Sam's Deployment in Afghanistan

On Saturday, March 11, 2006, my (Kate's) brother, SPC Sam Chaput left for a one year deployment to Afghanistan. He will be serving God and country with Charlie Company of the 37th Engineering Battalion.

For the present time, we understand Sam's platoon will be charged with providing security for road construction crews and checking roads for explosive devices. Their work will take them to remote locations as they work on roadways connecting Sharana, Waza Kwa and Gardenz. They will be living in tent barracks for much of the time. This means little or no access to electricity, phones or the internet. For the time being the only way we have of staying in touch is by prayer and mail.

When it is noon here in Elkhart, it is 9:30 p.m. in Afghanistan. However, the military operate on "Zulu" time, or Greenwich Mean Time. This makes it possible for military personnel spread across many time zones to function together. So for Sam, when it it noon in Indiana, it is 5:00 p.m. Zulu.

My parents and brother Nic were honored to meet many of the members of Sam's squad on the morning they deployed. Morale was high and they seemed confident in their training, their mission, their leaders and their fellow soldiers. With about one third having served in Iraq or Afghanistan already, Charlie Complany seemed as well prepared as they could be.

When Sam enlisted, he did so with a clear sense of God's call on his life to be a witness to his fellow soldiers and those whom he would be called on to protect. While we are all aware of the dangers he will face, we are certain he is being faithful to do what God has asked. We will be providing a prayer covering for Sam and invite you to join as the Lord leads you.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity." (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Pray for those leading the 37th Engineering Battalion, including:
Colonel Delgidio, Captain Roddey, 2nd Lt. Chen (Sam is his driver), Sgt. Major Cartwright, 1st Sgt. Rafferty, Sgt. 1st Class Brennan, Sgt. Helvig and Sgt. Rivard

Pray for Sam and the members of Charlie Company's 1st Squad:
Staff Sgt. Martinez, Sgt. Johnavan, SPC Quichocho, SPC Rogers, SPC Chaput, PFC Drum and PV2 Harvey.

Pray for the people and government leaders of Afghanistan.

Pray for Sam's wife (our sister-in-law) Shannon, who will be living with my parents (Dennis & Sharon Chaput) in Granger.

You can write to Sam (it only requires a 1st class stamp):
SPC Samuel Chaput
C. Co. 37 Eng. BN
FOB Sharana
APO AE 09354