Unloading soldiers’ burdens:

Unloading soldiers’ burdens:

By Chaplain (Capt.) Glenn Palmer

I served as the chaplain for Task Force 2-70, a combined arms unit out of Fort Riley, Kan., during Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III. We served in places like Abu Ghraib, Amariyah, Yusafiyah, Lutifiyah and Mahmoudiya (the triangle of death). Thirteen of our soldiers were killed and 100 were wounded in action.

My chaplain assistant was among the wounded during OIF III and I was on the receiving end of four improvised explosive device attacks and a suicide car bomber, simply by being a pastoral “presence” where the soldiers were.

I came home with a Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star and two hearing aids.

A friend of mine was killed two feet from me, and during the invasion I buried an 8-week-old baby girl caught in the crossfire. I went on a rescue mission into a “hot” village after our scouts had shot some civilian women being used as human shields by the Saddam Fedayeen.

During my two tours in Iraq, I led more than 100 critical event debriefs with more than 400 soldiers. I have seen and experienced war and its effects up close and personal.

Chaplains who are well-versed in the effects of war on people are in a unique position as one part of the overall team to care for soldiers. Chaplains are trained in many of the mental health tactics, techniques and procedures, as are other providers. We know that war can rob a person of meaning. We build on that knowledge by representing a God who is with and for the soldiers, one who lets them know how much he cares, and one who carries their burden and pain for them, especially when that “rucksack” is heavy.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_backtalk_soldeirsburdens_071112/