Faith in the Fog of War
by Cpt. Chris Plekenpol
Published by Multnomah (September 2006 Release)
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Reviewed by Caron Smith
Subtitled: A Soldier's Journal--Stories of triumph and tragedy in the Midst of Battle
Cpt. Chris Plekenpol wrote this journal, consisting of forty-two stories of victory and heartbreak, while in the United States Army, deployed to Iraq. In each entry, Plekenpol aptly shows the atrocities of war while maintaining his personal goal of serving God to the very best of his abilities.
I was amazed at the author's ability to write about the carnage he and his troops face nearly every day with such accurate detail. Yet, by the end of each story, he is able to turn the shocking and appalling devastation of combat into a message from God with scriptures to back up his reasoning. Each account ends with insightful questions or guidelines that the readers may apply to their daily lives.
Cpt. Plekenpol explains the impact American soldiers have on the innocent children of Iraq. Besides supplying necessities such as food and water, the soldiers enhance the lives of the children by handing out soccer balls and candy bars, which are greeted with such enthusiasm that the simplicity of the act renders many soldiers heartbroken.
I highly recommend this book to any American, regardless of their opinion of the Iraqi war. The author does not attempt to sway anybody's belief, pro or con--he merely tells it like it is while expressing his faith in God. Cpt. Chris Plekenpol leaves plenty of opportunity for each discerning reader to make their own informed judgment.
Armchair Interviews says: For a unique up close look, this is a book to read.