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HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (1/2/2011) - “This is what
it's all about,” said Cmdr. Christopher Fronk, chaplain for
2nd Marine Division (Forward). “There's nothing better than
getting out to the Marines, to share their time and their
devotion.”
So starts the day of the Monaca, Pa.,
native with his trusty sidekick, religious program
specialist Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Hawthorne, or
“the bodyguard” as he is known to some. The two head for
their first of several destinations within Helmand province
aboard their own dedicated Marine Corps, Bell UH-1Y Huey
helicopter, nicknamed, appropriately enough, the “Holy Helo.”
In a day filled with flying, prepping, conducting Mass
and waiting, Fronk and Massachusetts' own Hawthorne make
their way to the smallest patrol bases to lift the
spiritual, religious, moral and personal well-being of the
members of Task Force Leatherneck.
“In every clime and place” is a phrase that applies to conducting Mass for the Marines as well. Commander Christopher Fronk, the 2nd Marine Division (Forward) chaplain, uses any space available on the remote patrol bases throughout Task Force Leatherneck's area of operations to minister to the Marines
on Jan. 2, 2012. “Condiments on the table just add color to the Mass,” said the Monaca, Pa., native.
Photo by USMC Maj. Bradley Gordon
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Even with numerous masses, flights, hand-shaking and
fellowship with Marines, Fronk and Hawthorne often find
themselves with plenty of time for self reflection.
In true Marine Corps tradition, Mass is conducted in every
clime and place, from a small tent used as a makeshift chow
hall to a dedicated hole-in-the-wall mud hut, the chaplain
and RP make the best of every given situation. The RP pays
attention to every detail as he makes sure both the chaplain
and the Marines in attendance are able to experience Mass as
close to how their home parish would do it as possible.
Fronk said he
sees the faces of the Corps' youth, remembering all of them
and making a personal connection with each one. Even though
he may only make it out to their position once a month
because he is the only Catholic priest assigned to the
Division, “Chaps” works hard to make every Marine feel like
he just saw them the day before. Before each Mass, Fronk
sits and either tells a joke or story or he learns a new one
from the Marines. After the Mass, Marines shake hands and
not only enjoy fellowship with the chaplain; they also take
time to learn more about each other, officer or enlisted.
As the day wears on and one flight blends into the
next, there is always one place the division's shield of the
lord finds solace.
“Of course, we always look forward
to (Forward Operating Base) Inkerman,” said Fronk. “That's
money.”
When the religious duo make their way from
the landing zone to the makeshift chapel in the patrol
base's chow hall, the first thing they find after dropping
their protective gear are the pre-packaged pastries known as
Pop Tarts. “Blueberry,” chimes in a wide-smiled Hawthorne.
“Always blueberry,” finished the native of Worcester, Mass.
So it goes, one day, half a dozen flights aboard the
Holy Helo, four patrol bases, four Masses and numerous
handshakes and smiles later, the religious team finds its
way home to Camp Leatherneck. They have achieved success
today. Fronk and Hawthorne take a moment to look over their
schedule for tomorrow, one that will be similar to the day
they just completed -- just another day at the office,
another day the flock will be led and fed by their shepherd.
More photos available below
By USMC Maj. Bradley Gordon
2nd Marine Division
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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