No atheists in foxholes?
No unbelievers in Hummers?
On Saturday morning, a free public forum will be held at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in University City for troops coming home from Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as troops who are about to be deployed, veterans of wars past and spouses of all of the above.
Called “Meeting God on the Battlefield,” the program is aimed at giving participants a chance to decompress about the stresses of military conflict.
“What I would hope is that they would tell their stories,” said the Rev. Robert Blessing, who earlier this year returned as a military chaplain in Iraq. He said he's gotten calls of inquiry from women whose husbands served many years ago. “They say, 'Can I come?' My husband hasn't told me anything in 50 years.' ”
Among the guest speakers will be retired Col. Bob Dingeman, who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. “The love of God certainly helped me through 13 campaigns,” said Dingeman, whose medals include seven Bronze Stars and the Silver Star. He's also a well-known civic activist; Dingeman Elementary School in Scripps Ranch is named after him.
“Meeting God on the Battlefield” begins at 8:45 a.m. at the church, 4321 Eastgate Mall, and is expected to last about two hours. For details: (858) 458-1501.
– SANDI DOLBEE
