Recipe for helping an Infantry Unit get over tragedy // July 14, 2005

1. Take it to the enemy.
2. Take it to the enemy.
3. Take it to the enemy.
4. Add a healthy amount of firepower and a good dose of UMT support and the result will be a grim and determined unit that is satisfied with what they have accomplished. Well Done!

We have been on the offensive for the last couple of weeks. This has the guys tired but satisfied that they are doing what they came here to do. I have defiantly “won my spurs.” No one in the 2/121 calls me “LT” any more. I am just, “Chaplain.” I love it when I am walking and I hear, “Hey chaplain!!” I turn around and its one of my guys that has not (and probably will not) darken the doors of the chapel, but they know me and want to chat. It makes for a good day.

You know, I was thinking about CHOBC. They did a good job of acquainting me with my job, but there is so much you must have to learn by doing. They can’t cover everything and every unit is so different. It would be like them trying to fit every family member for every family. They are all different! You just have to learn the basics and be ready to be flexible and adjust fire when needed! (Yes, I have finally learned to speak “army”)

I am on my way to a mission. I am going to see some troops in the field. I have been out three times this week. Really, its all about semantics. I don’t “patrol!” I go on “site visits!”