'Catholic Guy:' Families share stories about military life during radio commentator's visit

By Karl Weisel (IMJanuary 15, 2014

'Catholic Guy:' Families share stories about military life during radio commentator's visit
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - Soldiers, civilians and family members shared their experiences with the "Catholic Guy" during a visit to the Hainerberg Chapel Dec. 18-19.

Lino Rulli, host of Sirius XM Radio's the "Catholic Guy," made stops in Kaiserslautern, Sembach and Wiesbaden to gather interviews with members of the U.S. military community in Germany for his satellite radio show on the Catholic Channel.

Rulli, who is originally from Minnesota and works out of New York City, said he takes the show on the road regularly to feature different aspects of Catholic life around the globe.

"I lived in a seminary for a week and I've recorded from the Vatican. … I wanted to come to Germany to feature men and women in the military … basically to show what it's like to be in the military," Rulli said.

"It's been great so far," said Chaplain (Maj.) Edward Ohm, a Catholic priest with the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden's Religious Support Operation. "I'm delighted he's been able to spend some time with us and to talk to the troops."

As Soldiers and their families talked about their faith, family separation during multiple deployments and other issues of military life, Rulli kept up a lively dialogue including a fair share of heartfelt humorous asides.

"Everything I do, I try to do it with a sense of humor," Rulli said, explaining that the Catholic Guy show is aimed at capturing the everyday and unique experiences of Catholic life. "Basically, my approach is, I'm the average Catholic guy -- the guy you went to high school with, the guy you go to a bar with and share stories."

After spending several days with members of the military community in Germany, Rulli said he was extremely impressed with the "humility" of his interview subjects.

"To me, what's crazy is how normal this life is for them -- getting sent to Afghanistan numerous times -- it's a life which isn't normal at all. They don't realize how different they are from many of their fellow Americans -- when they talk about love of service it's the truth and not a burden," he said. "It's funny how their service and humility are so evident to everyone else but them."

The voice behind Sirius Radio's the Catholic Guy added that having the opportunity to come overseas to thank members of the military family for their service was rewarding.

"That's why I'm in Germany -- to wish them a Merry Christmas and to say thanks," he said. (Editor's note: To listen to one of the podcasts from the Wiesbaden visit, visit www.linorulli.com/tcgs-podcast-154-christmas-with-the-troops-in-germany.)

Related Links:

Herald Union Online