Photo By 1st Sgt. Sara Robinson | Maj. Skip Manus, Chaplain, 671st Troop Command, Iowa Army National Guard, conducts a...... read more read more
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by 1st Sgt. Sara Robinson
In an ocean of olive drab tents within the Donnelly Training Area near Delta Junction, Alaska, a single, unassuming shelter stands out. On the surface, it looks just like the rest, except for one small detail – a small, navy blue flag, with a single white cross in the center.
Many Soldiers walk by this tent without a second thought. However, to a Soldier of faith, it’s a beacon of light in an otherwise dreary environment.
This flag is a cue to Soldiers of Task Force Ironman, Iowa Army National Guard that they have a place to practice their religion. Even in this unforgiving terrain, far from home, they’re offered a reminder they’re not alone.
Soldiers slowly trickle into the chapel and gather around a small, makeshift altar consisting of a field desk and a Bible.
These items are all Chaplain (Maj.) Skip Manus, 671st Troop Command, Iowa Army National Guard, needs to do his job.
“To be a total Soldier is to be a complete human. We all have certain dynamics we need in order to stay healthy,” said Manus. “I mean, we need to stay physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. To me, it’s awesome to be a part of a culture that acknowledges that spiritual piece.”
These Soldiers are tired and their uniforms dirty. On Alaska’s mock battlefields, they’re all running in different directions, mission-focused with specific tasks on their minds. However, when the chaplain’s flag is posted, they all come together to practice their faith.
Capt. Justin Foote, Assistant Logistics Officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Iowa Army National Guard based in Waterloo, Iowa, is one of these Soldiers. He says Sunday mornings are a welcome break to attend a chapel service.
“I really appreciate the chaplain having chapel services here at annual training, so I have an opportunity to go to church even while we’re in the field,” says Foote.
Soldiers of Task Force Ironman will be in Alaska for about three weeks. Living in the field with no running water and minimal electricity, while sleeping outside in a tent, can be a challenge for anyone. There’s also the time away from families, jobs and the luxuries many of us take for granted.
“It’s stressful anytime you’re away from your family, especially when it’s for 25 days. That’s a big piece to the stressors that can arise,” said Manus. “In this particular setting, all of that technology is out the window. So, I see there are some withdrawals and struggles because that communication device is not there.”
Manus says he travels to all of the units to talk with Soldiers and leadership, just to check in and see how everyone is holding up. He can often be found talking with Soldiers, offering spiritual guidance, or just being there for someone who needs to vent.
“Building a rapport is vital to being a chaplain. At the end of the day, it’s really about pastoral care and the one-on-one relationship with the Soldier. It’s also about making yourself approachable and easy-going enough so they come to you and talk,” he said.
Manus’ responsibilities are not just for non-denominational, Protestant Christians. He sees every Soldiers’ faith as his responsibility to respect and care for.
“Let’s say we have a military member who is Jewish, I ensure they have a kosher meal and make sure they have their religious needs met,” said Manus. “It’s about being an advocate with the unit, so leaders can understand the religious needs of their Soldiers, as long as it doesn’t compromise the mission. That’s an important piece to what I do.”
At the end of the day, Manus’ job is to take care of Soldiers. It’s a calling he feels honored to answer.
“I love the military culture, I love the ‘hooah’ culture, I love getting out in environments like this. Even though I’m in the military, I view my chaplain’s role as serving those who serve, so I’m taking care of the men and women who serve our country,” said Manus.
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2016 10:41 |
| Story ID: | 206060 |
| Location: | JOHNSTON, IA, US |
| Hometown: | WATERLOO, IA, US |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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