| What readers are saying about A Quiet Reality... |
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| "Chaplain Emilio Marrero has written a brilliant and moving account of his experiences in the Iraq War. It is a side of war we rarely know. His personal and passionate story is wonderfully told and a must read for those who want to understand a side of combat seldom described."
--General Anthony C. Zinni USMC (Retired)
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“From the Bronx to the Rivers of Babylon the ‘Mayor of Babylon’ Chaplain Emilio Marrero tells a fascinating story of war, compassion, struggles, faith and ancient Biblical history in a country that we read about daily – Iraq. As he describes the different events it is obvious he continues to carry out the order of his Marine Commanding Officer, “Take Care of my Marines.” – He tells the true story of saving Babylon for civilization. Strongly recommended, a must read – “A Quiet Reality” is a different view of the war, the people and the accomplishments made in that part of the world.”
- Rear Admiral Fred Metz , US Navy (Retired), Naval Aviator |
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"Inspiring! An intriguing blend of comfort and challenge, cooperation and conflict. A great description of the tensions and conflicts in Iraq from the ground level...in Babylon they acted as ambassadors of respect and kindness, gently firm but approachable, principled, persuasive, and culturally competent. You will love the closing chapter which is personally revealing and riveting! An intimate message of hope that needs to be shared.”
- Rear Admiral Darold Bigger (Retired), former Director of Religious Programs for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Reserve
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There are times when a book is written in such a way that the author places you in the middle of the action. Navy Chaplain Emilio Marrero brings the reader right into the experience of combat ministry in its many facets during the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving with the Marines. His military experience is extensive. He first served as an enlisted Marine, then later serving as a chaplain during both the Gulf War and the current War on Terrorism. He knows what he's talking about when it comes to the ravages of war and, diametrically, the opportunities to bring hope, God's grace and dignity into this most unholy of man's pursuits. Chaplain Marrero invites you to see what he has seen during his tours in Iraq. You will also see the hand of God at work through his ministry, particularly as he finds himself being given the responsibility to make secure the ancient biblical site of Babylon. This is one man's insightful yet thought-provoking reflections on war and how men of faith wrestle with its consequences. A word of advice from Chaplain Marrero to a young chaplain facing the prospect of going into combat with the Marines says it best: "If you don't walk with them, live with them, and suffer with them, then with what credible authority can you come to share with them?" Buy this book today. You'll be glad you did!
-- CAPTAIN Charles R. Roots, Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy (Retired)
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"A Quiet Reality" is yet another testimony that a sovereign God is at work. His meta-narrative includes us! We are important to the larger story unfolding in the world. And nothing is wasted. So the experience of a poor kid growing up in New York City, looting stores with so many others in a time of chaos and confusion, is placed in charge of the treasures of Babylon during the second Gulf War. Inescapable wisdom. Practical common sense with an understanding of how the world acts and reacts to violence. Together with an astute eye to detail Chaplain Marrero demonstrates a different dimension of the military. More than a disciplined fighting force, our warriors also stand in the cultural breach, winning hearts and minds by demonstrating the best of human concerns for others in a time of desperate need. These instincts are carefully focused by a chaplain who lives his life by giving it away. "A Quiet Reality" brings a fresh perspective, the side we often never see, to our understanding of conflict carried out far from home."
- Ambassador Robert Seiple, founder and board member of Global Engagement, former US Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom, former President of World Vision
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The Rev. Dr. Emilio Marrero, a Navy Chaplain recounts his experiences of being a chaplain during the Kuwait and Iraqi wars. He takes us along on his journey of ministerial service to men and women on the front lines of battle. Along this journey we confront the conflicts, fears and bravery that is demanded of people who wear the uniform of our military and those who choose to be clergy to them. Through Chaplain Marrero's journey you come to understand much of what our troops face when under the conditions of war or violence. You can come to understand how they struggle to do good as they try to insure their self and fellow soldiers survival. Unlike any ministry book you have read Chaplain Marrero's narrative will inform you of how many decisions are made and of the men and women who enforce them. The tensions that are inherent in warfare and that make the role of a clergyperson both conflictive and rewarding. You will begin to appreciate the service of our military, the role of clergy, and how we as Americans must begin to understand military service. Chaplain Marrero provides insight into their role in our modern and global context and even in the hell of war many of our troops are compassionate, risking life and limb not just for us in America but for the common Iraqi civilian, for their Iraqi culture and all of civilization in the saving of Babylon. This book is highly recommended if you are interested in another perspective on the Iraqi war, if you are a person of faith or a person who is thinking of a calling to ministry.
-The Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr., President, Esperanza USA
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| Author: LtCol Dave Grossman, USA (RET) |
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A Quiet Reality is a passionate telling of the power of the chaplain as a combat multiplier, contributing to the battle at the highest level. This book is essential reading for those who plan for the battle, or for those who may doubt the need for chaplains, or the contribution chaplains can make.
A Quiet Reality is also an echo of the "still quiet voice" of God, and the contribution that He can make through Godly men and women. I would respectfully submit that the greatest 'combat multiplier' is to be found at that level. "For we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the rulers of this present darkness."
Chaplain Marrero brings us powerful lessons of redemption and grace, death and salvation, and the power of faith, and of faithful servants, to bring the Light to the dark places where others fear to go.
Dave Grossman
Lt.Col. USA (ret.)
Author, On Killing and On Combat |
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| Military Writers Society of America Book Review:
A Quiet Reality opens the door to the often un-thought, unspoken part of war, that of God at work. Emilio intertwines combat and prayer in a manner that makes the story worth reading to Christians and non-Christians alike. This is a powerful and insightful journey into the war in Iraq. This is a different kind of war, calling on talents civilians do not generally think of the military possessing and Chaplain Marrero tells their story as he shared it, a very emotional journey that provides a window of discovery to the reader and will tug at your heart as you share the emotions, message of redemption, death, salvation and tears of loss. The perspective presented is different from that of a book of “war.” A story you will not see on your local news, eye opening and refreshingly honest.
Review by Jim Greenwald, MWSA Lead Reviewer (January 2010)
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