Posted on 06/22/2005 5:14:25 PM PDT by SandRat
Deployed soldiers assigned to the 256th Brigade Combat Team
celebrate a special Father's Day.CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, June 22, 2005 — On Sept. 28, 1949, a child was born in Stonewall, La., with a type of bone cancer never cured by doctors.
He was unable to walk and his skeleton could not support his body. His parents carried him around on a pillow for the first two-and-a-half years of his life, until the day he became a part of medical history.
Destined for great things since birth, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert S. Baker survived, and now serves as chaplain for the 256th Brigade Combat Team.
In honor of Chaplain Baker, Brig. Gen. John Basilica Jr., from Baton Rouge, La., commander of the 256th Brigade Combat Team, officially made Father’s Day “Chaplain Robert S. Baker Jr. Day.”
His parishioners surprised Baker at a noon mass held at the Tigerland Chapel on Camp Liberty.
During the service, they gave him several gifts. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Natasha L. McZeal with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 256th, read a letter from home written by Mrs. Baker that depicted the life of her son.
The highlight of the ceremony came when Capt. Samuel James, an ordained minister and youth pastor for the Elm Grove Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, La., washed Baker’s feet.
The ritualistic washing of the feet dates back to biblical time when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet at the last supper. It has become one the highest honors given to members of the cloth. It is not given feely; therefore, it is rarely witnessed.
It was an event that left Baker openly weeping and very emotional.
“It is a humbling experience and an honor to perform the ritual,” said, James.
The 256th also showed a video presentation which paid tribute to Baker’s life.
Five father-and-son teams from the 256th Brigade Combat Team also celebrated this Father’s Day at the Tiger Den Dining Facility. The staff prepared a special meal and a cake fit for the occasion.
On this day, in this combat zone, war stories were not told. The families only brought up childhood memories, and some sent those around the table laughing.
“I was the only child in my neighborhood who had to pay an electricity bill,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Peter Moss, from Anacoco, La., with B Company, 199th Forward Support Group, 256th Brigade Combat Team.
“It was fitting punishment for leaving the lights on in the house,” came the quick rebuttal from his father, Master Sgt. John Moss from Leesville, La., with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 256th Brigade Combat Team.
Several years ago, Peter asked John what he wanted for Father’s Day.
“All I want is for you to cook a meal for me-that’s it,” John told him.
Ever since, Peter continues to ask the same question with the same response from John. Without fail, Peter buys a gift for his father every year instead of making him dinner.
“Again this year, here in Iraq, Peter dodges cooking for me again,” said John.
PING
Um ... do they still carry him around on a pillow? Did I miss what happened in between then and now?
Nice Father's Day stories :)
Yes, weak intro indeed. Like an onramp to NO freeway. hahah.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.