Chaplains do good works for Iraqi neighbors

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shaun Emery
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  While Air Force chaplains deployed here are called to serve their fellow Airmen, a higher calling compels them to serve everyone, on or off the base.

Humanitarian missions provide chaplains with an avenue to enrich the lives of Iraqis as well as the Airmen here, said Chaplain (Capt.) Charles Seligman of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.

“It helps our (Airmen) see the bigger picture outside the wire,” he said. “They’ll find out that there’s more going on than the day to day of their specific job (here). They’re part of something bigger than just themselves or their job.

“Hopefully, the Iraqi citizens realize that we are not here as an occupation force,” the chaplain said. “We’re here for the sake of freedom that we want to pass onto them. It gives them a sense of American values.”

Traveling to local villages can be dangerous, but chaplains here said they are going on these missions without blinking because they understand the importance of reaching out to the Iraqis.

“We know the reality of the situation,” Chaplain Seligman said. “We are reminded all the time we’re in a combat zone, but (we are also here) to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. There’s a freedom and sense of liberty in knowing that we have people all around us, protecting us.”

Doing good works will help improve relations with Iraqis, said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Dave Wilshek of the 332nd AEW.

“Our mission helps the mission of the wing,” he said. “We’re out there spreading good will among the people to win the hearts and minds of present and future generations. If the children understand we are here to help, in the long run they will be less likely to see us as adversaries.”

Off the base, Airmen wear two hats, or as Chaplain Seligman said, two gloves.

“They see us two ways,” he said. “We show the iron glove as gun trucks and guys with weapons head off base, showing the Iraqi people that we mean business. But the velvet glove aspect to what we do can be seen in the humanitarian missions. It’s the softer side of what America is all about.

“There is great strength in that softer side,” he said. “Hopefully that side is gaining more support for what we are doing here every day.”