Army Chaplains lead archeology tour in land of Abraham

Photo By Daniel Ewer | South St. Paul, Minn., resident U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Ewer climbed the...... read more read more

Photo By Daniel Ewer | South St. Paul, Minn., resident U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Ewer climbed the Ziggurat of Ur in Iraq when a Unit Ministry Team from Task Force 34, the Combat Aviation Brigade stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, took a group of their Soldiers to the Ur archeological site located just outside of a coalition Forward Operating Base in Tallil in southern Iraq, Jan. 25. The highlights of this religious and cultural training event included climbing the Ziggurat of Ur, stepping through ancient temple archways, entering royal tombs, and walking through Abraham's reconstructed home. Sgt. 1st Class Ewer, seen here with the tour guide Dhaif, is a member of the 34 Combat Aviation Brigade Headquarters.  see less | View Image Page

BALAD, IRAQ

01.27.2009

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Ewer 

34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

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By Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Ewer
Task Force 34 Public Affairs Chief

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - In contemporary times it was the Ur archeological site in Tell el-Mukayyar, Iraq that brought together Soldiers of Task Force 34. Some followed the Chaplain's tour for a personal connection to Biblical history, others were fascinated by the ancient ziggurat, palace ruins and tombs; still others were amazed at the dynamic geology that could place an ancient sea in a modern desert. Other Soldiers were nominated for the trip by their units and just wanted to take advantage of a travel opportunity.

In ancient times Ur was the site of Abraham's decision to follow the voice of his God, rejecting the comfortable life and gods of his contemporaries, guided only by his faith he abandoned Ur. One man's decision prepared the way for three world religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

In contemporary times it was the Ur archeological site in Tell el-Mukayyar, Iraq that brought together Soldiers of Task Force 34. Some followed the Chaplain's tour for a personal connection to Biblical history, others were fascinated by the ancient ziggurat, palace ruins and tombs; still others were amazed at the dynamic geology that could place an ancient sea in a modern desert. Other Soldiers were nominated for the trip by their units and just wanted to take advantage of a travel opportunity.

"It's one of those once in a lifetime opportunities that if you don't take it you might regret it later" said Spec. David Roark of the 2-149 General Support Aviation Battalion, a native of Owasso, Okla. Staff Sgt. Darryl Kelly of the 2-641 Aviation Regt. appreciated the time off. He'd like to see the history of the whole area. "Anything that you can see without being shot would be good" he joked.

Capt. Ken Harris, chaplain, 834th Aviation Support Battalion, resident of St. Paul, Minn., led a group of Soldiers from each of the units of Task Force 34 stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq to the Ur site located just outside of a coalition Forward Operating Base in Tallil in southern Iraq. This religious and cultural training event was originally organized for the Soldiers of the 834 ASB and was quickly opened up to all Soldiers of Task Force 34.

The Soldiers received advanced training for the tour by Chap. Harris who gave a presentation on the history and religious history of the Ur region. Lt. Col. Waage, Commander of the 834 ASB, who has a bachelors degree in geography and geology, was uniquely qualified to explain how the changes in the physical landscape impacted the development of cultures around the Persian Gulf.

The Soldiers arrived at Tallil on Jan. 24 by way of a pair of CH-47 Chinooks. This chilly ride was a new experience for some, but spirits were high. The Soldiers bunked down that night after some quick chow.

A drizzly rain the next day did not dampen the Soldiers spirits as they jammed on the bus with their gear. The Ziggurat came into view before they even left the post. Arriving at the archeological site the Task Force 34 Soldiers took the obligatory group photo and began their tour guided by Dhaif, the grandson of one of the site's excavators.

The highlights of the tour included climbing the ziggurat, stepping through ancient temple archways, entering royal tombs, and walking through Abraham's reconstructed home. "In Abraham's home, walking where him and Sarah walked, experiencing that time" reflected Chief Warrant Officer 3 Pamela Howell, Task Force 34 Headquarters, "and hearing Lt. Col. Waage talk about, and then seeing, the shells and knowing the ocean was up that far. Just amazing!"

"I can't believe I've walked in one of the oldest cities in the history of the world ... the father of Christianity, Islam, and Judiam, I sat in his house today ... its kinda too much for words" marveled Sgt. Joshua Hale, B Co., 834 ASB, a resident of Bloomington, Minn.

For another Soldier the two day trip had quite an impact. "It seems Ur could be the setting for a personal spiritual revival" he said. "Abraham left behind his old life and set out to answer his calling. I drew a parallel to my own spiritual commitment. It's time to leave a few things in the desert of Iraq and make a change."