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

[StarCMC]

Thank him for me, too Sarge. A friend's pastor is in the Army Reserves and was called up to Iraq as a chaplain. He's now back, but still mobilized at Ft. Knox. It's so good to know those guys are there when you soldiers need 'em!

Read Psalm 91. It's perfect!

[Soaring Feather]

WOO HOO John!!!! Good to hear from you. God's speed to you and all coming home.

[StarCMC]

[StarCMC]

Hey TX!! (HUGS!) Stay safe and keep us posted!

[SevenofNine]

Well there remember that story I hear on fox news if you watch it that Anaan son connect to oil for food scandel involving Saddam regime well SUnday UK Telegraph so busting the Anana son over there claim that UN look other way

And we wont' find out who won Russian presidential election until perhaps March 25 YEAH RIGHT sooner or that if I nail Tas news wire

Also another report some human rights group in England is urging Blair not cooperate Blair is run smack chat on Dubya right now behind the scene over Brits citizen being treated badly at Camp X-Ray in Guarmaina bay according to Sunday UK OBserver he think that DUbya govt should release Brit ciitenz long time ago to Brit custory now some of them are telling horrible story and Fleet Street totally run smack chat on us

Well that Fleet Street job one of Brit paper UK Sunday Times running smack chat

[Old Sarge]

Greetings, Canteeners, Troops,
and All the Ships at Sea!

Sarge is off watch for a day or two. And just about to turn in for the night.

But the time here wouldn't be complete, without thanking the Canteen Staff for including CPT Padgett's contributions. He's doing yeoman's work over there, and is bearing up to the extensions with faith.

As must we all.

I may or may not be checking in tomorrow, as it promises to be quite busy and schedule-packed at the Home Detachment. I've come to the conclusion, that I go to work to get some rest...

I'll check in if I can, but FReepmail always reaches me, eventually.

Happy Sunday, Everyone!

SARGE

[SevenofNine]

Well guess who open his piehole he think that Peace plan with Israel would fail he think Bibi Nethauuyu according to Hareetz wire he saying that Israel giving way too many land for peace

Also earler poll by INterfax wire take place between election in Russia has Vlad leading poll and another report off UK Sunday Telegraph that Blair is saying despite what oppostion think he keep war on terror with US

RACK TONY

And there another person totally agains war on Terror with Iraq
Queen husband Prince phil
SHUT UP
He said there is no WMD in Iraq

SHUT UP PHIL

[Kathy in Alaska]

Last story from Iraq. Flight got delayed until the 19th so I'm out at BIAP enjoying doing nothing! Enjoy. John

Hi, John. Thanks for your service to America. Prayers sent for your success and safety.
Waiting for your flight on the 19th!!

Hi, John....thanks for letting us know your status. We were hoping no news meant you were on a plane. ohioWfan's son is in Kuwait, as is HopeandGlory's DIL. They too, are soon for home. Will you have computer access for the duration of your wait?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good night and sleep well, Sarge. Thanks for helping keep Kentucky and the US of A safe. And thanks for helping honor our military, past and present. ((HUGS))

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Tonk.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good night and sleep well, Tonkin. God bless you good for your service to our country, both those years ago, and now in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Canteen. *HUG* Good night to momma cat, run-a-muck, and Sylvester.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayers for our troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
for a safe and peaceful week ahead.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Wishing all our Jewish troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
a peaceful and prosperous week.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Amazing Grace

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thank you, ms feather, for the Canteen Blessing for the Troops.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Sunday to you, here. Thank you for helping honor our troops.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy 29th, Mr and Mrs HiJinx!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mr S, for the Bible lesson.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good job, Spain. The terrorists want you to quit. Not gonna happen.

[E.G.C.]

Good morning, Old Sarge. How's it going?

And a very pleasant good morning to everyone at the Freeper Canteen and to all of our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your continued service to oru country.

OSU takes on texas for the Big 12 Torunament Championship today at 2 PM in Dallas. Good luck to both teams and may the best team win.