I was in our battalion headquarters within minutes after the explosion, and soon afterward met the soldier as they flew him into our trauma center. I was there to pray over him as the trauma team treated his broken hand, bandaged the shrapnel wounds in the side, and did what they could with the flaps of skin and muscle that were left below his right knee. He may eventually lose the leg above the knee; we're not yet sure. He was soon afterward evacuated to a larger hospital, where he is currently stabilized and on his way to Germany, and eventually home to Walter Reed Hospital.

The soldier's name is SPC Schmitz, and I knew him fairly well because I had just been on patrol with him last Friday. In fact, we had planned to go on Friday to the area where he was hit with the IED, but we didn't make it because one of our vehicles had engine trouble and we had to return to base early. It's likely the explosive was placed just shortly before the attack on Monday night or Tuesday, but it's still unnerving to think about what might have happened to me if I'd chosen to go on patrol yesterday rather than last Friday.

I've spent a lot of time with the other crew members from his vehicle and the other vehicles in his patrol. You can imagine they were pretty shaken up, but they performed heroically. Their quick response, even when some of them had been just feet from the explosion, saved SPC Schmitz's life by applying a tourniquet, administering IV fluids, and calling for immediate helicopter evacuation. I am so proud of my guys, and their leadership as well.

It's too early for me to reflect on this experience emotionally and theologically, but I thank the Lord that the Army prepared me well, the church has prepared me well, and the saints have surrounded me with prayer. I do believe my training as a chaplain has prepared me to execute the mission. I will give these guys the best possible ministry I can.

As always, I am especially grateful for your prayers.

God be good to you!
CH Steve Timm