Former pastor returns from Iraq
Rindahl serves as chaplain for American troops

Capt. Steven Rindahl, who served as an Army chaplain in Iraq, stands before two drawn swords known as The Assassins Gate near the International Zone (AKA The Green Zone) in Baghdad, Iraq. The swords of The Assassins Gate remain silver even in the weather because they are made from aircraft aluminum taken from shot down Iranian planes during the Iran- Iraq War. The walkways are paved with Iranian helmets also taken from that war. "The intent is to say that Iran is under the feet of Iraq," he said. Rindahl recently returned home and is now stationed at Fort Hood. He is the former pastor of First Baptist in Louise. Contributed Photo

Capt. Steven Rindahl has just returned from a 15-month tour of duty in Baghdad, Iraq. He is the former pastor of First Baptist Church of Louise.

Rindahl is the chaplain for the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, a 933 soldier Combined Arms Battalion consisting of infantry, tankers, engineers and support personnel.

The 1-5 Cav was responsible for the regions of western Baghdad known as Ameriya, Mansour and Jamiya.

During deployment, Rindahl conducted chapel and worship services on Forward Operating Base Liberty and a series of joint security stations and combat outposts as well as counseling soldiers and conducting memorial ceremonies for soldiers killed in action.

"One of the privileges I valued most was the opportunity to twice conduct worship services at the United States Embassy in Baghdad," Rindahl said.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq and the Combat Action Badge for being engaged by the enemy.

Rindahl is currently stationed at Fort Hood on active duty with the Army for an indefinite period of time.