Desert Journal: Day 2

By Carol Pipes

SOUTHWEST ASIA--Air Force Chaplain (CPT) Dallas Little has a 24/7 ministry. Little serves at an airbase in an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. He described it as a giant Greyhound bus station but with airplanes. Every day 3,000 to 5,000 troops pass by his office on their way in or out of the Middle East theater. 

Little's focus is to provide a ministry of hospitality. "We provide a safe, comfortable place for travelers as they wait for transport," said Little. The chaplain's office is no more than a couple of cubicles, but they managed to create an inviting atmosphere. Visitors to this small oasis are greeted with hot coffee and, if they're lucky, Krispy Kreme donuts. "We probably go through 25-30 pots of coffee a day."

Little sees a lot of soldiers on their way back from R and R. For some the trip home brings more trouble than rest. "They've been in combat, then they go home and manifest signs of post-traumatic stress," Little said. "This often leads to trouble with the spouse. By the time they get back here, some wish they'd never gone home."

Little sees a lot of soldiers and marines who suffer from combat stress and PTS. His job is to provide a listening ear. "It's my privilege and my burden to keep anything they say to myself," said Little. "People come to us, because they know it's safe to come to us."

Last year, an estimated 20.2 suicides occurred per 100,000 soldiers, the highest since the Army began tracking the figure in 1980. The figure is just slightly higher than the national suicide rate. 2008 marked the fourth consecutive year that suicides have increase, according to the Army's 2008 Suicide Data report released in January.

"Last year the military had more deaths due to suicide than combat," said Little. "These guys are eye-to-eye with death. We try to help them deal with what they've seen and experienced."

It's an intense ministry, but Little is grateful to God for the opportunity.