Emails From Iraq

Interview with Winterwolf

Spirituality and War

By Laura Wandrie

I recently had the opportunity to Chat with Keith and ask him a few questions about his life and the things going on over in Iraq. This Memorial Day weekend I thought it fitting to give you all a chance to learn a bit more about the person behind the emails.

NAJ: So Keith, how long have you served as a soldier in the military?

KEITH: Well, that dates back to 1987, I had joined the Army Reserves at that point as a 17 year old. Very eye opening. after Desert Storm of which I participated in, I got out for a number of years and then rejoined into the active service in 98'. So lets see, 7 years active duty and 6 years reserves. Yup that's a number of years now.

NAJ: Were you a Pagan when you Joined?

KEITH: Not during my Reserve time back in the 80's, but I had started walking a solitary path back around 98 when I joined the active service. I had off and on studied pagan theory and Native American spirituality back around 92',
but not quite as seriously as I had been in the late 90's. I've always had a close relationship with nature and animals, so the path was fairly easy to integrate into.

NAJ: How do you blend your job with your spirituality as a Pagan?

KEITH: Well, that's kind of a challenge. The military has never really been known to be stewards of nature and I've been at odds on more than one occasion when I
saw abuses, and had to deal with the consequences of being outspoken. But on the ethical side of the house, I live by a moral code compatible with my pagan spirituality. I try to show this ethical side to the people I work with so they are less apt to judge me by my religion and more by my actions.

By that I mean that I do my best to treat others with respect as they deserve it, show compassion and be helpful. The Army has some compatible values with paganism as well, honor, loyalty, duty, selfless service...they are easy for me to accomplish. Ritual work is very difficult though. I am lucky I have a fairly tolerant room mate, but space and working conditions sometimes make it difficult to get done. As to my service in general, while I may not agree with policies set by leadership, I do take a lot of pride serving the people.

NAJ: What are your feelings about this war and why it happened and what exactly our role in Iraq is?

KEITH: Hmmm tough question there. I have seen the damage that the former regime did to its inhabitants. I fully believe we did a good thing in ousting Hussein's regime, however since there is no firm exit strategy I'm at odds with what seems a long term stabilization operation. I think more needs to be done for training in the ways of cultural sensitivities towards our host nation here. And I think the exit strategy needs to come swiftly and with a sure plan.

NAJ: Do you get the opportunity to fully practice your spirituality?

KEITH: Not as much as Id like to. Operation tempo tends to forgo a lot of the things Id like to do as far as spirituality. Even though the chaplain's manual at the very least recognizes the Gardnerian Path, it gives no real provisions for pagans to actually have the time for themselves to practice.

NAJ: What do others think of your path?

KEITH: More to the point, I try to let others judge me first by what I say and do in day to day living rather than look at my spiritual path. Once people get to know me for a hard working honorable soldier, most are fairly tolerant of
my being a pagan. I am always open and honest and dont flaunt my faith like a zealot. I think when you go into a working environment and you show by your actions what your faith dictates rather than spouting out words to
protect yourself, people are more apt to be understanding. Its a quieter approach, but its a lot less abrasive and folks are more open to hear your ideas.

NAJ: Anything you'd like to share with the New Age Journal Viewers and those of us back home?

KEITH: I can only speak for myself as a soldier. Im not always in agreement with policy over here, but as a pagan, I take honor very seriously. No one that I work with wants to go out shooting and killing.

Most of us just want to do the job and get home in one piece. I do hope that readers take a much more active role politically if they seek change. It cant be just rhetoric and empty words. It has to be backed up with good hard work and action. Nothing in this life that is worth having will come easy.

There are always obstacles, but if everyone bands together, we can make this world a better place. Take ownership of the world about you and your activities. Work towards an end of conflicts and better stewardship of the World at large. Get active in your communities. Be tolerant of one another. I guess that ought to do for now.

NAJ: How long will you be there and what are your plans when you get back?

KEITH: Most likely a year, so it'll be sometime in January when I return to the states. When I get back, I may or may not continue in the military. Spring is coming soon then so I have plans to go to North GA. for a fine festival.

I am currently trying to save funds up so when I do leave the military I can start up a small business as a plant nursery owner. These are long term things. Oh, and being close to those I love the most, you know who you are.

NAJ: Well thanks for sharing your time and your thoughts with us Keith. We enjoy hearing from you and reading your emails. Stay safe and keep writing in.

Keith aka Winterwolf is a soldier in the US Army currently stationed in Iraq. Even while overseas, he finds time to serve as the Vice President of Pagans United, http://www.pagansunited.com via long distance and has been great help with other pagans serving overseas.