Most people probably know where Iraq and Afghanistan.  A few know less popular countries like Qatar and Bahrain.  Fewer have heard of Tajikistan.  What about Botswana?

U.S. forces traveling to the Republic of Botswana Aug. 1-17 for Southern Accord 2012, are under the spiritual care of Army Chaplain Capt. M. Paul Weberg…and chaplain’s assistants Sgt. Vincent N. Guzman Sr., and Spc. David Huerta, all from the 405th Brigade Support Battalion out of Chicago.

Chaplain Weberg, a Benedictine monk by trade, and his ministry team went to the African nation to support the “complete care of the soldier.”

“The three main functions of the UMT are to nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the dead…we want to be able to take complete care of the soldier,” said Guzman.

Their presence on the mission was immediate, even as they boarded the plane to travel to Africa:

“One soldier jokingly mentioned, while we were getting on the plane to come here, ‘This mission is going to be great, God is coming with us,’ and that is very humbling because you know where you stand, and it’s a great honor but also a great responsibility,” said Weberg.

Chaplains and their assistants have one of the more challenging support roles in the US military.  They provide spiritual support for every member of the US military — no matter where they may be.