Hey, this is my first blog while in country.
I've been outside the wire from my FOB a couple of times now visiting the Paratroopers of my battalion. I'm not sure what I had completely thought about Baghdad prior to my arrival. I was mentally and spiritually prepared for the danger that I have to face, but I wasn't prepared to see the level of poverty that is ubiquitous.
Since we are next to Sadr City, the slums of Baghdad, I get to see some of the worst. My Battalion Commander told me he has seen people living in make-shift tents with people huddled together from the cold only in blankets. People here are everywhere (like 2 of 7 million) and many have next to nothing. You could imagine how bad guys like to manipulate vulernable people.
Since it's urban, it reminds me of like, the 19th Century wild west . . . except with bongo trucks and satalite dishes. There is garbage and squalor everywhere. The main streets are paved with macadem, and dirt as roads everwhere else. Donkey-pulled carts, sheep, and dogs are everywhere too. Little trenches line between the one level buildings that people use as plumbing.
My Commander asked me to touch base with friends from home as he is, and request "humanitarian aid" for us to make a difference in some of the lives of Iraqi people in our area of operations. Humanitary Aid would consist of school supplies for children: the ordinary stuff of pencils, paper, backpacks, etc. Basics of educational supplies, toys in good condition, or hygiene products would be very welcome. It's important for me not to go into much more detail than this on line, but if you email me at chaplain67@gmail.com, I will give you as much information as I can. I'll say this though. This is a very unique opportunity for a Chaplain in a war zone. I invite you to help me and my unit as we make a difference for the people of Baghdad.
Airborne, All the Way, H-Minus,
Paul
