Letter from Overseas Soldier, Ron Beltz, Jr.

 

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for the DVDs and drink mix. I have a “Movie Night” just about every night and the soldiers really appreciate having a chance to relax and take their minds off being here in Iraq . The DVDs that you have sent have been a huge morale booster!

Unfortunately, things are still very dangerous here in Tikrit. Almost every day there is an attack on US forces here. Of course every precaution is taken to insure that all of our soldiers will be safe-we are sure in our mission and confident in our success!

I minister to 1000 soldiers here-which can be quite the challenge! We have a number of Bible studies throughout the week and four worship services on Sunday, two Gospel services, Catholic Mass and a Lutheran service. Plus the occasional Wicca service. I of course only lead the Lutheran service-the others I supervise and coordinate-so I don't get to dance naked around a fire at night with the Wiccans! Unless I can somehow work that into the Lutheran liturgy!!!

Life is improving here slowly. We are no longer living in tents-thankfully after six months, we now have trailers with a/c and electricity for our sleeping quarters. We also have a civilian run, Kellogg Brown & Root, dining hall the food is very good and they serve four meals a day.

Thank you again for the package. You have given many soldiers some respite from a stressful and dangerous mission here in Iraq !

God's Blessings-

Sincerely,

CH (CPT) Ronald A. Beltz, Jr.   

Battalion Chaplain

US Army

 

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