Tag Archives: Iraq

Chaplain Strengthens Marriages from Iraq

Chaplain (Capt.) Brent Crosswhite, a US Army Chaplain from Fort Hood, is deployed to Iraq, but still managed to team up with his wife to help strengthen Soldiers’ marriages.

The Chaplain is holding a marriage class in Iraq while his wife leads an identical one for spouses at Fort Hood.  The husbands and wives cover the same materials, and at the end of each session there is a video teleconference with the other class.  One of the goals is to mitigate the 20 to 30 divorces that the average Army brigade Read more

Schwarzenegger Returns to Visit Troops in Iraq

For the second time since the war in Iraq began, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited with US troops in the region.  He landed in Baghdad, spoke for a few minutes, posed for photographs with soldiers, and handed out autographs and cigars.  He also reportedly worked out with the troops at Camp Victory.

Schwarzenegger has long been a military favorite, both for his machismo and for his support of the military.  In what may be a little known fact, Read more

Military Religion Question of the Day: Hensley

In May 2009, al Jazeera broadcast a show that included film from a military chapel in Afghanistan.  In the sermon, US Army Chaplain (LtCol) Gary Hensley told his congregation they had a responsibility to be a ‘witness for Jesus.’  He said:

The special forces guys—they hunt men basically. We do the same things as Christians, we hunt people for Jesus. We do, we hunt them down.… Get the hound of heaven after them, so we get them into the kingdom. That’s what we do, that’s our business.

As a result, some organizations have accused the Chaplain of violating Read more

Navy Officer is Pilot, Commander, Religious Leader

A unique and positive article by Alison Buckholtz covers the hardships associated with a US Navy pilot and the separation he must face from his family as he deploys overseas.  As is the case for many servicemembers, he is an aviator but is deploying to a ground job in support of the Army.

Interestingly titled “Onward Jewish Soldiers,” it celebrates the role of the Jewish faith, and Jewish servicemembers, in the US armed forces.  It also highlights the Read more

Prayer Luncheons Unite and Strengthen in Iraq

Gen. James C. Nixon, the deputy commanding general of operations for Multi-National Division – North, recently spoke at the final Task Force Lightning Prayer Luncheon.  The event was held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher in Iraq.  According to the hosting Chaplains, General Nixon was able to “share his faith and tell people, ‘This is what God is doing for me. Consider these things as you live your life’.”

The prayer events have been part of the unit’s emphasis on spiritual fitness.

“Prayer luncheons are a good thing for many reasons Read more

US Fighter Shoots Down Friendly

Over at War is Boring, David Axe, a civilian war correspondent, notes the unique history of a particular F-15E Strike Eagle.  The fighter has a star and a Sidewinder stamped on its side, indicating two very unique air-to-air kills.

The star is from a kill in Operation Desert Storm.  Nearly 20 years ago, that aircraft dropped a bomb on an airborne helicopter in Iraq.

The Sidewinder is from an unofficially reported shootdown of a friendly Reaper UAV just last month.  According to Aviation Week (sometimes called “Aviation Leak” Read more

Chaplain Gives Trooper Strength with Psalms

As frequently noted, US military Chaplains serve as far more than mere spiritual advisors.  They are counselors, marriage consultants, morale officers, and representatives to their command on issues of culture and religion that affect the mission.  They’re also sometimes just a voice of reassurance.

A Chaplain currently stationed in Iraq recounts a story of how his faith helped a soldier at Fort Benning, where paratroopers at the Airborne School learn to jump out of airplanes:  Read more

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