Drive into Iraq in a military convoy blinded by darkness. This first night reveals the anxiety of combat, an object lesson in perseverance, faithfulness and the painful insight into a chaplain's role to the dead and wounded.
Connections Information is the thread that connects people together in a kinetic environment. Through the exchange of information connections are established and a chaplain can play a key role. The chaplain weaves information together from BBC, Fox and operations briefs in order to help Marines contextualize their experiences. He is no cheerleader but a craftsman who wants to open dialogue and help us see the diversity of our troops in combat. In the end their love and sacrifice for one another connects them.
Baghdad Road Chaplain Marrero takes a ride into Baghdad with Force Recon and shares with us what the roads looked like in those early days. This trip leads to questioning the role chaplains play as a moral compass, the responsibility of representing God even in the midst of such adulteration as war and the impact of killing on all of society- even in a justified setting.
Shifting Focus Marines move into position to begin the second phase of their operations. Understand their role and what is being asked of them. Learn of the quiet role chaplains have historically played in incorporating humanitarian missions and outreach as part of their role with our military.
Inside the Ishtar Gate Enter through the Ishtar Gate and witness how the Iraqis were looting their own backyard. Walk through the ruins of Babylon - Nebuchadnezzar's Palace, Procession Street, Alexander the Great's coliseum and the original Ishtar Gate. In this context we seek to understand how Saddam saw himself as the new Nebuchadnezzar.
Conquering Babylon Chaplain Marrero shares his quest to capture Babylon in order to protect it from looters. He introduces us to some key figures that led the war effort and supported him in this venture. Learn what was happening inside the Ishtar Gate and how the looters were finally defeated. Walk with him as he struggles to define the chaplain's role in peace and war in order to care for those who serve.
The Souk Planning to renovate the ancient site was important but the people and their conditions called for more attention. Learn of the creative fashion in which the Marines mobilized and endeared a community, encouraged them to trust them and how the Iraqis pulled themselves up economically.
Mayor of Babylon
This is a tale of navigating bureaucracies while inspiring the weak to be strong. Chaplain Marrero was a pastor to his people but also to the Iraqis to whom he wanted to so dearly embody Christianity and the American way. He shares stories of Distinguished Visitors who visited Babylon and challenges they overcame. He portrays the modern American Warrior as a complex citizen who controls rage with the discipline of ethics.
By the Rivers of Babylon This is a look at the Rivers of Babylon and a reflection on what they meant to so many. The river was a sign of life but it was also the sign of a wrenching helicopter crash and how it brought Iraqi and American together. By the rivers is a reflection of worship and yet the shedding of tears set in the same place where the authors of Psalm 137 reflected. It captures the great emotional sacrifice of our troops overseas.
Inshallah Inshallah means "If God wills it." Chaplain Marrero shares how Iraqi and Christians used the same terminology but could often be expressed to mean very different terms of reality. He closes by sharing how he as a looter during the 1977 New York City blackout was rescued by the outreach of his church and ends by declaring a hope that as his life was rescued so will the Iraqis.
I MEF Convoy on the move
RP2 Stephens, Chaplain Marrero and SGT Gowin in Baghdad (2003)
Chaplain Marrero with local children and Marine Civil Affairs Team
Palm Sunday Service on the Tigris River
Medical Aid Station in Kuwait (2003)
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