Friday, January 7, 2011

Project A.R.E.S. Letter

I wanted to share with everyone the wonderful letter that we just received regarding the Project A.R.E.S. ritual kits. Our Military liaison, Bill who is in charge of the project recently sent some kits out to some Pagan soldiers stationed in northern Iraq.

We are pleased and honored to support those in the military who wish to practice their earth-based faiths.
We will be working on creating some more kits for this project in the summertime, so if you would like to help or contribute to the project, make sure you contact Bill soon!


Read the full text of the letter below:

To all members:

I would like to thank all of you for the wonderful package of Field Ritual kits you sent to the Joint Base Balad Open Circle. It warms my heart to know that there are religious organizations looking out for us and supporting the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines serving overseas.

Who we are: The Joint Base Balad (JBB) Open Circle was established on October 31, 2004 by a small congregation of Pagan soldiers. In that time the Open Circle has seen many faiths and paths come across the doorway. We offer services, support, and private location for meditation, rituals and classes for all Wiccan, Pagan and Neo-Pagan paths and traditions. No Service Member or Civilian Contractor are turned away and we strive to bring awareness to our own small community, and the (? ed.-)

Myself: I am the co-Distinguished Faith Group Leader for the Open Circle. I have been serving in the Army  Reserve for 12 years. My faith is Wiccan (Nocturnal Path). I enjoy doing my job as the Faith Group Leader and will soon begin training my replacement. It's my intent to see the Open Circle going strong until the last day US Forces leave Iraq.

Again, I would like to thank you for your support. My co-leader Mike K. also sends his regards. As we prepare for our Yule all of you will be in our thoughts and we will try send a little of our energy your way!

Sincerely,
Andrew H. Lund
Sergeant, US Army