FReeper Canteen ~ Guest Military Chaplain ~ MAR 14 2004

Chaplain Jay Padgett from Mosul, Iraq

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Welcome to
The FReeper Canteen

Today's Spiritual Journey takes us to the

234th Signal Battalion Iowa National Guard

Chaplain Padgett was assigned to the unit in the
Kentucky National Guard that FReeper Old Sarge is.
When the 234th Signal Battalion
of the Iowa National Guard was sent to Iraq
he was assigned to them because they had no Chaplain.
He was due home this month but has been extended until Aug 2004.

Chaplain Padgett’s Comments for 12 March 2004 Last Saturday, March 6, I went with 40 Alpha and Charlie Company soldiers to a village about 30 minutes south of Mosul. Our military convoy included nine vehicles, my assistant, an interpreter, two print journalists and one broadcast journalist from the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment from the Task Force Olympia Public Affairs Office and 63 boxes of donations and supplies. The Buwayr Village is named for a nearby well that is no longer in use. The sheik was not at home, but his son graciously welcomed us. According to Ahmed Ali Akob, the sheik’s cousin, the land, owned and inhabited by 100 villagers and lots of animals, is used mostly for growing barley and wheat and was purchased from the Ottoman government nearly 300 years ago. As we entered the village, the mud huts that made up the majority of homes instantly intrigued me. I asked how long these structures would typically last and was surprised by the answer: 30 to 40 years. Captain Dan Smith (Alpha company commander), Sergeant First Class Doug Johnson, Specialist Zach Thein and myself were invited to have tea with seven men of the village. They had left their sandals and shoes at the front door; we wore our combat boots and were assured that we were not being disrespectful. There was no furniture in the front room except for a small couch and two chairs that were pushed against a wall. We sat on a large beautiful Persian rug that covered nearly all the floor space. For comfort, vibrant colorful pillows lined the walls in which we could rest and recline. Overhead, just below the ceiling and lining the four walls, hung photographs - all were men. Most were black and white photos of ancestral leaders, including the sheik’s grandfather, all looked to me very stereotypically Arabic - with either mustaches or beards and wearing traditional head coverings. As I gazed around the room looking at the portraits, I couldn’t help but think that I was sitting in a place of honor. Maybe I was reading too much into the experience. Specialist Thein brought clarity to the moment by asking, “Would you have ever thought in a million years that we would sitting in a place like this drinking tea?” The answer was no, I couldn’t have even imagined an experience like this last year. One of the younger men poured hot tea into small clear glass cups and distributed them with the help of the others. We chatted, with the help of our interpreter Mohammed; they shared with us about the history of the area and voiced village concerns related to issues such as water and electricity. Finally, Captain Smith and I agreed that our legs were going to sleep and gratefully the session ended and we went outside. There were two soldiers from the Public Affairs office waiting to speak to the Akob; ironically, he had just left a room full of men to be interviewed and video taped by two female journalists. He told them he was very appreciative of our service and emphasized the village was friends of the U.S. Before we left, I had my picture taken with him. He grabbed my hand and held it; it was a nice personal touch that I appreciated. The visit to the Buwayr Village to meet and interact with its leaders and children worth was the trip to Iraq. And now, a week later after the successful humanitarian mission to the Buwayr Village, I think of the eleven men in the room: seven representing the village, four representing the 234th Signal Battalion; seven representing Iraq, four representing the United States of America. But most importantly, there were eleven men representing cooperation and hope. I am grateful to my God and Nation that I had the opportunity to be one of the eleven. For God and Country, Chaplain Jay Padgett from Mosul, Iraq - Psalm 23:4

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Hi Kathy!
*HUG*

[Kathy in Alaska]

To our Military -

Thank you for protecting us. Sleep well and safe. May you be protected.
May your families' hearts be at ease.

Thank you to our Allies.

********************* To those of our Military and Allies who lost their lives in this past week - May your souls rest in peace. May your families be comforted. May your/our country remember.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Good evening, Tonk, and everyone!
How's everyone doing tonight?
Thank you all so much for your warm welcome last night!
Ms.B

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Good Evening!
Hope all is well with you and yours.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

We're always here for those who have family members like Scott in the military.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Thank you Tonk, we are well, and hope the same for you!
I spoke with Scott's wife, Tammy tonight...
she's having a bit of a tough time..
Ms.B

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Is she online?
You should tell her about the Canteen.

[SevenofNine]

Well latest from Russia about Russia fire they think now it might been electrical fire according to Tass news wire tonight

Also there another report UK Telegraph reporting that Britaan might send people to Russia ask Russian election agency did anybody was turn away from the poll yeah they going get straight answer ont hat YEAH RIGHT

[StarCMC]

And it's not as far away as the YO Ranch....!

LOL! We must be gluttons for punishment. We're leaving on the 24th thru 28th and going to Big Bend National Park. We figure that'll take us about 18 hours drive each way to get there. And then we're gonna ride motorcycles around the place for the two days in between.... Anybody have any "Anti Monkey Butt" powder?? LOL!!!

[SevenofNine]

Well report from UK Guardian reporting thattt US send in special force to help on Africa part of war on terror WHOA

And another report Dubya did call new Spain PM Told him even the loss of his friend former Spain PM He want do business according to Sky news right now

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thank you, Goddess, for A Call to Prayer.

Through G-d we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies. Psalms 60:12

[Kathy in Alaska]

Cool.....dinner with a fireplace. Thanks men in the Military and the Canteen.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hey there! How's today been? "Kids" having fun? LOL! My day has been start multiple projects, complete none. *HUG* I really must complete at least one.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Kitties" had a fun day!
And all 3 inside.
momma asleep on my lap
She spent all day on back porch, except once when she was at front door. LOL
Dog and Goat love the company on run-a-muck and sylvester.
*HUG*

[SevenofNine]

Well it true Godzilla retiring do you find weird that of all cities Godzilla destroy beside Tokyo he going destroy Paris France

TOO CLASSIC

Also NY Times reporting at this hour that Mel Gibson the Passion of Christ going probably top Titanic when this movie be sold to Latin America countries and Europe
And another report from NY Times is reporting that some in Hollywood are asking ahhhh are we forgetting some segement of population

YEAH

[Bethbg79]

Talking Heads

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Good Evening Bethbg79!

[StarCMC]

Woo-hoo!! And She Was is my fave from the album! (How did you know??)

Hey Sarge! Get in here -- Bethy's playing Talking Heads!! (IT's David Byrne's birthday!)

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I have told her..
She is unable to join us this evening..
I have a feeling that once she does,she will feel much better..
She's a young Mom, and this is the first time Scott has been away...
Ms.B