A military press release describes the interesting story of three California National Guard soldiers who were able to take part in the pilgrimage to the Church of the Black Madonna in Kosovo.

Alongside the Balkan pilgrims…three California National Guard Soldiers [said the] trip was more than just an excursion to see the sights of Kosovo, but a journey to a higher calling. 

In the early afternoon in a grotto behind the church that’s white shining walls seem to sparkle in the sun Chaplain Honecimo Figueroa with the Task Force Falcon unit Ministry Team baptized Staff Sgt. LaDon Moses, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eddie Mcdevitt, and Lt. Col. Michael S. Piazzoni into the Catholic Church.

The article includes photographs of the experience, including their baptism: