Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq and Afghanistan

by Jane Hampton Cook

  Whether thugs attempting to steal freedom away, terrorists enacting barbaric behavior or the examples that Mike shares over the next few days, the truth of where these acts come from remains.

  Prayer:

  The acts result from the state of the heart. The inner man must be examined. Our thoughts and speech, as well as every act is an overflowing from the heart.

  “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries.” (Mark 7:21)

  September 30

  MISSION #1 PROTECTION/MEDEVAC

  Mike Meoli, SEAL, U.S. Navy, and Government Contractor

  A taxi from Baghdad approached our front gate. Unknown to the gate guards, he was carrying one of our translators. He was ordered to slow down. When he didn’t comply he was forcefully ordered to stop and get out of his vehicle. In panic he floored his accelerator pedal thinking it was the brake causing his vehicle to lurch forward toward the gate. Appropriately, the gate guards fired eight 5.56 caliber rounds into the taxi.

  The vehicle veered off into a field and came to a stop. Miraculously, no one inside was seriously injured by the gunfire. After the vehicle and both Iraqis were searched it was determined that the driver made a near fatal mistake but it was not deliberate.

  If the guards were bloodthirsty, they could have continued to fire their weapons until they were sure that both Iraqis were dead. But they are professionals and they followed their current ROEs (Rules of Engagement) until the car was not a threat and then safely reassessed the situation.

  But that’s not the end of the story. After tending to some minor wounds of our translator, I noticed the elderly Taxi cab driver was holding his chest with a clenched fist. I gave our translator a series of questions to ask and found the man was experiencing severe pressure on the left side of his chest radiating to his left shoulder and arm. He had an irregular pulse. After putting him on our EKG monitor I found him in a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm and determined he was in the beginning stages of a heart attack. Because he was outside our gates there was no legal reason to treat him. If we had hatred in our hearts, we could have let him suffer for his mistake and die. But we were not on a dangerous convoy, and there were no hostiles approaching, and we do not have hatred in our hearts.

  So we brought him into our compound and put him on oxygen, and I administered several doses of nitroglycerin, started an IV, and gave him morphine and other appropriate drugs based on his changing condition. And we packaged him for flight, and called in an American Dust-off MEDEVAC Crew. I flew with him to the closest Combat Surgical Hospital.

  For twenty-four hours he received the same high level of medical care that any American soldier would have received. Eventually, the hospital staff turned him over to an Iraqi ambulance when he was stable, and he was given American medications to take home. Although it was completely his fault and our guards did exactly the right thing, an American Civil Affairs officer is tracking the cab driver to help him process his claim to get his taxi cab repaired or replaced.

  One week later, he returned for his cab, and he made it very clear that he doesn’t hate us either.

  Prayer:

  Father, let me hate what you hate and love what you love. Give my heart your compassion and my soul your peace.

  ‘Do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,’ declares the Lord.’” (Zechariah 8:17)

  October 1

  MISSION #2: CIVIL AFFAIRS

  Mike Meoli, SEAL, U.S. Navy, and Government Contractor

  Iraq is an agrarian country where you find many farmers and shepherds. Most shepherds are nomads and live like the Bedouins who still roam between all Arab countries. Some own land and stay in one place. It is important for our own safety and theirs that we get to know all of our neighbors.

  A few days ago, the son of a local shepherd came to our front gate and reported that the dogs had returned home but not the father. Subsequently they found some of the sheep outside a nearby abandoned Ammunition Supply Point (ASP). The ASP was not secure and is full of live unexploded ordinance (UXO).

  Fearing the worst, the son asked us to help find his father.

  Our officer in charge of security carefully considered the risk and asked our input, and we decided to form a search party to find him in the ASP. We found the body of the shepherd directly adjacent to a small crater, which was obviously caused by the detonation of a relatively small UXO.

  We used a technique to roll him onto his back from a remote location in case the body was booby-trapped with an IED (improvised explosive device). On close examination we determined that in addition to entering a dangerous restricted area, the shepherd had obviously been tampering with the UXO, which led to his own demise.

  There were no morbid jokes. If we were callous and uncivilized, we could have left the body for the dogs and wolves. No one would know. If we were barbarians with hatred in our hearts we could have done things barbarians do to bodies, which perpetuates more hatred.

  Because we are professionals, we carefully documented and retained his personal possessions for his family, and we contained his remains in a coroners pouch; and we placed that in an American body bag.

  Because we don’t have hatred in our hearts, we took our translator out to the family to notify them of the death and to provide grief support. They specifically requested to see the remains of their loved one. So we prepared them for what they would see and then we brought them in and respectfully showed them. Then we presented the intact right hand of the shepherd for them to touch and caress. We waited with them while they prayed Muslim prayers (even as some of us were praying silent Christian ones). Finally, the U.S. Army expedited the arrival of the local Iraqi Police authorities so that they could bury the remains before sunset, which is their tribal custom.

  Prayer:

  You know my heart God, and I know what you want of my heart. Teach me to be broken and contrite. Prevent hatred from entering the space I reserve for you.

  “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

  October 2

  MISSION #3: INTERDICTION OPERATION

  Mike Meoli, SEAL, U.S. Navy, and Government Contractor

  On March 31, 2004, the same day that the four Blackwater operators were murdered in Fallujah and their bodies were desecrated, I was activated to patrol with a Quick Response Force (QRF). We were summoned to the same ASP where we found the body of the shepherd except this time we had to go much farther in where the UXO was so thick it was like a carpet.

  In past weeks in the same area we encountered handfuls of looters who either scrap for metal or ordinance, which they sell. When they sell intact ordinance it is used for only one purpose the base charge for the IEDs (improvised explosive devices), which blow someone up everyday from here to Israel. In each of the previous instances we searched and detained the individuals and turned them over to the US Army.

  On this day there were fifteen looters found, and then there were twenty, and then twenty more, and soon there were more than one hundred. We started with only eight of us “contractor” operators and three regular Army Infantry soldiers. Two of the Army soldiers found themselves isolated with over fifty looters. They asked for our immediate assistance, so we split off two three-man teams and patrolled in on foot.

  From a distance across all the UXO at least two of the looters shot at us with AK-47s, which were extinguished by immediate suppressive fire. Eventually, my team converged on the two soldiers in the middle of the ASP along with various other looters we apprehended on the way in. After adding our looters to the mix, we were then managing 148 looters.

  Because we were carrying more than 250 rounds of ammunition each, we could have lined them up and shot every one of them. Or we could have forced them to walk back through a minefield or any number of unspeakably worse things that have been done in this country by their previ
ous government. But that is not the American way, and that is not the model of behavior we wish to perpetuate here or take back home with us. So we kept firm order and discipline and carefully searched each of them. And then we placed them along a safe road out of the UXO.

  When we were sure that everyone was safe, and we knew exactly where the arriving U.S. Army would meet us, we formed them in disciplined columns and carefully marched them out of the ASP.

  We returned that night to our FOB, and we heard the news of the fate of our brothers in Fallujah and saw films of their charred remains hanging on a public bridge and people screaming with jubilation.

  Prayer:

  Father, help me reflect your love in a place where evil rejoices over death and turmoil.

  “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44)

  October 3

  DANIEL IN THE LION’S DEN

  Maj. John Croushorn, MD (retired veteran)

  We were returning from Najaf and headed to the Polish Base three miles north of Al Hillah to refuel. The flight day was half over. We would refuel and then fly north to Baghdad to conduct our last mission before returning to Balad.

  We shut down once we landed. There were American MEDEVAC birds stationed there and a couple of large Polish helicopters. To refuel at most bases we would keep the engines running, here we had to shut all the way down. It was a needed break.

  We walked up the hill to the left, past living quarters to the main road through the base. And there before us were the reproduction of the Ishtar Gates. They were tall and blue. This was the focus for the Polish division’s drive from the south. While the rest went for lunch in the dining facility, I followed one of the pilots through the gates and into the courtyard beyond. We met an old archaeologist that offered to show us around.

  As we walked I was struck by the history. “This is where Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den… . This is the Street of Processions… . This is the Great Throne Room.” It was amazing to be near the ancient history of our faith.

  I was tired and hot; the nature of war kept us very busy. Sometimes that busyness precluded the time I longed for in my own thoughts and reading in the Bible. I would begin to feel distant from my faith in those times, but the reality of Daniel and his trust in God was made more real by this place. It was a needed encouragement.

  I recorded stories and prayers for our children and would send them home from time to time. That night I read from Daniel 6:6–28. It is the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. I then described what it looked like today. I want their faith to be as real as Daniel’s.

  Prayer:

  Father, you are the living God and you endure forever! Your kingdom will never be destroyed. Your dominion will never end. You rescue and save! You are worthy to be praised even when I fear the worst has come upon me.

  “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. ‘For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’” (Daniel 6:26–27)

  An MH-60 Blackhawk from Task Force 185 Aviation takes off on a mission from Balad, Iraq

  October 4

  GOD IS A STRONG TOWER

  Maj. John Croushorn, MD (retired veteran)

  It was late in the evening. It had been another hot long day, but one in which I was able to return to the relative comfort of my trailer. As I lay there, bright lights cast moving shadows through my window. The shadow of my blinds moved up the wall. Out the window I could see the flare floating down. It was not far away. I stepped outside to get a better look.

  My trailer was behind tall Texas t-barriers that protected us from direct fire. The flare was just south of us. A second flare opened and began floating down. Then the obvious struck me. One reason flares are shot is to identify the enemy. We didn’t see visible light flares much because of our night vision devices.

  The flares should have been my warning. Suddenly fire erupted just over the wire. A firefight ensued. Tracers raced overhead. Two small explosions, automatic gun fire. Then as quickly as it began it ended. I was still standing there. I was surprised that I had not felt my heart racing or been overcome with the urge to run for cover. Perhaps it was because I was tired. Maybe it was because I knew I was behind the protection of those t-barriers. I went back into my trailer and crawled back in bed.

  One thought came to mind. “Strong tower, He is a strong tower.” Just as those t-barriers provided for a measure of safety, ultimately God is my strong tower, protecting me from the dangers this life holds.

  Prayer:

  Abba, you are my strong tower. I run to you in my fear and uncertainty. I know I am safe in your arms. Safe from my enemies, safe from myself.

  “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

  Pilots and crew with Task Force 185 Aviation after landing in Mosul, August 2004

  Author, Maj. John Croushorn, during a mission in 2004

  October 5

  EXPLOSIONS ALL AROUND

  Maj. John Croushorn, MD (retired veteran)

  It was a beautiful night for a run. The sand in our part of Iraq was like talcum powder. You cold smell it in the air. It made for some spectacular sunsets. It was still too hot for a comfortable run, but after a few months of acclimating to the midday heat, the evening air felt refreshing.

  I jogged down the road that paralleled our side of the airfield. It was a mile from where I lived to the corner where an Iraqi T-55 tank set. I would run down and turn around and run back. I was on my second lap having just turn around at the tank when I saw the flash.

  It was big and beautiful. White Phosphorous (WP or “Willie Pete”) burns without oxygen. It burns hot. The explosions are unique in that the fragments of white phosphorous arc away from the point of impact they glow brightly and leave white trails of smoke.

  The most immediate thought I had was that the blast landed near my trailer. I’m the doc for that area, and I’m a mile away on foot. I ran harder and prayed that no one was hurt. Across the airfield I could see another explosion. It was distant but bright. Since when did the enemy start shooting WP at us?

  The round had not injured anyone on our side of the base, but the round that hit the other side had scored a direct hit on one of our TOCs (Tactical Operations Center), and several guys were burned pretty bad.

  Life is so frail. In the midst of a beautiful sunset, those rounds dropped in and wounded good soldiers. That night we returned to the fight. The TOC’s operations were up and running within an hour. Life went on. War went on.

  Prayer:

  Father God, you are so good. Help me see how frail this life is. Help me remember that we are dust. Let me use my days to honor and fear you oh God. Keep your righteousness with my children’s children.

  “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” (Psalm 103:13–18)

  October 6

  LIFE CHANGES QUICKLY FAITH DOES NOT

  Col. Jim Phillips, Physician

  I saw more people killed in Iraq than in Afghanistan. Part of it was the role I played. Just seeing fresh casualties when they came in was a difficult thing. One night there were four guys that came in after an IED attack. They arrived at a typical random time unexpectedly. Each of them probably died the instant the IED detonated, as terrible damage had been done to their bodies.

  It is hard to describe ho
w sudden and devastating the loss of four young men can be. They were all in the prime of life. We learned later that one had just been commissioned out of ROTC. They were here one day, driving in their vehicle. And then a moment later, they were gone.

  I think the abruptness and non-subtle way that events transpired was an eye opener for me. These experiences did not weaken my faith but strengthened it. I wondered how others went through the experience without faith. It was a lot of emotion and mental tragedy to wade through. Faith provided protection that is difficult to describe. My faith did not provide a reason why bad things happened. It did allow me to get to the point of accepting that there are some things I will not be able to figure out.

  Life and especially war will not always make sense. God doesn’t promise that everything will make sense, or that he will be predictable. I do know that believing that God was larger than the events happening around me, gave me a sense of control. His control. It allowed me the freedom to have to trust God’s control of what was happening around me.

  Prayer:

  You are the God of all comfort. Please give your comfort, solace, encouragement, joy, strength, peace and assurance to those still grieving the loss of a loved one, close friend, or fellow soldier.

  Jim Phillips is a physician and soldier. In 2003 he led the 2nd battalion of the 20th Special Forces Group (2/20 SFG) to Afghanistan. He was the Battalion commander. He has also served in Iraq. There he worked as a physician with the 1st Cavalry Division. Both missions served important roles in the war on terror. Both experiences gave him a deeper perspective on war and faith.