick note today. I woke remembering my buddy SGT Mike Kelly who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 8, 2005 along with an acquaintance and fellow soldier during my last tour, SSG Keith "Matt" Maupin. SSG Maupin's remains were recovered this past April in Iraq approximately 4 years after he was listed as MIA when his convoy was attacked in Iraq. May they both rest in peace and may peace be with their families.
My train up for deployment continues and goes well. I am now qualified as a Combat Life Saver and can give IVs and more comples first aid to soldiers and others who need it. I hope I don't have to use this new skill too often.
I have to say that I am feeling good, way better than a few months ago, and I am looking forward to this tour of duty with the possibility of extending for another tour or two to finish out my career. Ideally, I would like one more tour in Iraq after this and then finish up in Afghanistan, Lord willing.
That's it for now. God bless.
+Geoff
June 14, 2008 - Just Before Father's Day
Well its just before Father's Day and all is quiet during one of my last days here in Mississippi. A week ago, I was able to enjoy a few days of leave exploring the Hattiesburg, MS area as well as Biloxi and Gulf Port, MS. I was awed, but not in a good way, when I saw for myself the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left behind in Gulfport and Biloxi. Yes, a lot of clean up has been done but to view the streets devoid of any homes was just shocking. It appears that rebuilding in the area is very slow mostly because the insurance companies took a big hit and really don't want to risk another Katrina-like episode.
On a happier note, I was able to attend church services at a local Episcopal Church in Hattiesburg just down the road (other side of the highway really) from Southern Miss University. The celebration of the Lord's Supper and the whole service was wonderful and the folks there made me feel like one of the "family" which is a true testament of their dedication in following the Lord's New Commandment. I know, as I was told by several parishoners who were so sweet and nice to speak with me, that I will be covered in their prayer. I am so appreciative of their brotherly love and kindness, along with that of Pastor Phil and the crew at the Gathering in Salem, Massachusetts and my Bishop and amigos in the OSF.
In reflecting back on my employment situation as a teacher in a suburban school before I was deployed, I am saddened to think that the circumstances surrounding my deployment (which I had no power to change), led the school district to undermine me as a teaching professinal and as a human being. Unfortunately, because I was not at liberty to discuss all the details of my mobilization with them (they only have a right to know I was mobilized), the school administration as well as the parents and my students took exception with me and reacted very negatively. Even so, I still pray daily for these misguided people and hope that they can one day find the maturity to understand that they are not entitled to know everyone's business, especially during these challenging and tragic times when our country is at war. Because of our society's openness in the news media and the dawn of the age of reality TV, many people feel an "entitlement" when it comes to such things. Alas, I am sorry to say, no one is entitled and its too bad that their reaction has tainted my opinion of that community. My prayers and well wishes are with them and I know that the Lord will apply His correction in the matter.
Amen and God bless!!
+Geoff
July 6, 2008 - OK, I admit it, it looks like my entries here are about once a month.
Well, I finally found a few moments to update my entries here. What I'm doing this time is including an article that I was tasked to write for the "IVY LEAF." The "Ivy Leaf" is a publication of the 4th Infantry Division. Right now, I'm working with the 4th IDs Division Chaplain Office at a variety of tasks, some ministerial and some ministry support. Its been interesting but I can't go into details. But in any regard, I am well and here is the article (it'll be in print on July 7's Ivy Leaf):
Personal Courage
By SGT Geoff Ames, 133rd Chaplain Detachment, MND-B Division Chaplain Office
The Internet is littered with stories and accounts of personal courage and amazing strength in the face of certain destruction. The validity of many accounts can be readily attributed as mere exaggeration of the facts. Accolades for personal courage are uplifting; however, for many service members, their own acts of personal courage are known to them and God alone.
According to the U.S. Army, the core value of personal courage is one’s, “…ability to face fear, danger or adversity both physical and moral.” For many, physical courage is not a difficult issue. For instance, as soldiers, we know that pulling a wounded buddy from a burning HUMVEE despite the risk of injury or death comes so naturally to us as highly trained and professional men and women in uniform. It is known that we never leave a fallen comrade behind. It appears that the aspect of personal courage that generates a state of impasse for most is the moral dilemma of whether to choose a “hard right” over an “easy wrong.”
An individual’s decision to act on a moral issue indicates a level of responsibility that may result in certain consequences on the job, in the home, or in the community. Taking a stand on a particular issue and seeing the situation through to completion re-quires one to have a solid foundation of belief, values and faith.
Every service member can expect an encounter with a moral issue at least one time during their military career. It’s the rule, not the exception, in our complex society and organizations. Creating pathways to positive resolution is critical. For Christians, the Bible is a key tool.
1 Peter 3:13-15 (NIV) states, “…Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened,’…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” The verse continues with, “…It is better… to suffer for doing good than for doing evil,” (1 Peter 3:17).
The encounter with a moral dilemma can create an opportunity for self-reflection, self-evaluation, self-correction and, therefore, personal growth. The pathways and tools an individual utilizes to deal with a situation will have an effect on the outcome. Having the personal courage to examine one’s own position regarding a moral issue is as enlight-ening as it is frightening. These challenges should not be avoided but seen as an oppor-tunity that fosters personal, ethical and spiritual development.
According to Norman Vincent Peale (2001) and his short work entitled Courage, “When you know God, His goodness, kindness and faithfulness, you will trust Him…Believe that God has all the answers to your troubles. Don’t be afraid to do what He guides you to do. Trust Him,” (p. 21). Finally, Romans 12:2 (NCV) provides a final word of encouragement by stating, “Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.”
End. See you again soon!
July 26, 2007 - Its easy to see why I am here in Iraq...
To think I would have even given this second opportunity up to serve here and see the remarkable changes that have taken place over the last 4 years is absurd. We, the soldiers that do the day to day work here, have been able to effect enormous changes in Iraq's ability to come back into the world community as a legitimate nation that is concerned, really concerned, with the well being of its people and its children.
Kids are kids no matter where you go. But these Iraqi kids are some of the most engaging people I have had the pleasure to meet and they want to learn about everything. They appreciate that their schools are beiing fixed, that they can go to school and learn and that we, the nation of the United States, is helping them do this.
Now I'm not naive, and time will tell what fruit has really begun to blossom here especially as these young people grow to adulthood. But if what I have seen and heard from them is any indicator, then I truly believe that this new nation of Iraq will be an asset to the region and to the rest of the world. God bless!