In a somewhat long but interesting article first published in the Jewish Exponent and republished by the Army, 1LT Avi Behar, a 23-year-old Army Lieutenant, recalls a day in Afghanistan in which he had an epiphany about religion and relationships both in the US military and the Afghan Army.

Earlier in the day, with the help of an Afghan General, his unit helped a local get his truck, overloaded with his produce, unstuck from the side of the road.  Later, he came back to base to celebrate Chanukah:

Upon returning that night…our battalion chaplain put together a Chanukah service. We had discussed the idea a few days prior, but I wasn’t expecting what I was about to experience. 

As I tiredly walked into the tent that serves as our chapel, I gazed upon what appeared to be a miracle: A menorah, about four feet tall, stood in the front of the room.

Capt. Brett L. Johnson, a Christian chaplain, had built this unbelievable object that day using wood, scrap plywood, and a few hand tools. He had also researched Chanukah so he could lead services for the four of us who came. He had reached outside his faith and provided a gift so largely disproportionate to any that I had ever given.

That night, that equilibrium I mentioned occurred to me. I am a member of the Jewish faith and that afternoon had helped a Muslim. That same night, a Christian brought the best holiday gift I could have asked for.

Some can’t imagine joining the military or deploying into combat and being able to continue in their faith.  Others think the US military or its Chaplains are out to convert the troops to a single ideology.  Both are wrong.

The US Army and the US military value the religious freedom of their members.  Chaplains go out of their way, and risk their lives, to help religious adherents not only celebrate their faiths, but also protect the religious freedoms and Constitutionally protected rights of all the troops under their care.

This is the “standard operating procedure,” despite fears or accusations to the contrary.

The article includes a photo of Lt Behar, his Christian Chaplain, and the handmade Menorah.