Matters Practical, Serious, and Ordinary

Class time is packed with necessary info and tips on map reading, making "battle book" (a pocket reference with protocols, symbology, frequently used forms, etc.) and discussions on how the Army accomodates religious needs, and ministry to dying and grieving soldiers. Some of this has been a review of the ground that was covered the first time I was here in January 04. Since then the school house (United States Army Chaplain Center and School) has revamped the curriculum slightly to focus more on chaplains who are deploying. Previously the training presumed program management through chapels on military bases and posts. During one class segment, we watched the beginning sequence from Saving Private Ryan. We were pressed by one of the senior chaplains to ask ourselves what our ministry will be about in the face of such gruesome events. We talked about how one's theology is revealed and distilled in the presence of absurdity. "Who are you, chaplain?" asks Chaplain Jones.

I have caught up with a couple of chaplains (students) who I have met previously. It's great to have the colegiality and commraderie right off the bat. This class is about half the size of the previous classes I have attended here. Many of the chaplains are near my age and seem seasoned. They are generally a friendly bunch. I have also connected with the senior chaplains and staff who I had met before. It was genuinely good to see them all even the short Hispanic SGT who enjoyed razzing on me a bit. I spend a good deal of my down time reading, exercising, taking trivia quizzes on the internet, doing laundry, shopping for groceries, eating, or going to the movies. I've been to more cinemas here than I usually go to back home. So far I've seen Sideways, The Aviator, and Finding Neverland. They were all highly worthwhile. Neverland was very touching and enchanting. There were many older folk in the theater. I'm glad I opted to see it.

I checked the internet to find a local UCC, but there are none in Columbia, SC. There is an Episcopal Cathedral. I am intending to worship there tomorrow morning. I have already fulfilled the school's requirement to visit various different religious services (Christian & Non-Christian) on and off post. I have yet to visit a muslim service. I will likely do this before I graduate even though I am not required to.

The newness of this journey is still present. I miss family members, but am finding this time away a way to strengthen myself and focus on a mission bigger than myself. I expect that the solitude will at times feel more like lonliness and when I'm in demand (on duty) there will be times of stress.

On Friday, we all assembled in a hall with other units and attended a change of responsibility ceremony for the SGM of the Chaplain's Corps. One of the young soldiers in the group was completing his AIT (Advanced Individual Training) who was wearing a PA 28th Infantry Div. patch. He was happy to see another Pennsylvanian. So was I in this sea of Texans, Carolinians, and other Southerners. When it was time, we and the other assembled soldiers stood nearly motionless at parade rest for over an hour. There was a great deal of dignity and acknowledgement. The outgoing SGM was a very eloquent man and obviously well-liked. The band played and a chorus sang, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." I vaguely recalled having heard it before. It's an odd little piece. I'll have to do some internet research on it's origins.

The Nearly Squared Away Soldier

After saying goodbye to mom with tears welling in her eyes and dad who kissed me and both cheeks and shook my hand, I left Lancaster mid Friday afternoon. I drove down I-81 for almost nine hours until I reached Fancy Gap, VA. It was later than I thought. The one mom & pop motel that I scoped out was already closed for the night. The other one had very bright porch lights which made me believe it might be tough to have a dark enough room to sleep in. So, I stayed at the Days Inn.

I packed two sea bags, a duffel bag, a foot locker and more at the end of December in preparation for mobilization to MS with the unit from Sellersville. I have two different kinds of rain gear and a full chemical suit, but I forgot to pack underwear. So, I had the opportunity to go shopping when I arrived at Ft. Jackson.

The weather is mild unlike last winter. I've seen a few people in shorts. My accommodations are a little different than last time. I don't have an oven and stove, so I will have more meals out. That's fine with me. It will get me to know my surroundings better and give me the chance to socialize. I've met a couple of the chaplains in the program already. One has been here since January and the other has just arrived to complete the program, like myself. They both seemed of the "easy going" school instead of the more intense variety.

I rushed a bit too much in order to get to chapel this morning. This was the opinion of the MPH who ticketed me. Had I read the map correctly and not confuse my end point with my start point, I would have been going in the right direction at the right speed in order to make it to chapel on time. I had the intention of attending an Episcopal service, but when I arrived at the chapel I was at some type of low liturgy--possibly Baptist. I found the chaplain to be an excellent preacher who entered the service in his late thirties and had recently returned from Iraq. He preached on a long portion in Genesis where Abram and Sarai set off and Abram tricks the pharaoh into believing that Sarai is his sister and continuing. The chaplain paralleled the going through the motions that Abram does who eventually becomes faithful to soldiers first entering the Army and discovering their aptitudes and limits. He had much more to say and mostly all relevant. I was glad that I ended up at this service despite the $30 toll I had to pay to get there.

I've been eating well. Last night I had mousaka at a Greek restaurant named "Zorba's," of course. Tonight I went to a Mexican restaurant after which I went to the cinema to see "Sideways." I genuinely enjoyed this film because it seemed so authentic...the comic and the tragic both at once. Seeing weakness become strength and the vulnerability of the winner was touching. Plus, these actors seemed like credible wine people. Years ago, I worked at a winery and we were truly an assemblage of characters who seem to attract even more.

Even though my reporting date was today, my program doesn't begin until Tuesday because of the holiday. It's nice to have a paid holiday be the first day of school. I'll likely use tomorrow to work out and begin reading one of the several books I was given to bring along with me. Perhaps it will be Dostoevsky, "The Idiot" or something else. Then again, I could finish a few that I had already started.

Ground Mail may be sent to:

United States Chaplain Center & School

CH (1LT) Aristides Fokas

10100 Lee Rd.

Fort Jackson, SC 29207-7090

Anticipation

Saturday I took a 3 hour trip to a town near Mansfield, PA in order to brief families of soldiers arriving from Iraq. There were parents, wives, and children present. As I was discussing how it is easier to say goodbye than the mixed feelings individuals have with soldiers coming back, I could tell that this was striking a chord with a woman in the group. Apparently, she has ambivalent feelings on her husband's return because there was a history of abuse in their already short marriage. Then after a tour in Germany after the birth of one child, the soldier volunteered for duty in Iraq after the birth of a second child. We talk about how time and distance don't always solve marital problems. I also shared some resources with her of which she was already aware. Basically, the feelings and the unresolved issues are taking the front stage now.

Later I conducted another briefing in Lewisburg. Within the group there was a wide range people waiting for their soldiers. There were parents whose youngest had gone to Iraq and whose older child was religiously changed from his experience in Desert Storm. There was a wife of a sergeant who had experienced deployment before. And there was the twin who was waiting on his returning brother.

Both of these units had seen serious action and loss of life, so family members are anxious to see their loved ones. As they anticipate arrivals, there are many like myself who anticipate leaving. Goodbyes are being said once again. Tomorrow I pack the car and head to SC in order to complete the chaplaincy training.

Blackhawk

On Saturday I took my second helicopter ride since entering the service. After "office hours" for individuals who were seeking grief counseling, I decided to approach a pilot and ask if I could ride along during his team's training flight. It was a glorious two hour ride hovering over forests, streams and small towns. The helicopter ride is joyful in a way that airplanes are not capable; one can remain stationary and gain a complete view of the world below rather than wizz by without taking in as many details. I used the time to think about some of the losses of life we've seen involving helicopters during this war. Earlier in the day, one of our senior pilots told me how he escaped Vietnam by flying out on helicopter.

When I returned, the afternoon was spent catching up with recent widows, checking in with soldiers with marital issues, and worship. One sergeant Major asked me to share prayer with him. I was touched when I found out that why he wanted to see me was to offer prayer for me. He did so eloquently. I had the sense that he was not only praying for me, but for others that he has seen off during the years and did not have the fortune to see their return.

I have been here just a year, but feel truly connected to this unit. I always look forward to drill because I know I am going to have authentic conversations. Many have entrusted me with personal information and the state of their souls. I find this satisfying and humbling. During our morning briefing, the Colonel gave a fine compliment to me and reminded his officers of the importance of having a good chaplain. I will miss being here, but I will return a stronger soldier, a better person, and a more seasoned minister.

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Originally uploaded by greek64.

The Decision

I really don't have much in my history to suggest that I would have decided to become an Army Chaplain. I doubt it would have appeared on the radar screen ten years ago. I can't say that I have had special interest in military affairs or soldiering or any thing like that. Years ago, while I was still in college I took one of those interest tests that scored me high for functioning well in a disciplined environment.

Even the call to ministry was not consistent. When I was a child I remember wanting to become a priest, but even that didn't remain constant. I've done many things including studying funeral directing, studying economics, admissions at an art college, working in a bank, and many an odd job. Most recently I have been a pastor at a church and an interim pastor at another.

I remember my interest in military chaplaincy surfacing while working as the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry/Assistant Director of Community Service at my alma mater, Franklin and Marshall College. I had the sense that I wanted to have a purpose beyond the campus which had become cozy for me, but not necessarily home. I had grown up in Lancaster and even though I had been away for a few years, I felt that I needed more of an adventure so that a new chapter would open up in my life.

Plus, I didn't feel that all my skills and talents were being drawn upon at campus. I felt the call to serve young people who were working to get a leg up in the scheme of things. Whereas, for the most part, our students had many options open to them. My thoughts began to center around military service as a chaplain. I think if most are honest about what they do in life, it has not only to do with what they can contribute and what they can get, but also what it is they need. I have a need to be recognized. I also need to take the hero's journey so that I can come back changed--stronger and more capable and confident that I did something worthwhile. It is my hope that upon my return, rewards (material and spiritual) will be available to me that I might find what it is that will bring the greatest amount of happiness for me and those around me.

In a way, I'm also a "faith junkie." I need to see how people's lives play out and the obstacles they overcome, that I too might take more faithful risks. Yes, the uniform, the camaraderie, the order, the triumphalism, the learning, the hard work, all have significance for me. But, the decision to be part of it all was simply a matter of saying "yes" and recognizing what a friend once told me: Ministry is just an excuse for being there.