Capt. Robert Boettcher

This is from the Hondo Anvil.  Eddie sent me the clip and I would have used a link but the Anvil it looks like the Anvil wants you to pay to share it’s news.

BOETTCHER

U.S. Army Chaplain Captain Robert Boettcher returned home to his family in May, following a your-long tour in Afghanistan.  As the Paladin East 184th EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Battalion Chaplain, he ministered to all the EOD  soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, government workers and contractors under Paladin, traveling constantly all over the country to over 32 different Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and Combat Outposts (COPs).  This entailed a total of 61 in=theater flights and a convoy.

His primary job, as with all chaplains, is to provide Christian worship services, Communion, counseling and moral support, as well as evangelizing those who are willing to listen.

His second greatest obstacle, besides avoiding bombs, was constantly adjusting to the ever-changing climate, he said, since his travel required extreme altitude changes from 1,200 feet to 8,00 above sea level.

Chaplain Boettcher said that his biggest obstacle was overcoming separation anxiety – being away from his wife and children – which was often quite painful.  “Much of my counseling revolved around this issue,” he said.

He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service, due to his scope of coverage.

The captain is the son of Eddie Boettcher of Hondo, and the late Pat Boettcher.