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thedrifter
10-16-06, 07:02 AM
From the frontline to the hospitals in Iraq, protecting soldiers' freedom of faith

Daily Record/Sunday News
York Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Launched:10/16/2006 06:00:57 AM EDT
At bottom: · ABOUT HIDEN
Oct 16, 2006 — People and things come and go in the safe zone in Baghdad, like the ornate Bible someone donated to a base chapel.

The book was written in Arabic, the language of Iraq, and about Jesus Christ, a man whose teachings are followed by about half a million Iraqis.

Staff Sergeant and York City Firefighter Charles Hiden thought the book would make a nice gift for an Iraqi friend of his, a Christian who frequents chapel services and has helped him on more than one occasion.

But the man refused.

"I can't get caught with that - they'll kill me," the man said, according to Hiden.

The delight that was at first shining in his friend's eyes, Hiden said, had turned quickly to the depressing pang of reality.

Religious freedom is a distant dream outside the world of direct American protection, little better than the time of Saddam Hussein, when half the country's Christians fled the country.

Hiden, of York Township, is that protection for an American chaplain and others ministering to the troops and others in the occupied nation.

Hiden retired after 15 years with the York Water Co. to become a paid firefighter with York Fire/Rescue Services and said he was never in a combat zone during his 18 years of active and reserve service in the United States military.

The 45-year-old newlywed saw his chance earlier this year when he found out about a job opening for a guard with a Harrisburg-based military unit.

Hiden transferred to the Pennsylvania National Guard's 28th Joint Area Support Group and took required online and classroom courses on providing military security.

In March, he shipped out to finally become a "combat vet."

Hospital rounds are a normal part of his day. Hiden's job is to watch for improvised explosive devices and other hazards en route to medical facilities, while at the same time serving as a shoulder to lean on for enlisted men, mangled and lonely in hospital beds, once he gets there.

The men, he said, sometimes like talking to him better than a chaplain. Hiden, an uncommissioned officer, is closer to their own ranks.

He said he feels for those men fighting on the front lines, and wishes at times he could join them, especially after one of the first times he saw a helicopter land at an Iraqi hospital.

Two men were pulled from the copter, wrapped in gauze like they were wearing a cheap Halloween costume, he said. But the parts not covered in the mummy-like dressings were soaked red with blood.

Hiden wanted to take up arms at that point - anger seething through his body.

It's a moment he said he'll never forget.

The hospitals also treat scores of Iraqis, but Hiden said he doesn't minister much to them.

They often know little English. And for those who know the language, few things are seen as more deadly in Iraq than dabbling in religious plurality.

"These people are scared to death to talk about Christianity," Hiden said.

But some Iraqi civilians and local defense contractors, like Hiden's friend, frequent the chapel services for soldiers, Marines and officials held inside the American protection zone.

Other than providing security for chaplains who leave the safe zone to go to local hospitals, Hiden also helps with more mundane church service duties.

Just before an interview earlier this month, Hiden was typing bulletins and song sheets for the next service. He said he knows it's important work, but his mind is elsewhere at times.

"I'd rather be in a convoy somewhere," Hiden joked.

ABOUT HIDEN

Name: Staff Sgt. Charles Hiden

Age: 45

Residence: York Township

Family: Wife Pip; children Natasha and Travis, from a previous marriage

Education: William Penn Senior High School, class of 1979

Occupation: York City firefighter and chaplain assistant in the Pennsylvania National Guard

Ellie