CAMP AL QA'IM, Iraq -- As the sun peaks over the Iraqi desert horizon heralding the Easter morning, a Marine is submerged in a small tub of chilled water.
As the Marine reemerges from the tub water pours from his face; his baptism is complete. Opening his eyes, he finds himself to be a new man on this sacred morning.
Cpl. Robert Sherman, a supply clerk with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment decided that being deployed to a combat zone in Iraq was the best time for him to claim his faith.
"The reason I decided to get baptized in Iraq was because about three or four months ago, I got tired of handling things on my own. So I started getting into the bible and going to bible studies," continued the 32-year-old Erlanger, Ky., native. "I just felt it was time to make a public announcement of my faith and that I will follow Jesus Christ and worship him with all my heart."
The 1990 Heights High School graduate knew that the country he was in was the perfect setting for his baptism.
"It was kind of ironic being baptized in Iraq, which is a biblical setting. I wanted to get it done, and it was eating me up inside. I knew that it was time to get it done and what better place," explained Sherman.
The 1994 Georgetown College graduate realized the effect his baptism may have on his fellow Marines who may question their faith due to being in combat.
"It's important for me because of the environment I'm in. You have people out here that might question their faith because of something they may have experienced. I wanted to show them that out here is the best place to renew your faith and just believe," he continued. "I'm a grown man, and it was my own free will."
After being baptized, Sherman continued with his daily work. His job is important because he ensures Marines get the right gear and he keeps track all the gear for the battalion.
"I handle all the serialized gear. I keep track of all the gear that goes to each company and each section," he explained.
Knowing most of the Marines in the unit because of his job, Sherman said that having his fellow Marines at his baptism was one of the best parts of the morning.
"The best part of being baptized was being baptized with my fellow Marines around and having the sun rising in the desert horizon," he explained.
One of his fellow Marines, fellow supply noncommissioned officer Sgt. Kendrick L. McRae, baptized Sherman.
"It was special for me to be a part of his baptism. He announced his faith in Jesus Christ today and it was amazing," McRae explained afterward.
For Sherman, this Easter is one he says he will remember for the rest of his life.
"Today was a day in my mind that I was saved. The whole time I was being baptized, I was saying prayers to myself, but I also kept thinking 'man this water is cold," he said, laughing.
With his baptism in Iraq completed, Sherman sees this experience as a new beginning for him.
"I'm not perfect and I'm going to make mistakes, I feel I have a responsibility to god and to my faith now. It was a big step for me in my life," Sherman explained, smiling with a peaceful look on his face.