Saturday, December 25, 2004

Front Line Family

Compared to recent days, today was fairly uneventful. A steady, cold drizzle ensured that this was quite possibly the muddiest and least comfortable Christmas I've ever experienced. For all appearances, it was not very noteworthy. But appearances can be deceiving.

From Bastogne to Baghdad, Christmas and war have always seemed to travel hand in hand. Soldiers from most generations have endured Christmas in the face of battle. And in the past 36 hours I have learned two very important lessons about Christmas, the nature of war, and the spirit of the American Warrior.

Lesson Number One ... war is unrelenting. Despite the fact that today is a national holiday and a time normally spent relaxing, opening presents, and watching or playing football, the fighting didn't stop. Throughout the day the drone of war could be heard in just about every direction. Whether it was an aircraft of some sort zipping overhead, the rapid ping of nearby gunfire, or the thump of a distant explosion, it didn't stop. War continues at a breakneck pace. Even in moments of relative silence it hung in the air. There is no escaping the fact that we are in harms way. Some more than others.

Lesson Number Two ... Christmas is unrelenting. Last night we held a Christmas Eve service in celebration of the birth of Jesus. In that service, I came to realize that the American soldier is indeed a unique and awesome individual. Despite the roar of mortars in the background, smiling faces sang, Silent Night. Despite the complete lack of greenery for miles, men of all ranks shook hands and sang, Deck the Halls. And despite being away from friends and family, our battle-hardened brothers joyfully sang, We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Men who look like they'd just as soon break you in half as speak to you, smiled at one another and hugged one another as wishes of "Merry Christmas" echoed throughout our little chapel. After the service we gathered in a small trailer converted into something of a theatre to watch a Christmas movie or two and laugh together. Believe it or not, gifts were exchanged via Secret Santa's and we laughed as men hollered, "Thanks, it's just what I always wanted!" upon unwrapping a bar of deodorant, or a ball cap, or whatever else could be found at the Post Exchange. Today has been no different. With each soldier I passed a hand was quickly extended in greeting as "Merry Christmas" hit me like a freight train. I think I've been patted on the back one million times today.

It would be easy for today, Christmas, and the circumstances we find ourselves in to be an excuse to foster self-pity or to retreat into a shell of depression. However, our soldiers don't work that way. I am at a loss to express, today, my pride at being an American and my love for my brothers-at-arms. Because while I do not have my wife and children with me, I am nevertheless with family.

Merry Christmas

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

My Dear Friend !!!
First, I'd like to apologize for my english, 'cause I've never went to school to learn this linguage.
I just want to thank you so very much for your work, and for everything that you've being doing for our men and women in the military!!! Like everybody else, I brokedown with Laura listenig to your tuesday post. I live in USA by myself and have family and friends in Brazil. I miss them very much, but I'm grateful, because I know they are there waiting for me.
I just want you to know that you are in my prayers and in my heart. Merry Christmas!!!
Sincerely, Lu Ribeiro - Boston - USA

Sean Dustman said...

Merry Christmas Brad, I hope the best for you, your family and the brothers that you pray over. Stay safe.

Anonymous said...

May God Bless you and and all our brave soldiers...

AFSister said...

Merry Christmas, Chaplain!
Although you aren't with your real family, it is obvious you have a close-knit group of people around you in Mosul. Thank you for providing comfort and worship to our soldiers! May God bless you and keep you safe, Sir.

Steve said...

I just came across your blog from Blogs of War, and I've added it to my site at www.iraqfiles.com . We offer news about the reconstruction and links to milblogs, Iraqi blogs and support organizations. I hope you'll take a look.

Thanks again for your posts, and stay safe.

Steve

slkiel@aol.com
iraqfiles.com
stevenkiel.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Chaplain-
Bless you for sharing the true 'reason for the season'. Best wishes to you for all you do.
Angie
http://home.earthlink.net/~essentiallyhappy/index.html

DangerGirl said...

I recently became friends with a Chaplain who served in Iraq and returned a short while ago to Ft Hood.Its a privilege to know him.

I send care packages and letters to men deployed in Iraq, thru the many "adopt a soldier" programs available. I do it not because its a "left" thing or "right" thing...but because its THE right thing to do. I received an email at 3:30 amEST on Dec 21 - one of the soldiers I "adopted" thanked me for my care package, wished me Merry Christmas, and said "Im off to grab lunch, before I head out on duty patrol" ....He was based at Camp Mazer.
Thankfully he is alright. Christmas Miracles do happen!

The news doesn’t report all the great work you do for the people of Iraq and all the positive accomplishments achieved. You confront the evil that wants to thwart and usurp peace stability and democracy in Iraq in many ways and you are planting the seeds of democracy by restoring buildings, rebuilding and reopening schools, training and building the Iraqi police force, and by confronting the insurgents in battle when necessary.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the recognition that there is something more important that fear. You have recognized that, and it’s made me appreciate, respect, and admire the calling you have chosen to accept. And you accept it with Honor, Perseverance, Spirit and Heart.

Cinomed Tweak said...

Words cannot convey the emotions I have when I read your writing.

On Christmas day my wife was "too ill" to go to the family's for gift exchanging.

We have such luxury because men like yourself and those you counsel stand guard against the evil in the world.

Merry Christmas, for the bottom of my heart and with every fiber of my being.

May God watch over, protect, comfort, and give strength to you and those who make such sacrifice.

George Pence said...

I just read your account of the bombing of the American Mess... this is most powerful report of that terrible event that I'm likely to read. You have a marvelous way of bringing this event home to those of us who can't be there... and likely would never choose to be there given the terrible risks involved. God bless you and the wonderful men with whom you serve.

George Pence
http://notminealone.blogspot.com