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E-Mails from Father Sean O'Brien	A Note to Readers: Father Sean O’Brien, a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve, was recently called to active duty. Father O’Brien, who once served as pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in Forestport and St. Mary of the Snows in Otter Lake, has been assigned to Bagram, an American base in Afghanistan. Father O’Brien, who is a member of the Tun Tavern Leathernecks and owns a camp at Kayuta Lake, periodically e-mails Joe Kelly, editor and publisher of the Boonville Herald. To the left is Father O’Brien’s latest e-mail.
September 11, 2007 Good morning, Joe. Greetings from Gulfport, MS. It is great to be back in the United States. I arrived here on Friday, September 7. I was supposed to leave last Wednesday from Afghanistan. Here’s what happened: -I got bumped from Wednesday to Thursday. -Thursday I was bumped to a flight on Friday. -Friday’s flight got cancelled and moved to Saturday. -Saturday, as we roared down the runway, the plane began to have engine problems. That flight was cancelled. (By this point, I was beginning to think I was destined to remain in Afghanistan [ha ha ha]). -Sunday, September 2, I finally flew to Kuwait. In Kuwait, everyone turned in their helmets, flak jackets (body armor), weapons (for those who carried weapons) gas masks and such. We had briefs on mental health, physical health, return issues for the service members, as well as issues our family and friends may be having when we return. There was a lot of down time for rest. On Thursday at 2 a.m., we went through a rigorous Customs Search and flew to Germany. -In Rahmstein the plane had computer/navigational issues and was delayed an hour. -We boarded the plane and found it had engine problems(another two-hour delay). -Finally, we left Germany for the 10-hour flight to Baltimore. -Instead of arriving in Baltimore at 5 p.m., we landed at 11 p.m. -At 6 a.m., on Friday September 7, I flew to Atlanta and then on to Gulfport. WHEW!! Finally made it. My mom met me in Gulfport. I checked in at the base, had my orders stamped, and went with my mom to Pensacola for three (two-and-a-half, actually ) days of vacation with my parents and sister at my parents’ house. We had a great weekend together. I am back in Gulfport now for the “switch” off of active duty and back into the reserve force. This week will entail blood draw, shots, a physical, dental, pay and dispersing, a DD-214 record will be generated, briefs on how to talk about experiences had in Afghanistan, and then I should be cut loose to return to beautiful Upstate New York and Kayuta Lake. This could take a week or a week and a half. Not sure yet. Mostly, it depends on the doctors and what they want to do about my leg. I also have to report to the VA for follow-on care, but I am hoping to do that in Syracuse (just to get home sooner). Okeh, Joe.....that’s the skinny on what is happening here. While here I hope to get my pictures in order and on a CD for a nice slide-show presentation. The picture part is easy....it’s the musical accompaniment that will be the challenge. Tell everyone at the Hulbert House to get the Guinness and Utica Club ready....there’s a thirsty priest on his way home (ha ha ha ha). God Bless, Father Sean Tuesday, August 7 Joe, Here’s a picture of my last convoy. Thank God it was uneventful. The next 14 days I hope to devote to packing, mailing, and some relaxing with the great people I live and work with here. Sean ********************* Father Sean, Thank God is right. I hope the next two weeks are just as uneventful. The question many people have asked me is this: When will you be back here in the North Country? The Boonville-Oneida County Fair and the Great American Irish Festival were both great successes. Weather here is warm but nothing like what you’ve been living in. Joe Father Sean O’Brien, front right, with his last convoy before returning home. Tuesday, July 31, 2007 This photo was e-mailed from Father Sean O’Brien. From left: Chaplain Guinn (The Morman Chaplain), RP3 (my bodyguard), and myself. The sandbags give you an idea of how hard and often Mizan gets hit. Posted August 1, 2007** Joe, (July 20, 2007) This is the RMT (Religious Ministries Team) RP3 Mike Pornovets (left) and myself (Father Sean). We’ve traveled over 30 missions covering more than 50,060 miles all around. We’ve been together on Blackhawks, Chinooks, C-130s. C-17s, CASAs and on the ground in Humvees. Some of our trips were “uneventful” and others were not. We’ve survived small arms fire, rocket and mortar attacks and one VBIED. We’ve provided ministry to our men and women in uniform (U.S. and Coalition) and we’ve provided needed hygiene and morale items to our troops out in the middle of nowhere. Along with these primary duties, RP3 and I have helped several orphanages and schools. Joe, a lot of what we’ve done in the five months here could not have been done without the assistance of the people of Boonville, Alder Creek, Forestport, Remsen, and Pulaski. The help came in various ways: care packages for the troops and local children, letters of encouragement sent to me, love and support from friends and family. So many have helped me, here and by looking after “Operation Homefront.” As I begin my last month (to include only two more trips out), please extend to all my sincere thanks for their help and support as I have tried to do my part, as a Chaplain, in the Global War on Terrorism. I hope that I have been successful in bringing a smile, a word of encouragement and most importantly, God’s Love to our troops. Thank you too, Joe, for allowing all of us to stay in touch through the medium of the Boonville Herald. You, and the staff of the Boonville Herald have certainly done your part in supporting the War effort by keeping all of us in touch. One last “Thank You” to a friend who has kept an eye on my place while I have been here. I understand he’s been taking better care of my place than I do (grin). Teamwork is needed to get any job done. The picture I sent (below) is of the Religious Ministries Team, but behind that picture was the larger team you can’t see. As a team, brothers and sisters in the Lord, let us continue to pray for each other and for peace in the world. I’ll write again before I leave here and I’ll definitely see you in late September. God Bless all of you and God Bless America. Father Sean * * * * * * * * * * To Father Sean O’Brien (July 25, 2007) I appreciate your kind words and your words of thanks, but we are the ones who need to thank you and your comrades for the job you are doing. I don’t like to speak for other people - I get into enough trouble speaking for myself - but I know I speak for most all of the readers of the Boonville Herald and THE GRIFF when I say, “Thanks, Father Sean, for a job well done.” Well, almost done. With just two more trips out of your base to go, you need to be even more careful. Please. As for the care packages for troops and children being sent by people here in the North Country, I’m not surprised. They are supportive when it comes to good causes, especially when you, Father Sean, are involved. Which brings me to a problem, a good problem, but a problem nonetheless. We’ve got four pallets of stuff - T-shirts, flip-flops, notebooks, pens... The list of contributors includes many individuals as well as the good folks at Adirondack Bank, Boonville’s Erwin Library, the Air Force Research Laboratory at Griffiss, Rome Rotary, Rome Reps Association, Pratt & Whitney, HMI Metal Powders in Clayville, Father Karlen and his flock, and Wilcor International in Frankfort. (If I’ve left anybody off the list, they’ll tell me and I’ll tell you.) Mac Waterman and Wilcor’s Bill Corrigan, two guys who never say no to a good cause, along with the above named and others, are responsible for gathering 122 packages Operation Care in honor of you. It is now being stored on four pallets at the Wilcor warehouse. Each pallet is about 5 feet high. As I say, a lot of good stuff for the troops and the school children. As you say, a team effort. The question is how do we get it to you and Operation Care? Any thoughts? Looking forward to seeing you in late September, but please keep us posted with e-mails and pictures until then. Continued success. Joe * * * * * * * * * * Hi Joe (July 26, 2007) The schools and orphanages most in need at this time are in Farah. The pallets can be mailed to Michael Thomas, PRT Farah, APO AE 09354. I know they’ll be happy as the new orphanage opens in August. Attached are pictures from here (see one of them below) My mom (in Pensacola, FL) and Jim Amado from Uptown Automotive in Utica NY (a hobby shop and more) sent models to build on free time. It took a while, as I haven’t much free time, but my buddy, Nick, and I finished the last model (finally). The fire engine was a challenge, but good fun. I’ll send pictures from my trip north soon. God Bless, Seán P. O’Brien Father Sean O’Brien, left, and his friend Nick with the models of an automobile and fire truck they put together. July 25, 2007 Hi Joe. I am well. How are you? And all in Boonville, Forestport, Alder Creek and White Lake? I hope that the summer is going well. I have 42 days and a wake-up and I will be on the Freedom Bird out of here (Yee-Haaaaa). Hard to imagine five months has passed so quickly. Most of my experiences here have been good. All the people I have come across have been great. I returned today from my last trip to Farah. My replacement will go in August. It was 142 degrees on Monday. It hit near 145 on Tuesday and the same was expected today. Yow-Zah! That is the hottest I’ve been in. I have two more trips planned for other locations and that will be the end of my travels. None of the places are new. All places where we have military members stationed rely on a visit from the chaplain once a month. Attached to this note, and in a follow-on e-mail are two pictures (see below). The Casa (Snap 12) pilots knew it was my last trip west and they took me for a scenic ride back to Bagram. Instead of flying so high up, we did a little tree-top flying. The pictures say it all. Indiana Jones style flying or...like the old-fashioned ‘Barn Stormers’. We went right down into the canyon, topped the trees of the green valley and, if you look closely, you’ll see the lake...we flew so low and close to the lake. WOW! What a great ‘fare-well’ present from the pilots. That was the excitement of the month (so far). I didn’t get sick, but boy...my stomach could feel it (grin). Okeh...I’ll write again. God Bless. Hello to all. Father Sean A beautiful view of a canyon Father Sean flew over on his way back to Bagram. As a ‘fare-well’ present to Father Sean, and his last trip west, the pilot flew low so that Father Sean could take in all the scenery. JULY 11, 2007 Hi Joe, How are you? I am fine. Another month has begun leaving only two months remaining. Last month the promotion list came out and I was on the list. I am now a full Commander. Remember the movie, “Master and Commander?” Well…I am the Pastor and Commander (ha, ha, ha). Did you get the pictures I sent you? I sent some to my parents and they didn’t go through. Let me know…I can re-send if necessary. I look forward to your reply. Okay….God Bless. Sean Dear Pastor and Commander, I’m doing great. The Boilermaker is this weekend and I’ll be doing even better after that. Lots of work by a lot of people. Lots of worry, too, that everybody gets across the finish line in good shape. It is supposed to be really hot for the race. Father Salerno will say a prayer at the start of the race as he does every year. Then he will jump in and run. I’ll be doing TV at the start line from 7 to 8 and then I’ll go to the finish line and do TV from there until 10:30 and then I’ll take part in the awards ceremony. Congratulations on your promotion. Well deserved. I’m very happy for you. I’m even happier that you are a short timer. Less than two months to go. Yippee! Yes, we are getting your pictures. Thank you. Everyone enjoys them. Hang in there, commander. Every best wish, Joe JULY 4, 2007 Joe, Greetings from Bagram. What a trip I had this week. I left for Farah at 2:45 a.m. Monday morning. All went well. Monday was a “Here I am” day, putting up flyers reminding the troops that there would be a Mass on Tuesday. Monday was also spent finalizing the convoy plans for Tuesday. Remember Joe, no convoy is a safe convoy. Tuesday morning we were off early to do our rounds. We started at the site of the Citadel built by Alexander the Great. Several thousand years old….it still is an imposing site. From the Citadel, we went to the school/orphanage and handed out notebooks, pens, toys, soccer balls, basketballs, sandals, and shirts. THANK YOU to the Women’s Club of Boonville/Forestport Catholic Community and to several others from the Kayuta Lake area for the donations. From the school/orphanage, we went to a refugee camp (mostly girls there) and handed out crayons, paper, pens, clothes, and sandals along with more balls. What a great feeling to see the kids smile, laugh and enjoy the gifts. Tuesday afternoon we returned to base. After supper, I said Mass and called it a day. Wednesday morning we were to fly back to Bagram. The flight was cancelled and I thought I’d be stuck until next Monday. A “special” flight came through at 10 p.m. Fortunately, the pilot knew me from Bagram and took my bodyguard and I home to Bagram. Whew. The pictures below tell all. God Bless, Joe…and thanks again to the many who made Tuesday the great day it was for the orphans of Farah. Father Sean The Citadel built by Alexander the Great several thousand years ago. Father Sean, left, stands in one of the entranceways into the Citadel. JUNE 27, 2007 Father Sean, left, inside a helicopter. Father Sean, second from left, with some of the young soldiers, happy to see a chaplain. Father Sean on the grounds of Camp Bella, where temperatures reached 128 degrees last Monday. A view from the helicopter that Father Sean O’Brien was flying in over the mountains in Afghanistan. JUNE 6, 2007 Hi Father Sean, Weather is great here in Boonville today. It was a nice Memorial Day weekend. There were parades all over Oneida County. I saw some Model T’s. Made me think of you. Were you busy on Memorial Day or did you get the day off? How’s the foot? Mac Waterman says hello. He and others are working on that Operation Care project for you and we should have something to report soon. Best wishes, Joe • • • • • • • Hi Joe, Glad to get your e-mail. Memorial Day was busy here. I went to Kabul on Sunday and spent the night there. There were three Memorial Day celebrations at three locations in the Kabul area. Once done I returned to Bagram later Monday afternoon. My speech, the same at each event, wasn’t too long, but I quoted FDR’s “4 Freedoms” speech from Jan. 6, 1941 (11 months before Pearl Harbor): “Every realist knows that the democratic way of life is at this moment being directly assailed in every part of the world - assailed either by arms, or by secret spreading of poisonous propaganda by those who seek to destroy unity and promote discord in nations still at peace. During sixteen months this assault has blotted out the whole pattern of democratic life in an appalling number of independent nations, great and small. The assailants are still on the march, threatening other nations, great and small.” Strange how history repeats itself. These words are as true today as they were 65 yrs ago. The foot is fine. 98%. Not running yet (ha ha) but walking well and feeling fantastic. June looks to be busy. Plan to be out quite a lot. Should be fun. Going down to the range helps time pass quickly. I’m in the “double digit countdown days.” Only 95 days (or so) remaining here…then I start the “de-mobilization” process. That takes a couple weeks. I’ve finished a model of a 1936 V8 Ford Coupe and am starting on a 1925 Ford Model T Pickup. Jim Amado, from Uptown Automotive (a hobby shop on Genesee Street in Utica) sent me a couple models to build. Once finished, I’ll send a picture. No model Ts here in Afghanistan...so I’ll leave one behind (even though it’s 1/25th scale) ha ha ha. Okeh...regards to all. Let us continue to pray for each other. Sean P. O’Brien • • • • • • • Joe, A note on vocations and availability of attending Mass/ Divine Services here in Afghanistan. Currently there are three Catholic priests here (myself and two others). Two Army priests are slated to arrive soon. That means that we will have five priests in the entire country. Our troops in the field see a chaplain every 30-45 days. They can attend Mass/Divine Services once every 30-45 days. The people of Upstate NY/Syracuse Diocese are lucky to have what they have. Mass/Worship every weekend, though they may have to drive to the next town is truly a blessing. Imagine if you could only go to church/synogogue once a month. It isn’t easy...but it is good. Sean P. O’Brien Father Sean O’Brien speaking to troops on Memorial Day. Captain John S. Garbarino was recently deployed to Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan. John is a reserve officer with the U.S. Army. In 2003-204, he served with his unit in Iraq. His unit monitors contracts for supplies and housing for troops. His wife Valbona and son Argjend live in Bristow, VA. John is the son of Anne and Louis Garbarino of Fourth Lake. He is the nephew of Mary Louise and Jack Allaben and Karin Beckert and the grandson of Frances Moore, all of Boonville. John hopes to meet up with Father Sean O’Brien, who is also on duty at Bagram as a chaplain. Father Sean was the pastor of St. Patrick’s (Forestport) and St. Mary’s (Otter Lake) several years ago. The photo shows John with his son Argjend, who is 3 years old. MAY 16, 2007 Joe, Guess what? I met a local from New Hartford, NY and his Aunt and Uncle have a camp on Kayuta. His name is 1Lt. Kevin Bartoszek. (An e-mail from him follows, along with a photo). Hey Sir, * I’m the TF Cincinnatus (23d Chemical Battalion) Force Protection Officer, responsible for managing all Force Protection equipment and continually improving our Force Protection posture for the base. It’s my job to ensure that BAF is ready to defend itself against any enemy attack. * My parents are David and Jeannie Bartoszek of New Hartford. * My aunt and uncle are Carol and David Sellars of Oriskany who own a camp on Kayuta Lake. My uncle has been swapping some info about us with his pastor, Paul Credle. Small world... V/R, 1LT Kevin M. Bartoszek BAF Force Protection Officer TF Cincinnatus 23d CM BN Father Sean with the “Irish Army.” “If there were Irishmen in Afghanistan, I knew I’d find them,” Bartoszek said in an e-mail to Father Sean. “They are here, like me, for six months.” 1LT Kevin M. Bartoszek, left, with Father Sean O’Brien. May 9, 2007 All is well. Doing my job and healing well. The rains have stopped and the windy season is starting. Booooooy does it get windy here. Well...no news that these pictures don’t tell. You can see by the one the group photo that we are truly a Joint Operation: Army, Marine Corps and Navy together on a convoy. Father Sean in a group photo with some of his newest best friends. Father Sean, left, with more of his friends. A Combat Chaplain, Father Sean, right. April 25 Hi Joe. It is Wednesday, April 25, and I thought I’d better write. All is well here. Since I wrote last, I have been going to Kabul and some surrounding FOBs (Forward Operating Bases) to say Mass and facilitate counseling sessions. Everything is set up days in advance and a sign-up sheet is available for troops to sign-up to see the chaplain. When I get to the FOB I say Mass and then visit privately with each service member who requested to see me. In Kabul, there is a large international contingent. At Mass, we say the Our Father prayer in eight languages (it takes longer than communion time [ha, ha). Attached is a picture of my “transportation team” (see photo below). I’m sure Mac Waterman would be pleased to know I am well cared for. Items have arrived from some private people in the Kayuta Lake area and we are putting things together for Operation Care. Thank you to those who have sent things in. I am off the crutches and on a cane (still wearing the boot). The doc suggested two more weeks on crutches, but there is no pain and I hobble along quite well (ha, ha). Our team will head out each week for the next several weeks to provide Catholic Mass to our troops here in Afghanistan. I travel with a Protestant Chaplain. Together we cover as much as we can. By June there will be only four Catholic military chaplains in the whole country. (Glad I broke my leg when I did. Travel will increase in June). Today is “Anzac Day.” It is the “Veterans Day” of the people of Australia and New Zealand (commemorating specifically the battle of Galipoli during WW). We had a moving and powerful memorial ceremony this morning. In attendance were troops from over 15 different countries. The speaker, a New Zealand Colonel, quoted the Latin writer, Cicero: “In war, old men talk and young men die”. Joe, it is so true. Let us all continue to pray for peace so that one day no more young men will die on a battlefield. You asked about my daily routine. It is in two parts. Part 1: When on base: - Up at 04:30. Shower, shave and you know what else. Coffee, say my prayers and e-mail family and friends. - In the office by 7. Morning appointments, meetings, walk-ins. - 11:30 daily Mass - 12 Lunch. - 13:00 (1 p.m.) base visitation. hospital, motor pool, HQ, the FD, PX...wherever the troops are. - 18:00 (6 p.m.) SUPPER! - 19:00 appointments. - 21:00 Back deck to relax. Part 2: When off base: Helo [helicopter] or convoy to FOBs, Mass, counseling, hopefully boost morale, joke, and smoke with the troops. Helo convoy to the next place. And so on. If you mix in the “events a war zone can present,” and it makes for an interesting day. So long for now. God Bless, Father Sean APRIL 13, 2007: The cast is off and I am in The Boot (ha ha). As to your questions: 1. Yes I got the point (and won the game) by hitting the sac and the guys missed the return. 2. Operation Care is one of many outreach programs the Joint Forces command has to help those in local communities. Most bases are near a town or village. BAF (Bagram Air Field) is near Bagram. Our hospital, where I was operated on, cares for the locals as well as U.S. and Coalition forces. There are eight schools in the village. The people are quite poor. With the summer heat approaching (it was 91 yesterday) the kids in the village need sandals (flip-flops), shorts and T-shirts. No designs or adverts, just plain. Pens, pencils and spiral notebooks are needed for the schools. Operation Care is run by an Army Sgt First Class and an Air Force Captain. The volunteers range from enlisted to officers from all branches of the U.S., as well as volunteers from Coalition Forces(example: the Dentist from the Polish Army, a pilot from the French Defense Force, etcetera). Due to certain activities, we aren’t dropping anything off this month, but hope to resume next month. Sadly, it is the kids who suffer from the violence. Not much in this theater of war makes the news in the U.S. That doesn’t mean there isn’t much going on here. The last two weeks have been...”active.” I resume travel by convoy again, next week. An Army chaplain with whom I work, asked me the other day, “Which do you prefer? Traveling by helicopter or by convoy?” I replied; “I prefer the Hulbert House, it’s safer.” He just looked at me like I was a goof, or something. I laughed. So long for now. Sean P. O’Brien APRIL 13, 2007: Joe, Sorry to read about [Utica Police] officer Lindsey [who was killed in the line of duty]. I’ll keep his family in my prayers and say one of the weekend Masses for him. Sean P. O’Brien APRIL 4, 2007 Joe, attached is a picture showing a blanket. Before I left for Afghanistan, I opened an account at Adirondack Bank in Boonville. As a gift, the bank gave me a blanket. I brought it to Afghanistan with me. The picture is proof that a little bit of Boonville is with me always. Regards to all and especially to the Marine Corps League/ American Legion and VFW. APRIL 6, 2007 I am healing well. Swollen and black and blue, so everything is normal. No rest for me, which is one reason the doc is upset. I am doing all the Triduum and Easter Masses, confessions galore, and counselling. Plus, I travel outside the wire. It is a risk as my mobility is limited, but I am careful and don’t go unless security reports say it is relatively safe. I never go alone, always by helicopter or convoy. I have six Masses lined up for Easter in six different locations. I’ll try to get a decent picture to update in the paper, one without crutches. God Bless and Happy Easter, Joe. Seán P. O’Brien Father Sean with the blanket he received from Boonville’s Adirondack Bank. April 4, 2007 Attached is a picture of Sgt. Savery. He is not only a paratrooper for the 82nd AIRBORNE, he is also the Regimental Piper. Three or four times a week he plays his pipes out by the chapel. All is well, Joe. I have gotten involved in Operation Care. This is an outreach from the American Soldiers to locals in the town of Bagram. Joe, if anyone wants to help by donating items we could use flipflops (shower, shoes) and plain T-shirts for children as well as pens and spiral notebooks for the local school. They can be sent to me and I will get them on the convoy into town. Joe? Perhaps you heard....I broke my leg. Yes it is true. Nothing brave or valiant, just playing a game of hacky sac. Let me just say I am not as nimble as I once was (ha ha). Wishing you and all in Boonville/Remsen/Alder Creek/Forestport a Happy Easter. Sean P. O’Brien PIC 1 - Sgt. Savery PIC 2 CAPTION - Father Sean with his “combat” hacky sac team. PIC 3 CAPTION - Father Sean resting his broken leg. March 28, 2007 Sorry I haven’t written sooner....I’ve been rather busy. As Easter approaches, my days are very busy, which makes the time pass quickly. Attached is a picture (see below) from the chapel steps. These are the mountains that surround the base. I have it made here as far as scenery goes. My travels take me to all four points on the compass and I enjoy all climates here: dessert, green valleys, mountains...very pretty. The country is extremely poor. There are few roads here so most of my travels are by helicopter, though some of the closer FOBs can be reached by convoy. Kabul is about 30 miles away and I get there both by air or by land...depending on the travel conditions. This Easter Sunday will be spent on the base, as I am the pastor of the Catholic community here at Bagram. Easter week will be spent on the go, as I need to say Mass and provide counseling for our troops at the “tip-of-the-Spear.” I like the variety. Keeps me from being bored. Okeh...God Bless. My address is: Sean P. O’Brien 23rd CM BN, TF Cincinnatus, APO AE 09354 Father Sean took this photo from the chapel steps where he is stationed in Afghanistan, showing the Hindu Kush Mountains. MARCH 7, 2007 The first week of training (in Fort Jackson, S.C.) is over. Mostly weapons qualifications for the troops, not for the chaplain, as I am a non-combatant. The chaplain doesn’t carry a weapon on the battlefield. I have a chaplain’s assistant (as the Army and Air Force call him). The Navy calls him an RP (Religious Programs specialist). He will be my secretary when in a safe environment and my bodyguard when in combat. I’m glad he and I get along. (See picture below with bodyguard). Gas mask training is taken seriously, especially since they are using chlorine in explosives, as you have seen/heard on the news. Next week will be the big stuff…convoy training. How the troops react when ambushed or hit by an IED and other important skills for survival. The staff of drill sergeants here is excellent and has made for good training. The group with which I am training are top-notch young men and women. I am the oldest and some call me “Sir” or “Father” others call me “pops”(grin). If anyone ever doubted the quality of character of the younger generation...they ought to meet this group. They are just great. They have kept me busy as a priest, too. Many have come to chat about home, family and friends, and about where they are going from here (Iraq or Afghanistan). I’ll be in Afghanistan in less than eight days. I’ll write again from there once I am settled in. God Bless. Father Sean P. O’Brien PICTURE 1: Father Sean, right, with his bodyguard Jeff Fillmore. PICTURE 2: Soldiers during gas mask training. FEBRUARY 18, 2007 Just a quick line as I start the process to get me to Afghanistan. Yesterday (February 18) I said Mass in Forestport and in Boonville. Each church had a reception/farewell coffee after the Mass. “Thank You” to the Marine Corps League for hosting the social and thanks to the many people from the area who stopped in at Forestport and Boonville to wish me well. I appreciate their support. My parents live in Florida and my sister is in Chicago, but I still live in NYS and the Boonville/Forestport/Otter Lake/Remsen (alphabetically so no one is offended (grin) area is my home. Thank you to all. Early this morning a friend drove me to Syracuse and I flew out of Syracuse at noon. I arrived in Gulfport, MS, at 5:30 p.m. (Gulfport time). Tomorrow begins the first steps of my mobilization. While here in Gulfport, the Navy will get my medical/dental/pay and other administrative things in order. Once this is done, I’ll be off to Fort Jackson, SC, for two weeks of intense training (to include PT at 5 a.m. each day [PT is Physical Training]) to prepare for living six months in a combat environment. After that, I shall be off to minister to our troops in Afghanistan. I expect to be in Afghanistan by late February/early March. I’ll write to you again while I am in Fort Jackson, and let you know more about the training and what it involves for a chaplain who is a non-combatant, training to go to a combat area. God Bless, Father Sean Message from Joe Kelly The voice on the other end of the telephone was instantly recognizable but one I hadn’t heard in a long time “They’re sending me to Afghanistan,” said Father Sean O’Brien. Father O’Brien is familiar to many in Forestport and Otter Lake, where he was the priest at St. Patrick’s and St. Mary of the Snows, and familiar in Boonville, where he has been a frequent visitor and is a member of the Tun Tavern Leathernecks, and familiar in Kayuta Lake, where he has a camp, and familiar in Utica, where he was assistant pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes. He has been parish priest in Pulaski since being transferred from Forestport in 2003. But besides being a parish priest, he is also a chaplain, a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserves, and that’s why he is going to Afghanistan. Father O’Brien has been called to active duty and assigned to the base in Bagram. From there he will travel to other bases and outposts in Afghanistan. He said people in danger, especially those who haven’t had the chance to go to church in awhile, are happy to talk with a priest and it doesn’t even matter if those people are Catholic. “I’m excited about being able to do that for them.” I was reminded of that old saying about there being no atheists in foxholes. Father O’Brien was in Forestport and Boonville this past Sunday and celebrated mass at St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s. He’ll soon be in South Carolina at Fort Jackson for equipment and training. He expects to arrive in Afghanistan the first or second week in March. His assignment there is for six months. Chaplains do not carry weapons. Father O’Brien said a bodyguard would accompany him on his rounds. “I’m aware there’s an element of danger. I’m not afraid of it, but I’m aware of it.” Father Fred Daley, who had been at St. Francis in Utica, will cover the Pulaski parish while Father O’Brien is overseas. When he returns, Father O’Brien may or may not go back to Pulaski. “I told the bishop to send me anywhere he wants me.” This isn’t the first time the Navy has called Father O’Brien to active duty and given him an overseas assignment. In 2002 he was assigned to the Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. In fact, during his time in the Middle East, Father O’Brien sent e-mail dispatches to me and they were then published in the Boonville Herald. “Would you consider doing that again?” I asked. “That’s one of the reasons I called. I’d like to do that.” Another reason he called was to find out if I knew anyone from the area serving in Afghanistan. I said I didn’t but Boonville Herald readers might. If any names and bases are given to me, I’ll e-mail them to Father O’Brien. “There’s no guarantee I can find them while I’m there, but I’d keep my eyes open for them,” Father O’Brien said. As for those e-mail dispatches, Father O’Brien said he’d send one from his training base in South Carolina and once or twice a month when he gets to Afghanistan.