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Easter Sunrise Service

The house of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur of the Chaldeans was the setting of a special Easter sunrise service for soldiers in Southern Iraq. Approximately five to six hundred attended the early Sunday church service.

The service began with a welcome and prayer from Chaplain (LTC) David White of the 194th Engineer Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard, and a scripture readings from Command Sergeant Major Ronald Jones also of the 194th and Command Sergeant Major John Ryan of the 891st Engineer Battalion, Kansas Army National Guard. Specialist Mary Jane Middleton, The Sapper Choir and Staff Sergeant David Coats provided music under the direction of Chaplain's Assistant (SSG) John Sheehan. The Easter message was delivered by Chaplain (CPT) John Callihan of the 891st.

Following the benediction, a Communion Service was held with the assistance of Chaplain (LTC) Stephen Holley (122nd Corps Support Group, Alabama Army National Guard); Chaplain (CPT) Susan Caswell (86th CSH, U.S. Army); Chaplain (CPT) Lyle Shackelford (57th Transportation Battalion, U.S. Army); Chaplain (1LT) Ben Sprouse (206th Corps Support Battalion, New York Army National Guard).

From left to right: Chaplain (CPT) John Callihan, Chaplain's Assistant (SSG) John Sheehan, Chaplain (LTC) David White and Chaplain's Assistant (SSG) Mickey Basham

Sergeant First Class Frank Shelton listening to Easter sunrise sermon

Chaplain Callihan delivering his message to a large crowd of soldiers on Easter morning in southern Iraq

Chaplain White welcoming a large crowd of soldiers to an Easter sunrise service at the house of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur of the Chaldeans in southern Iraq

Sergeant Major Dennis Creecy is about to take Communion following an Easter sunrise service at the house of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur

The Sapper Choir under the direction of Chaplain's Assistant (SSG) John Sheehan provided music

Story and photos by SFC Pete Quinton, S-5/PAO,
194th Engineer Brigade (TA)
Tennessee Army National Guard
Tallil, AB, Iraq