U.S. Army Spc. Lawrence Williams, a native of San Antonio, Texas, poses in the spiritual fitness room he helped create at COP Xio Haq, May 6, 2013. The Religious Support Team implements the commander's religious program and supports soldiers. William...
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The smell of freshly-popped popcorn floats down a hallway at Forward Operating Base Xio Haq. Its not coming from the Morale Welfare and Recreation building, but from the Religious Support Team's office.
The offer of free popcorn and candy creates opportunities for dialogue with the troops and a chance for soldiers to share what's on their mind.
"The popcorn machine attracts Soldiers to the office; it lets us listen to soldiers," said Spc. Lawrence Williams, chaplain's assistant, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
"I like to hand out Jolly Ranchers to the soldiers when I see them," added U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Joanna Grimshaw, 4th BSTB, 4th BCT,1st Cavalry Division.
The two-person team works together to design, implement and carry out the commander's religious program. Each soldier has the right to practice any religion they choose. The team provides counseling, resources, and are there for Soldiers if they need to talk.
"We spend time with soldiers; letting them know we care," said Grimshaw, a native of New Washington, Ohio. "We actively search out soldiers to talk to and engage them doing everyday stuff; we go out and chat."
Grimshaw joined the Army at the age of 40. She has a degree in psychology and was a civilian pastor before joining the military. After the Sept. 5, 2009, shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, Grimshaw said she received her second calling from God to become an Army Chaplain.
"I love my job; I love taking care of soldiers," said Grimshaw. "Chaplains are not here to push religion. We are here to help soldiers."
This is the first time they have worked together. Williams joined the brigade two months before the deployment, and Grimshaw followed two weeks later.
"We rely on each other for support during tough days; we make a great team," said Williams, a native of San Antonio.
Grimshaw said Williams is a great listener. He is a liaison for the enlisted soldiers. Sometimes it is easier to talk to another enlisted soldier than an officer.
Grimshaw and Williams strive to remain available anytime soldiers may need them and every conversation is 100 percent confidential.
The team created a spiritual fitness room for the Soldiers, a quiet, private place where soldiers can relax, read, study or meet with brigade health and combat stress counselors if they desire.
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