Sherpas Aren't Just For Mountain Climbers Anymore

So what does a chaplain's assistant do all day, and how is that different from a chaplain. Some of our readers are confusing chaplains with assistants. The chaplain is a commissioned officer and is typically a priest, pastor, rabbi, imam, or other clergy. That's not Nate. Chaplains are defined under the Geneva Convention as "noncombatants", but the laws of warfare under Geneva do not prohibit noncombatants from carrying weapons. Legally, the Geneva Convention permits medical and religious personnel to carry weapons for self-defense and for the defense of the wounded.

In the U.S. Army, for example, combat medics carry weapons even though they are protected as noncombatants and must display the red cross or red crescent. (I served with a medic who was a conscientious objector in the 3rd Armored Division in Germany in the 80s. His status as a conscientious objector excused him from carrying a weapon. I always respected his sense of duty to serve the military in a medical capacity in spite of his objection to war and violence (to some extent, because of those objections). He was a patriot, and knew war is a fact of life, and that his fellow countrymen in service would need medical assistance, which he felt called to do.)

As far as chaplains are concerned, even though the Convention permits them to be armed for self-defense, the U.S. military has opted to leave chaplains unarmed.

That's where chaplain assistants, like Nate, come in. He is ultimately an armed body guard for the chaplain. He is more than that as well. Think of him as an armed combination of your church's office manager and altar guild. He could be assigned to a chaplain in any of the more than 100 faiths represented by U.S. military chaplains from Christian to Buddhist to Baha'i to Wiccan. So far, Nate has only been assigned to assist protestant Christian chaplains, none of whom have been Lutheran. However, in his duties at the main post chapel in Ft. Jackson, SC he supported religious activities for Roman Catholics, Jews, and Muslims. The following is a description of duties a chaplain's assistant at Nate's skill level is expected to perform:

The chaplain assistant performs and provides specified elements of religious support mission in deployments, combat operations, training, and sustainment.

Performs religious support duties for Unit Ministry Team (UMT) programs, worship services and crisis intervention. Performs UMT functions in field and combat environment. Performs combat lifesaver tasks. Applies communication skills in crisis and potential suicide intervention. Supports the UMT family readiness program. Coordinates UMT activities and maintains physical security of UMT facilities/equipment. Safeguards privileged communications and offerings. Arranges religious retreats and memorial ceremonies. Receives, screens and refers visitors and prospective counselee. Performs office administration functions using automated systems to include inventorying supplies and equipment and determining supply requirements. Maintains chaplain vestments and religious items.

Thanksgiving and Sherpas

Nate will accompany Chaplain King to another Forward Operating Base (FOB), and plans to stay there through Thanksgiving. They are planning to fly out on a C-23 Sherpa, which is not, as I thought, a Nepalese mountain guide. This Sherpa is a fixed-wing transport aircraft, operated by the Army. Yes, Army. And yes, fixed-wing. I betcha thought the Army only had helicopters (rotary-wing). The Sherpa (aircraft, not mountain guide) is an Army National Guard asset, so those operated in Iraq are operated by activated Guard personnel -- you know, the men and women who work with you at the office and deliver your mail until we need them to go fight.

First Trip Outside the Wire

Nate has been anxiously awaiting his first opportunity to get out to other locations, and it finally happened. The first 4 attempts by the chaplain to get out were thwarted -- two by rain, one by lightening, and one because the flight left early without them.

This time they made it. The battalion commander needed the chaplain to go out to a COB (combat operating base) to counsel a soldier. Chaplain King and Nate flew out on a C-130, and spent two days at the COB. That gave them time to visit all of their troops there, distribute morale and devotional materials, etc.

They flew back to Balad Airbase at night on a Chinook helicopter.

He enjoyed the experience of getting out to a more remote location, with few amenities, and see some new things. He has a lot of down time, though, on these kinds of missions, as he is often waiting to the side while the chaplain does his thing.

Gifts for 'Any Soldier'

Kay spoke with Nathaniel today, and he said that he is helping to coordinate the distribution of items that are sent over to "any soldier" in their unit . He said that various organizations and individuals have sent items. If you would like to send soldiers some small items that would brighten their day, especially with the holidays upon us, you can send them to Nate, and he will distribute them. His APO does not accept 'any soldier' mail, so send it directly to Nate, and enclose a note letting it know the contents are to be distributed.

Needs are very simple and modest. He said toiletries such as: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant (unscented) would be nice. The soldiers also appreciate magazines, books, ground coffee (in 1 lb. or smaller bags), and instant beverages such as: cocoa, apple cider, lemonade, tea, coffee. A card or note would also be great.

Nathaniel is fortunate enough to be stationed at a large facility where he has a dining facility with hot meals and a shopette that he can go to for items, but he said many of the soldiers in their unit are stationed in areas so small that they don't have dining facilities or a place to purchase basic necessities and niceties. They are rotated in and out of these areas, but they are looking to distribute these types of items to the soldiers that are stationed in these more remote locations, in particular.

Happy Veterans' Day, Nate!

“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

-- 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Your mother and I can't find adequate expression of the pride we feel over your service, and that of your sister, Katelyn.

We are honored by strangers even, when they learn of your service. We display blue star banners on our vehicles, kitchen window, and lapels, and below the banner on my car I have two bumper stickers; "My Son Serves in the US Army" and "My Daughter Serves in the US Army". A few days ago on my drive to work the driver of a car in the fast lane to my left slowed down to match my speed and laid on the horn. I looked over to see an elderly man saluting me. He held it until I returned the salute, and then he sped on past. His license plate read 'USN VET'. You stand at the end of a long line of honorable men and women, Americans and even aliens, who since June 14, 1775 have served honorably in the United States armed forces. They have sacrificed careers, blood, sweat, tears, lonliness, separation, and even their lives because they were called to serve and did their duty in answering that call.

When you were baptized you began your vocation as a Christian. Through these years, God has blessed you with unique, special gifts and interests that have led you to service in the Army. Today it is our privilege to affirm you as you represent our country. Let your Christian light shine wherever your military service may take you. Our ascended Lord assures you, “Lo, I am with you always.” With His forgiveness and the constant presence of His Spirit, with all His grace and fatherly care, He is with you, Nate. We commend you and your wife, Katie, to His gracious care and pledge to you and Katie our prayers and continued spiritual support.

Thank you. We love you.