War Zone Faith: An Army Chaplain's Reflections from Afghanistan

As an Army chaplain deployed to Afghanistan, George Tyger has seen and experienced things that many of us cannot fathom: naked children throwing rocks at him in the street, a playground in the middle of a Taliban graveyard, and incredible violence, anger, loneliness, and fear. Determined to find meaning in the midst of it all, Tyger reflects on his faith, his prejudices, and his privilege, and shares the unique perspective he has gained while serving and ministering in a war zone.

Captain George Tyger, United States Army, is a Unitarian Universalist minister and a military chaplain. Prior to joining the chaplaincy, he spent fourteen years serving as a parish minister in congregations in Rochester, New York; Springfield and Palmer, Massachusetts; and Harrisonburg, Virginia.

"As a nation, we have been at war for over a decade. Into this arena enters our military chaplain corps, armed with nothing but faith, courage, and compassion. Chaplain (Captain) George Tyger represents the best of such ministers to our armed forces. George's words reach my heart just as they have touched the lives of our soldiers, helping us all find our way home." - Rev. Sarah Lammert, Ecclesiastical Endorser for Unitarian Universalist chaplains