Chaplain offers hope, understanding to hundreds

Photo By Sgt. Sarah Scully | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Darren Turner, a chaplain with the 130th Infantry Battalion, talks with one of the Soldiers in his unit, Capt. Ricardo Swenness, a battalion physicians assistant from Falls Church, Va., outside the Camp Buehring chapel days before they headed up north.  

05.23.2007

Story by Sgt. Sarah Scully 

40th Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. Sarah Scully
40th Public Affairs Detachment

KUWAIT— Using the shade between two tanks to cool down from the 140-degree desert heat, a chaplain carries a dusty Bible in his hands and holds impromptu spiritual services for his infantry troops in Iraq.

That's one of the scenarios Chaplain (1st Lt.) Darren Turner foresees happening in the weeks to come after his unit finishes training at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, and heads up north to combat.

"I feel like I was made to do this – being with Soldiers in combat," said Turner. "As a minister, that thrills me. This is as real as life gets."

Dealing with marriage problems, combat trauma, professional relationships and separation hardships, many Soldiers find comfort in talking to a chaplain about their troubles.

With more than 800 Soldiers needing spiritual guidance, Turner is ready for a busy deployment. As the only chaplain for the 130th Infantry Battalion, out of Fort Stewart, Ga., he's ready to tackle the job he's planned for since he became a Christian in 1996.

The 34-year-old father of three children said he immediately wanted to be in the ministry so he could serve people and share the message that helped him.

"I wanted to be with Soldiers when they're going through the crisis of their life," said Turner. "I'm very excited to be here, oddly enough. I'm with Soldiers going to war."

Several of his Soldiers sat in the chapel at Camp Buehring, May 13, for Sunday contemporary services.

While most of them might not know their chaplain – Turner's only been with the unit for a few months – they are grateful to have a place to worship and a chaplain who will listen to their problems.

"It means a lot that I'll be able to bring my Soldiers to him and have the spiritual support we will need to get through this," said Spc. Timothy Klibbe, 130th Inf. Bn.

During a Family Day picnic held at Fort Stewart before the battalion deployed, Turner had the opportunity to befriend his fellow troops.

Quick to say he doesn't believe in thumping Soldiers over the head with a Bible, Turner prefers to play a game of basketball to reach his future congregation.

"You don't have to say a word, and that's an immediate bond," said the Georgia Bulldogs fan who loves both basketball and football.

By getting to know him, the Soldiers should feel more comfortable coming to their chaplain for help.

And Turner understands many of the problems they're facing. His wife, Heather, is also at home raising their children: Elie, 6, Sam, 4, and Meribeth, 10 months.

"She's got the tougher job," said Turner, with a smile. "She's on 24/7, and I'm only on 23/7."

Being separated from family for at least a year – suddenly thrust into a strange environment, deadly combat and foreign culture – can have a tremendous impact on Soldiers.

But Turner said he's ready for the challenges ahead.

"They just want to be heard," said Turner. "This is what I'm here for."

• Date Taken: 05.23.2007
• Date Posted: 05.23.2007 14:03
• Story ID: 10495