Humanitarian Aid

picture taken from inside of a blackhawk helicopter by David Fulton

Friends;

My life continues to be interesting. As many of you know I have long been interested in impacting the Iraqi civilian population. In order to do that I have been visiting with folk in the CA (Civil Affairs) community of the Army. One bright young Captain (I will not name people in something posted online for security reasons) understood my vision. She offered to fly me to a truly poor area of Iraq that is run by the Marines. It would be a long hard journey that would take over a week to accomplish so we talked further. What I am truly interested in is establishing a process whereby humanitarian aid can flow from faith communities to people in Iraq on a continuing basis. Aha, she said, you need to talk to the PRT, (Provincial Recontruction Team). This team is run by the U.S. State Department and it deals with building capacity or building processes that will enable Iraqi's to govern themselves. This led me to meet with a Lt. Commander from the Navy who is a PRT member in charge of working for the Rule of Law and Women's rights. She has been working with a women in Mosul who is running a women's center that seeks to empower women to function in the civic life of Iraq. I am meeting with that woman on Monday! The Lt. Commander suggested I meet with the USAID coordinator for Northern Iraq. This I did. His name is Dr. Ron. He was tremendously excited about my ideas of creating a pathway for humanitarian aid in Iraq. He is planning a conference for September that will seek to build bridges for Iraq. He asked me to participate in the conference. He believes that an Interfaith Non Government Organization (NGO) could be a pathway for helping the people of Iraq. I find this tremendously exciting and see it very much as a possiblity for making peace as relgious communities in this war torn country. Please, pray for the success of these efforts, and for peace in this place!

DAVE

The Big L

You know...some pictures need no words. This one however, needs an explanation. The "L" is for Lutheran not for Loser. I just about died laughing when this one came over the wire. Hope you all enjoy it. He said the St. Paul's folks would appreciate it!

Peace...Heidi

three hats

Hello all. This is Heidi. Dad sent me a few pics this morning and I will try to post them throughout the week. These are his three hats. The first one is his 8 point hat (I'm sure if I can coount all 8 points). He wears this one the most often. The second is his kevlar he must wear anytime they are outside of the wire. The third is a light weight "boony". I have no idea where that word cames from, but its very popular due to the heat. We all have different hats, whether its mother, father. friend, pastor, doctor, or soldier. Not many of us have those hats sitting on the desk to look at everyday.

kirkuk adventure

Friends:

Travel in Iraq is an adventure. I was scheduled to fly on a Chinoock Helicopter from COB Speicher to FOB Marez. First of all, the flight was delayed two hours due to weather. We were supposed to take off at 9:30 pm and ended up taking off at 11:30 pm. The weather problem was a dust storm. The helicopter was packed with people and equipment. We flew to our first stop and then to our second stop. Everyone on board was kind of in a daze due to the heat and the close quarters. When we landed at our second stop, Kirkuk, the aircraft commander came out and said they were having engine problems and we would have to exit the aircraft. So here we go, all in our body armor which is required to fly in Iraq, on a runway somewhere in Iraq. We waited for two hours on the runway until they said we would have to stay the night in Kirkuk. Helicopters always fly in two ship formations in Iraq. Our second aircraft was a Blackhawk helicopter. We packed into the blackhawk and flew to the passenger terminal where we met a bus that took us to a tent where we sepnt the night. We got to sleep at abut 4:00 am. It was a short night. This flight delay reminded me of life in Alaska where travel was often delayed a day or two. My commander and senior chief were with me on the flight so we spent the next day in Kirkuk visiting and waiting for our departure the next evening.

We finally took off from Kirkuk at about 11:30 pm. I was in the back of the aircraft thinking, "Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas any more!" The rear gunner strapped himself in and when we were airborn he sat on the tailgate of the aircraft, hanging his legs over the edge, held on to his 50 cal. machine gun and with his night vision goggles scanned the ground for enemy fire. I was partcularly struck by the gas fires that surround Kirkuk. Appartently this is an oil rich part of Iraq where much of the oil just sits in pools above ground. They burn off the natural gas which is impressive at night from a helicopter. Finally, we arrived in Mosul and was was at home in my little room.

In a way, this whole adventure is about home. Home is a safe place where one is free to be. We are over here to secure this country so Iraqi's and others in the world can be at home, in peace and safety. Religion at its best, provides and facilitates our homecoming with GOD. Where GOD is with us, we are at home. While we yearn for home in this foreign land, we are here so Americans and others in the human family can be at home in peace. GOD BLESS YOU!

Dave

Speicher

I am gaining clarity on my ministry here. My commander said he wants me to be present here at COB Speicher and so I will be moving between COB Speicher and FOB Marez, which is close to Mosul Iraq. Here is an article about the group who we repaced this week. We are the 823rd Red Horse Squadron. The bottom picutre in the article is of a housing unit that I occupy.

Col. Sullivan is the commander of the group we are replacing. He is a fascinating person of faith. We had an opportunity to visit a bit before the Change of Command ceremony. He shared an interesting series of thought on me. One was his idea that life in the AOR (Area of Responsibility ie all deployed military members inthe middle east) is very simple. Its about work, eating and very little recreation. Having lived this way for 6 months they redeploy back to the United States with its commercial frenzy and rapid life style. This is close to the thought I have had on the desert experience, an experience of simplicity in a living encounter with GOD. My own thoughts on the matter is that the desert life style is living simply in GOD's presence. This is something I have been advocating for some time and my congregation will recognize these ideas. Having no tv, except what we get in the chow hall which is usually taped and never includes comercials (How am I going to know what prescrition drugs to take, or ask my doctor to prescribe for me?) Many blessings to you my brothers and sisters. One thing the desert does is intensifies the value of relationships. I thank GOD for you and pray all is well with you. God bless you! I welcome your emails at:

coyotepadre@yahoo.com

DAVE

blackhawk

Dear Friends;

I had my first helicopter ride yesterday. I showed up at the air terminal in Mosul about 7:00am and at 8:00 we were strapped into a Blackhawk helicopter. We rolled down the runway and suddenly just lifted off. the temperature was in the 90's so the door of our sircraft was left open! I was on an inside seat so felt fairly secure. We flew over Mosul which was comprized of many samll homes, Mosques and businesses. We soon rolled out over the countrside. What struck me abut the landscape was it seemed so biblical. the predominate feature we flew over was sheep and shepherds. Of course we flew so as to miss all cities, there are security concerns after all, but the rural flavor of the landscape was striking. As we neared FOB Speicher, which is where I am writing from now, there were even Center pivot irrigation sprinklers and i saw a few combines cutting what I guess to be barley. The landscape was very arrid but I observed a significant amount of agriculture. I am planning soon to take another flight back to Mosul. My commander has given me permisson to pursue a humanitarian project in nothern Iraq. I hope to begin work on this project as soon as I get back to Mosul. My dream here is to to establish a connection that will contiue even after I leave Iraq. I think connecting American compassion with Iraqi citizens is the royal road to peace. More later

Blessings !

Mosul

It's official, I am moving to FOB Speicher on Friday. I will be flying down in a blackhawk helicopter. That is a first for me. Alot of firsts these past days. I will be keeping most of my gear here in Mosul, from what I hear it is much better living here, with outstanding meals and good accommodations. Unfortunately, it looks like our mission here will only last for a month or two. At that point it is likely that our operations will be in Afghanistan and other parts of Iraq. I am posting a picture of the Red Horse logo for our location. The attitude here is one of flexibility, we do not know where we are headed exactly.

I met with a representative of the Army's Civil Affairs unit. These are the folks who work with local communities. As you kow I have an interest in engaging the Iraqi population for good. I think this is a route that could be helpful in achieving that goal. I will let you know more later.

Finally, I visted St. Elijah's Monastary yesterday. This is located "inside the wire" of our compound here and is a favorite spot for folk to visit. It gives one a sense of the Christian past of this country. The facility is inspiring and yet sad in that it is an _expression of a spirituality long past. The advocates of of the "Emergent Church" speak of a new monasticism that is woven into the fabric of American life. I certainly advocate this view, as I am convinced Americans live too fast. I am so thankful for all who are offering prayers on my behalf for those whom I serve in this place. I can feel the energy from GOD, thank you!

Dave
Mosul, Iraq

Images from Iraq

These images were sent last night. It really looks like another world doesn't it? More words should be coming from dad soon! Keep the prayers and comments coming! Peace...Heidi

Greeting from Iraq!

Mosul

I have been in Iraq for about 24 hours now. My stay began as I attended a "gospel" service last night. It was great to experience that great spirit and joy. We have a small chapel here that will take care of our needs. I will probably be here for serveral days and then move my stuff down to Speicher. It is said that the best DFAC (dining Facility in the AOR is here in Mosul) I had dinner there last night and breakfast this morning. It really is extradinary. The delight of breakfast was offset by the agony of attending a memorial servivce for a 23 year old 2nd Lieutenant who was killed in combat last week. This is a war zone. The pain in the faces of his buddies was deeply moving. It is one thing to read about it inthe paper, quite another to feel the extraordinary loss of talent and spirit. All who spoke of 2nd Lt. Vaughn spoke of how he deeply believed in the cause that we are fighting for here in Iraq. It is the frontier of freedom.

I am learning alot in these days of transition. I truly feel the power of the SPIRIT that is generated by your prayers. Thank you, and be safe!

Dave

Devotions

This afternoon I will be heading out to the field for our final training before we deploy. The conditions will be rustic as 50 of us will sleep in one tent which is 1/3 the size of the tent we are currently in. I will be back here at Camp Buehring Saturday and plan to head north on Sunday. I really appreciate the prayers from home. It is easy to get discouraged here...One of the things that continues to amaze me is how adaptive the human body and the human mind can be. I find myself adapting to the ferocious heat and living with 49 other people 24/7. It amazing how relationships form in this context. I am also able to adapt to the military context which includes living with uncertainity as to what the next day will bring. I think my attitude coming in was helpful, to not get ahead of myself and to adjust to whatever unfolds. This will especially be true as I head to my base in Iraq. Now I would like to share my first installment of devotions in the desert. I intend this to be a resource for those whom I serve here and for those who are interested in knowing how to pray for their neighbors who are in the desert on behalf of freedom.


Devotions in the Desert

The desert in biblical lore is a place of purity. It is away from the city and sinful humanity, it is apart and devoid of distractions. The children of Israel went into the desert for 40 years to become formed into a community in covenant with GOD. As they entered the promised land they entered as a people who had encountered GOD. Jesus also spent time inthe desert, 40 days and 40 nights where he was tempted by the devil and where he came to clarity as to his mission.

I am deployed to the desert. It is truly a wonder. The heat is ferocious, the sand blows and the sun rises with an astonishing beauty. The desert is a place apart for myself and for those whom I serve. We are apart from our families and from the communities that sustain us. The pain of seperation is a key to understanding the desert. As I feel the seperation I am drawn to GOD, actually, drawn to ABBA, the name Jesus uses for GOD. ABBA, the one Jesus connects us with and invites us into communion with when we pray, Our ABBA in heaven, hallowed be your Name. AS you pray our LORD's prayer you are one with me in ABBA.

The desert is a call to prayer. It is true that folk can feel the pain of separation in the city as well as here in the desert. The pain of seperation is an invitation to prayer. I am moved by the military members who are deployed with me who are their third rotation in Iraq. One member shared with me that he missed his daughter's birth and now he will miss her high school graduation. Many of the members here have experienced the pain of divorce, the strain on families is staggering. I find myself called to prayer for those whom I serve here, I feel called to prayer for all who suffer the pain of seperation in the city. I pray for the purity of the desert, where one meets ABBA, to source of life, and peace and connection. Will you join me in prayer?

ABBA, through your son Jesus you inite us to join you. Your love for us expressed in Jesus is astonishing. Help us to experience the full depth of connection that is possible through the power of your SPIRIT. Bring healing to the lives who live in speration, that all might know the peace that passes all understanding. I pray for the deployed military I serve in this desert, bless their souls, bless their families and bless the cause of peace that is our mission here. Jesus, in the power of your SPIRIT we pray..............amen

In Kuwait

Friends;

I am writing from the post Chapel at Camp Buehring in Kuwait. I arrived here after a 13 hour plane ride that went through Bangor, Maine and Leipziig, Germany. I was only 50 kilometers south of Wittenberg, the home of Martin Luther and the Reformation. I was so jazzed about being there. I realized that my army training for most of May had drained my creativity and pastoral spirit. I feel they are returning now. I am getting ready for a real world mission. Almost ready that is, I have a few training days here before I go to Iraq. Has anyone ever told you that Iraq is hot, very hot! It was 52 degrees in Leipzig, it is over 110 here now. It is quite an adjustment. The desert here reminds of the biblical notion of desert, a place of rebirth and refreshment. The desert has renewed the church over the ages and I see my time in the desert as a time of renewal, for myself and for those whom I serve.

This is definitely a war zone. We travel in military convoys and security is high, and we haven't even entered Iraq as yet. I look forward to the challenge, many blessings and peace to you.

Dave

Off he goes

Dad leaves tonight to fly from Wisconsin through Iceland and Turkey to Kuwait. I know we are all waiting to hear from him about a safe flight. A long, but safe flight. I know many of you check this site regularly, and dad does as well. he is able to see your wonderful comments and it gives him great comfort. If you feel moved to write even a few words, I know your thoughts and prayers uplift him. Click on the comments link below to leave your comment. As much as we all miss him, he is alone over there and misses us even more. Peace be with you all.....Heidi

Ready to Go

I am writing this blog to share with you my destination in Iraq. It is Forward Operating Base Speicher. (FOB Speicher). Here is where it is on the map.





We are being asked by our leadership to not disclose any details about our location. You can find a lot online about the place, which is okay. We are sending folk from here to several different locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our engineers will be working on projects in all of these places. It is my understanding that I will be traveling with them to various locations to visit our folk and give them a boost. There is a very good feeling around our barracks as we have completed training and are so ready to launch out on our next adventure.

To the best of my knowledge I will be traveling through Iceland and Turkey en route to Kuwait. I will probably be at Kuwait for 3-5 days before I head to Iraq.

I shared with the Squadron leadership last night at our staff meeing an incident that happened just before I came here. I was in a meeting of the Regional Prevention Center. The subject of my deployment came up and Liz McGinnis said, "Thank you for going to preserve my freedom." I stated that her thanks is echoed by millions in our nation who realize that radical Islam is a threat to freedom in America and across the world. The radical agenda is world domination. Our commander said, "Well said, Chaplain." All were moved. I thank yo for yor support, I appreciate your prayer and will be in touch about how you can support those whom I serve in the desert.

Peace be with you!