Chaplain Tells Of U.S. Building Schools And Good Will In Iraq

San Antonio Express-News ^ | July 19, 2004 | Greg Jefferson

[Former Military Chick]

Chaplain Tells Of U.S. Building Schools And Good Will In Iraq

By Greg Jefferson

When a 19-year-old soldier was killed last November in Iraq, the miserable job of going through his belongings fell to Rabbi Carlos Huerta.

But what the Army major and chaplain found heartened him.

"He had pictures of the children," Huerta said during a talk Sunday afternoon on the North Side.

The photos showed beaming youngsters in the Iraqi city of Mosul. They'd been won over by the new schools, clinics and hospitals that U.S. soldiers built, said Huerta, the Jewish chaplain at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

With a thick Brooklyn accent and rapid-fire delivery, the hulking rabbi threaded the message of the United States' good works in Iraq, punctuated by his own snapshots of smiling children, throughout his lecture. He spoke to a standing-room-only audience at Congregation Agudas Achim.

"We were in the middle of a battlefield," Huerta said, "and we had to do what we could to win their hearts."

Huerta arrived in the Middle East in the run-up to the war and served 10 months as chaplain for the 320th Field Artillery Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, spending most of his time in Mosul. He returned to West Point in December.

Part of his mission was rebuilding schools, many of which, he said, were little more than hovels. In one project, the Army increased the size of a school for girls by half and built a mosque on its grounds.

The schools had rotted "because Saddam didn't care about educating people," Huerta said. "Could you pull a trigger — that's all Saddam wanted to know."

However, the soldiers' reception in Mosul was hostile, even among children.

"Half the Humvees didn't have windshields," Huerta said. "They'd been busted out" by rocks hurled by kids.

But, he said, in a matter of months, with a breakneck construction schedule, public sentiment began turning to the Americans' favor.

His unit, meanwhile, saw a lot of bloodshed, with seven soldiers killed and about 40 Purple Hearts awarded. "We got hit hard," Huerta said. "What we do is not for free. What we do costs lives."

[Former Military Chick]

An excellent story to read while enjoying your morning refreshments.

[Neets]

Chaplain H rocks big time.

Don't know anyone at USMA who doesn't like him.

Happy to see the real story getting out!

[Former Military Chick]

glad you enjoyed it, it is nice to read good news

[RaceBannon]

Good News Bump

[fatidic]

This is good news--a young man dies building a school in Iraq to help those most worthy and noble Iraqis. Personally, I think the sacrifice, the grief for decades to come to the families, the personal loss to children and wives, the loss of limbs and hideous maiming and the billions and billions of tax payer dollars is better spent in Iraq than in the U.S. or helping those pitiful, starving Sudanese, for example. Bush and the neocons know best. I'm sure we are safer in the U.S. now that we have killed so many thousands of Iraqis in an attempt to force democracy on their enlightened culture. I feel safer and happier paying this price, don't you?

[Neets]

You are clueless...

[Former Military Chick]

How does one argue with you, yes, there has been loss of life. But, I celebrate the young mans willingness to serve. I celebrate that Iraqis no longer have to fear to Saddam. I celebrate that life will once again be considered sacred. I will pray for those who serve, who lose their lives serving and their families. They have given the ultimate sacrfice. In the end, I suspect we will have to agree to disagree.

[math=power]

I feel for you.

Being so short-sighted and angry must be a real burden.

I do feel for the Sudanese...the UN should step up and call it what it is...oh yea they are too busy writing resolutions against Israel.

[17th Miss Regt]

Let's rewrite this heartwarming story according to John F'n Kerry.

When a 19-year-old soldier was killed last November in Iraq, the miserable job of going through his belongings fell to Rabbi Carlos Huerta. "We were in the middle of a battlefield" Huerta said.

Huerta arrived in the Middle East in the run-up to the war and served 10 months as chaplain for the 320th Field Artillery Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, spending most of his time in Mosul. He returned to West Point in December.

The schools had rotted "because Bush didn't care about educating people," Huerta said. The soldiers' reception in Mosul was hostile, even among children. "Half the Humvees didn't have windshields," Huerta said. "They'd been busted out" by rocks hurled by kids. His unit, meanwhile, saw a lot of bloodshed, with seven soldiers killed and about 40 Purple Hearts awarded. "We got hit hard," Huerta said. "...What we do costs lives, particularly of minorities and those with no hope of bettering themselves, so they sold themselves into indenture in the armed forces. Bush is a mass murderer."

You know, this does sound like a Kerry campaign story...

[Former Military Chick]

Good news bump!

[fatidic]

I actually agree with you and celebrate with you the willingness of America's finest young men and women to be used to nation-build. I'm sure they actually meant to sign up for the Peace Corps in the first place and it makes no difference to any of them whether they are actually engaged in defense of our country, invading and occupying another country, or building infrastructure under fire in a hostle country which we all know was on the verge of attacking America. It's all the same noble cause and completely in America's best interests. I'm sure none of the families that are grieving painful losses actually object to any of these endeavors and think they are all equally valid reasons for going to war, etc., don't you agree? We need to just trust our Blasphemer-in-Chief and rally around the flag and believe everything he says and respect for his wisdom.

Besides all this, the Iraqis have shown a readiness to embrace democracy and the rule of law rather than the rule of might. They are the world's penultimate looters and their cruelty to each other and others is widely known and detested even among other Arabs. All this bodes well for their ability to control themselves and get along with all the factions. No need to use our military men and women to explain to them the basic concepts of democracy and rule of law and the meaning of human rights. So, I say, go for it neocons, but don't stop with Iraq. Any other oil rich country that needs learning a few lessons at the business end of tanks and gunships? Let's see, Iran's a go, but leave the Saudi's alone, in too tight with the Bushes, don't you know, so that can't be in America's interest.

All kidding aside, I pray every day for our troops to conduct themselves honorably, righteously and for their protection from evil and temptation. I pray God will turn the evil of the Bush war to good, but first America must repent of the

[Former Military Chick]

You gave a lot to think about and without a doubt your presentation can illicit less than kind remarks but I have decided at least try and respond.

You mention the Peace Corps? I am not certain if that is a smart remark for the sake of saying it. I say this because when I raised my hand to defend this country I did not think oops wrong service. Actually I come from a military family. My father first raised his hand at the USMA and then raised it again in the USAF, where he served until his death. We both served under different administrations, different ideology. But, we chose to remain for the love of our country and knowing always that war is a possibility. Not all families have the same support structure but I would say most that choose to serve have conveyed to loved ones that should they die, while in service to our country to celebrate their life. Which we both in some bizarre way agree on. I have also neglected to finish my military family. My husband, who also raised his hand, took the same oath, also served at the pleasure of 4 different Presidents and continues to serve, having returned from Iraq last summer. We have discussed the possibilities should he die in service to our country and he also would let us know he died doing something he loves and for the future of our country for our loved ones.

Families grieve. There are many who may have differing feelings of war, but, in the end, their loved one made this decision to join our military. Granted some choose for reasons far from war. Their reasons range from travel to a college education.

I can see that you do not choose to support this president. That is your right. Again, if those in the military share those same feelings they can certainly make the decision to separate from the military when their contract is completed. I suspect you might be surprised at how many military members and family members rally around the flag. It is a feeling that is very hard to describe. I am taking for granted that you did not choose to volunteer in the military and frankly that is your right and I hold nothing against a fellow American for choosing not to serve.

I agree with you on the Iraqi citizen has shown an eagerness to embrace democracy. It is a struggle. It will take time. There will be many that will find democracy a way of life they would like to do without. Many have only known life under Saddam, life without choices. I believe there are many who are embracing human rights. I say this based on facts. We can give them the tools, from there it will be up to them the direction their country goes.

This is a country of freedoms. You have the good fortune to write these things. We disagree on many things but we do agree to pray every day for men and women serving abroad as well as stateside.

[fatidic]

Dear Former Military Chick,

I see two issues that are near and dear to your heart. The first is your understandable loyalty and pride in our military and the basic American willingness to sacrifice their lives and limbs for the sake of strangers. Americans are a giving and basically decent people. We agree on this issue.

The second issue is whether Bush declared war on Iraq for just and constitutional reasons. It is so obvious that Bush has misused the military to harm them and Iraqi civilians and is using the military as one would employ the Peace Corp volunteers. There are just too many reasons to list here against invading, occupying and restructuring Iraq but the basic one is that Iraq did not pose a threat to America, though I am thankful that Saddam Hussein was dethroned.

Doesn't it bother you that Bush overlooked countries that posed a greater danger to America and also had provable strong ties to Al Qaida? Don't you see how political Bush's decisions have been? Clinton was a degenerate but Bush has the blood of thousands on his hands.

The military and their families want to believe that their sacrifice makes America safer and is for a just and necessary cause, but wishing doesn't make it so.

You may be surprised at all the benefits to the military that Bush has not supported and you may also be surprised at the widespread dissatisfaction among the military as they have processed their experiences in Iraq. Bush is a hypocrite and eventually enough will see him for what he is and reject him.

Cheers,

[No Longer Free State]

The second issue is whether Bush declared war on Iraq for just and constitutional reasons. It is so obvious that Bush has misused the military to harm them and Iraqi civilians and is using the military as one would employ the Peace Corp volunteers. There are just too many reasons to list here against invading, occupying and restructuring Iraq but the basic one is that Iraq did not pose a threat to America, though I am thankful that Saddam Hussein was dethroned.

Doesn't it bother you that Bush overlooked countries that posed a greater danger to America and also had provable strong ties to Al Qaida? Don't you see how political Bush's decisions have been? Clinton was a degenerate but Bush has the blood of thousands on his hands.

The military and their families want to believe that their sacrifice makes America safer and is for a just and necessary cause, but wishing doesn't make it so.

You may be surprised at all the benefits to the military that Bush has not supported and you may also be surprised at the widespread dissatisfaction among the military as they have processed their experiences in Iraq. Bush is a hypocrite and eventually enough will see him for what he is and reject him.

Cheers,

For all your self-important comments, you don't know a thing. What country would you have had us go after? Iran? Can't get there without a land base of operations and even then they've got the ability to close the straights of Hormuz with Silkworms, making prosecuting a war there logistically difficult, to say the least. Not to mention that none of the countries in that region that allowed us basing rights to take out Saddam would have helped us against Iran.

North Korea? Not while South Korea is working towards reconcilliation (with some success). We're doing what we can there with a multinational coalition imposing a blockade of sorts -- boarding vessels suspected of exporting weapons illegally.

Lybia? Not necessary. Diplomacy combined with the demonstration of our capabilities in Iraq is solving that problem.

Pakistan? They're our allies and we're helping them as much as their administration can politically allow us to?

Who else do you propose?

As for us being used -- ask us before you jump to that conclusion. We believe in what we're doing in Iraq. We don't need you dragging us down by dragging out your exaggerations and outright lies about what the administration did or said. No one lied to you. Now we're finding out the truth about Clark's and Wilson's lies about what happened & when are debunking your strongest arguments for that series of distortions. Even the reports Sandy Burglar stole disprove Clark's allegations in his book. The blood in Iraq is on the hands of Saddam Hussein, his former henchmen, and the terrorists who have moved there in his wake.

You see, you can't put blood on the hands of the president without putting it on ours, too. You lefties just don't understand that. Distorting our purpose and mission (one we're proud of) for your political means removes any legitimacy of claims you can possibly have for 'supportin our troops', no matter how much you privately pray for their well-being. The two activities work at cross purposes.

As to wha twe believe about making the country safer -- yes, thinking it does make it so when we think it because of an informed opinion based on our own experiences and those of our dearest friends instead of what we read on the NYT editorial page.

Don't try to poison us with claims that Bush doesn't support us, because we know better. Even a Republican conservative president can't afford to give us every benefit he would like. Even then, there are benefits for veterans the administration has proposed that they can't get past the Democrats in the Senate. Yet. Nevertheless, we know that what Bush will provide will far outstrip anything we'll get from the alternative.

And don't tell me about what I'd be suprised about from those in the military, either. I have contacts in every corner of it. Yes there are a few disgruntled servicemembers, but they are a minority. I'm sure you're the one who would be suprised.

Cheers yourself

[Former Military Chick]

I suspect we will have to eventually agree to disagree. Going round and round on a subject that we each find equally important is an excellent exercise in debate. In the end I doubt we will sway the other to see things the way we hope we would have achieved through out posts.

Yes, Americans have a willingness to sacrifice their lives and limbs for the sake of strangers. This has gone on before I came on this earth and continue after I exit this earth. But we agree Americans are decent people.

As for Bush, I have my own questions and concerns. I have never thought of myself as a puppet and certainly will find a way to always do the right thing. It is my belief that our President had faith in those that briefed him and that his decision to invade Iraq was not a decision in haste. In the end Iraq may not have posed a threat but as you I am thankful Saddam was removed from power. For me to say that, in the end supports this war. My biggest concern the end game. No matter how hard our military planners try to anticipate all angles in the end there will be areas missed. I have been upset about this. However, I do see the end in site and I am very thankful. When our last military member leaves Iraq, I would be most happy to have an AAR, we may learn a lot from that.

There are many countries that I would love to see change. That have many of the same ills as Iraq. But, we are not responsible for everyone. If they need our help I certainly would not shirk my responsibility.

I have not used that word to describe Clinton but I can see how it fits. I may not have agreed with him but I hoped he would have the best interest of our country.

Frankly it would not surprise me on benefits Bush did not support. I can say with certainty I have been more upset with those I have elected to Congress. They talk a good talk but when I review their voting record it is by far less then what they committed to when I gave them my vote.

As for the dissatisfaction with the military and their dependents here is where we part, while I am sure we each can find someone to stand strong in support of each of our position. In the end, I do know several who are in service to our country that disagree with the President and who will make the choice to separate when their contract is up. I salute them for their service and respect their point of view. I am not sure what the election will bring, but, in the end I do know one thing for certain the American people will have spoken and I will respect the outcome.

[fatidic]

I am a Reagan-loving conservative to the core. Do you call those who disagree with you "lefties" because you can't imagine or don't understand their reasons for seeing situations differently than you do?

You said Bush didn't lie to me, but he did lie to us when he said he would not engage in nation-building during his campaign. Do you remember him saying this on several occasions?

Do you really believe that Bush invaded and occupied Iraq as a last resort? Many people read Bush correctly before 9/11 and knew that he wanted to topple Saddam Hussein and would find a "justification" for doing so. Doesn't it trouble you that he has put no pressure on Saudi Arabia whatsoever despite its strong, provable ties to terrorism, esp. AQ, and instead went right for Iraq? How does that make sense?

War should always be a last resort. I'm sorry that you think our troops are properly used in dying as they build schools and roads and teach classes on democracy to Iraqis. I don't wish the Iraqis harm, but they are not worth the human cost of invading and occupying their country.

You may feel safer walking the streets in America because America has killed off thousands of Iraqis but ask yourself or someone wiser why that should be so. Then don't call them names or get weired out if they tell you something that creates cognitive dissonance in your brain. It's good to be exposed to different points of view.

Cheers,

[No Longer Free State]

I'm sorry that you think our troops are properly used in dying as they build schools and roads and teach classes on democracy to Iraqis.

You still don't get it. Your pompousity gets in the way. We DO believe that what we are doing IS worth it. Some of us believe in more than sitting at home on our fat butts while the world goes to hell.

And don't condescend to me. I don't need anyone wiser, and certainly not someone as ignorant as you, to tell me what I do does make this country safer because I've seen it myself. Educate yourself on what we really think before you dare to talk for us again.

[fatidic]

Chill dude. You seem a bit overwrought.

Cheers,

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Our brave and honorable troops have been doing awesome work in Iraq, and Afghanistan.

I have never been prouder to be an American. I'm grateful to God for continuing to protect our troops daily, grateful that stubborn facts will stand, that so many others looked beyond the "news" for the truth about the cruel history of this deceitful enemy - and discovered - following the daily work of our troops - true valor, kindness, strength, courage - and faith.