Army Chief of Chaplains celebrates Thanksgiving in southern Iraq

By Staff Sgt. Chanelcherie DeMello, USD-S Public AffairsNovember 26, 2010

Army Chief of Chaplains celebrates Thanksgiving in southern Iraq
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Jared Cooper, a chaplain's assistant with 1st Infantry Division was presented an award by Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas Carver, United States Army chaplain Nov. 24 in Basra, Iraq. Carver's visit to the Soldiers and civilians of Basra for the Than... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Chief of Chaplains celebrates Thanksgiving in southern Iraq
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen Vincent Brooks, 1st Infantry Division and United States Division-South Commanding General, Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas Carver, United States Army Chaplain, Lt. Col. Timothy Mallard, 1st Infantry Division and USD-S chaplain and Cpt. Johnvian... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Chief of Chaplains celebrates Thanksgiving in southern Iraq
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas Carver, United States Army chaplain sings and plays a church melody at the Post Chapel Thanksgiving worship service Nov. 25 in Basra, Iraq. The ceremony featured a sermon and testament from Carver, the guest speaker, in h... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Chief of Chaplains celebrates Thanksgiving in southern Iraq
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers and civilians recite a scripture from the bible at the Post Chapel Thanksgiving worship service Nov. 25 in Basra, Iraq. The ceremony featured a sermon and testament from guest speaker Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas Carver, United States Army c... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Chief of Chaplains celebrates Thanksgiving in southern Iraq
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

For service members and Department of Defense civilians in Basra, time away from loved ones did not deter the spirit of gratefulness as they attended the Thanksgiving Day service at Basra Chapel, Nov. 25.

Those who were present listened to the words of the Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas Carver, U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, highest ranking chaplain in the Army, spread the Thanksgiving spirit.

"Thanksgiving should be one of the central and most important holiday observances in our nation," said Carver.

In his sermon, Carver said he felt that the true meaning of Thanksgiving had become obscured by a society of advertisement and sports since the first Thanksgiving almost four centuries ago. He added that he felt that the spirit of Thanksgiving remained true among deployed Soldiers.

"It's plain and simple out here," said Carver. "You don't have all the distracters."

Reflecting on a family tradition, Carver said every Thanksgiving his mother and father would ask him to name one thing he was thankful for and, though he couldn't recall much gratitude he had as a child, he is always reminded by a scripture.

"Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love and mercy endures forever," Carver recited. "In everything, give thanks."

Spc. Jared Cooper, a native of Defiance, Ohio, and a chaplain's assistant with the 1st Infantry Division said the visit was very special.

"Knowing he left his family this time of the year to visit us" said Cooper, "is just really amazing. It shows he has a heart for the Soldiers and their well-being."

Grateful for his many blessings, Carver said the occasion is a time for him to pause and thank God.

"I enjoy my health, my life and my family," said Carver, "and the opportunity to serve as a chaplain, a Soldier in the military. Thanksgiving gives me the opportunity to give thanks to our creator, the giver of all things."

Cooper, excited to be redeploying home soon, said he is also thankful for the memories of his friends he leaves behind in Basra.

"For me, it is a time to gather around with family," Cooper said, "but also to

spend quality time with close friends. Build and share memories we normally wouldn't have."

After delivering the Thanksgiving service, Chaplain Carver traveled with 1st Inf. Div. Commanding General Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks to six dining facilities across southern Iraq to share Thanksgiving meals with Soldiers.

Marking the fifth year to visit deployed troops and staff for the holidays, Carver feels considerably fortunate to minister to Soldiers, commands and other chaplains.

"If I cannot be with my family," Carver said, "I can't think of any place else I'd rather be than here with my other very important family."

Related Links:

The Official Danger Forward Website

The Official 1st Infantry Division Facebook Page