Photo By Lance Cpl. Kindo Go | U.S. Army Maj. Kirk Thorsteinson stands in front of medical tents at Five Hills...... read more read more
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U.S. Army Maj. Kirk Thorsteinson is a brigade chaplain with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Troop Command Alaska Army National Guard and is participating in Khaan Quest 2019 at Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from June 14-28.
Thorsteinson is a native of Juneau, Alaska and grew up in a military environment. Thorsteinson’s father was in the AKARNG, which led Thorsteinson to admire the military life and comradery. He joined the AKARNG in 1999 as a private. Later on, Thorsteinson would commission as an infantry officer and eventually go to seminary to become a chaplain.
Q&A:
Q: What led you to become a chaplain?
A: “Somebody talked to me about God while I was in middle school and changed my life. It led me to want to help others in any way I could. I really just felt led by God to go to seminary and become a chaplain. I thought to myself and prayed to God, ‘Is this something you want me to do?’ And I felt it was right. Being able to help others worship God and protect that right to worship has always been important to me.”
Q: How do you feel about participating in Khaan Quest and peacekeeping operations?
A: “I feel great! This is my third opportunity. I came here in 2008 and 2015. Mongolia is a beautiful country, and I also think the United Nations mission is very important - the idea of peacekeeping. When I think of peace, I think of peace with all men and peace with God. This is one opportunity where countries from all over the world come together. They get some training and get to know one another. It helps create bonds that we need right now in the world.”
Q: Are you excited to work with all the people here?
A: “It’s fun. Each Khaan Quest is different, but there’s people who I’ve stayed in contact with and experiences I’ve had that I wouldn’t have had otherwise if I didn’t come here. This particular Khaan Quest has quite a few countries, so I’m excited to see old friends and meet new ones.”
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.14.2019 22:16 |
| Story ID: | 327420 |
| Location: | ULAANBAATAR, MN |
| Hometown: | JUNEAU, AK, US |
| Web Views: | 458 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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