Seton Hall Magazine, Winter 2003 - Seton Hall University

When temperatures dipped below zero, as they often did, Father Hamel
was especially thankful for his wool hat while serving at Camp
Stronghold Freedom in Karshi-Khanabad, Uzbekistan.
Air Base. Although he clearly recognized the possibility of danger,
he also felt a sense of excitement when he learned of his assignment.
“Being deployed is a great ministry, a chance for me to
really make a difference in the lives of those who are dutifully
serving our country,” he says.
Upon arrival, Father Hamel helped set up a tent city for the
soldiers as part of the base’s expansion. “There are tents that serve
as the living quarters, mess hall, latrines, showers, even a movie
theater and chapel,” he explains. Although such living conditions
are primitive at best, certain technologies added a modern feel to
the temporary town: “The tents are equipped with electricity,
some even have Internet connections,” Father Hamel says.
It wasn’t long before he was sent out from the base to the front
lines in Uzbekistan, the first Catholic priest to be deployed there.
Camp Stronghold Freedom is located in Karshi-Khanabad, a former
Taliban stronghold that became a logistics hub for the U.S.
airstrikes in Afghanistan. Father Hamel was overwhelmed by the
warm welcome he received from the troops. “They were so grateful
to have a Catholic priest in their midst,” he recalls.
Despite being away from friends, family and the comforts of
home, the troops remained positive, according to Father Hamel.
A military tent served as the base’s chapel in Qatar. The inside view
shows the chapel’s sparse but functional furnishings.
“I was impressed by the extent to which they were focused and
dedicated to accomplishing the mission,” he remembers. “Spirits
were high despite the threat of war and constant danger.”
Perhaps most impressive to Father Hamel was their steadfast
faith. “The simplicity and genuineness of their faith was so touching,”
he recalls. “The young troops were so grateful and patiently
waited to talk to me.” He remembers watching with great joy as
the troops came to Mass and later lined up to receive the
Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Another heartwarming moment occurred during a Christmas
party. The organizers had invited an Uzbek soldier and his 6-yearold
son. “After saying grace, the son and the father were the first
two people in line for food,” Father Hamel says. “Although the
spread was certainly not fancy — it was your typical mess hall fare
— they were so thankful to have been included in our celebration.”
A few days later, while awaiting transport back to Qatar after
his service on the front lines, Father Hamel met with Monsignor
Sheeran in Germany. “It was a great comfort to see a familiar face
from South Orange while serving overseas,” he remembers. “I was
immediately reminded of the guidance and support he had given
me so many years before. That strengthened me.”
After returning to Grand Forks for a brief period, Father
Hamel was reassigned to Osan Air Base in South Korea. He is
pastor to the hundreds of Catholics who are stationed there, and
also serves as a chaplain to the broader community on the base.
He and his parishioners offer a social outreach program to a
Korean orphanage and retirement home, and also are helping
build a Catholic church in a nearby mountain village. “Being
deployed is certainly a challenge. You must learn to adapt to
working with new people under new conditions and in an unfamiliar
environment,” he says, “but I feel honored and privileged
to serve God — and my country — in this special way.”
— Carol Stavraka
WINTER 2003 31