Refined by Fire: An Army Chaplain in Iraq

A year in a combat zone reveals the emotional toll of war and the urgent spiritual care provided to soldiers under fire.

“I wanted the raw, unfiltered experience of ministry in the field, where the need was urgent and where the impact could be immediate. I wanted to be where soldiers were, in the midst of danger and uncertainty, offering spiritual care when they needed it most.”

Refined by Fire is the compelling account of a U.S. Army chaplain’s year-long deployment in Iraq (2004–2005). With vivid details of the infamous dining facility bombing at Forward Operating Base Marez—the deadliest attack on a U.S. military base during Operation Iraqi Freedom—this book offers a rare, first-hand look at the emotional and logistical complexities of military service in a combat zone.

The narrative weaves through a gripping account of mass casualties, Iraq’s first free election, and the role of spiritual care during wartime, blending biblical reflections with therapeutic insights. The author, now a counselor, provides an essential window into the resilience, struggles, and faith required in war, shedding light on the emotional and spiritual effects of combat. Given the ongoing challenges faced by Iraq War veterans, including PTSD and suicide, now is the time to share these reflections, providing insight for those who served and those who continue to support them. This memoir will resonate deeply with veterans, military families, and anyone seeking to understand the human toll of war.

Capturing the challenges of the early years of the Iraq War, and the evolving role held by chaplains in modern military operations, Refined by Fire offers valuable insight for veterans, military families, chaplains, and anyone seeking to understand the human impact of war beyond the battlefield.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Chaplaincy

1 Deployment With A Stryker Brigade
2 Mortar Attack
3 Battle Of Mosul
4 Dfac Bombing
5 Iraq’s First Free Election
6 Inman Engagements
7 Easter At An Ancient Monastery
8 Orphanage In Al Qush
9 Hatra
10 On Patrol In Mosul
11 Trip To Kurdistan
12 Trading My Sorrows

Afterword: PTSD

Appendix A Serious Incident Report From DFAC Bombing
Appendix B The 13 Soldiers Who Died In The Dining Facility Bombing
Appendix C The 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division’s Year In Iraq, By The Numbers
Appendix D 1-25th Unit Ministry Team
Appendix E 1-25th Valorous Unit Award

Bibliography

James Y. Pennington is a licensed professional counselor in Alabama and a retired Army chaplain with two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History from the University of North Alabama, a Master of Divinity from MidAmerica Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Professional Counseling, a Master of Human Services Counseling in Crisis Response and Trauma from Liberty University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Erskine Seminary. He has authored a doctoral dissertation titled Putting the Pieces Together: Narrative Therapy and Theological Reflection and two books: Mosul and Trauma Treatment using Narrative Therapy and Theological Reflection.