CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- As Marines of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, filled up the chapel on Easter Sunday, Navy chaplain, Lt. Robert E. Bradshaw opened his Bible.
Chaplain Bradshaw makes sure he is always around and able to help the Marines and sailors of the battalion at any time of the day. He keeps morale up by maintaining open doors at the chapel and his office, especially on days like Easter Sunday.
"I love my men and I know them as much as I can," explained the Jensen Beach, Fla., native. "I want them to know I am always available to talk to about anything and everything."
Beginning the service with some songs, 2nd Lt. Perry Akin played the guitar and sang along with Bradshaw and the rest of the men. With two to three times the normal attendance, the room filled with Marine voices as everyone sang out in the peaceful and serene chapel.
Those in attendance had an opportunity to relax and to get away from the everyday routine. Although this Sunday service was full, operational tempo greatly impacts attendance.
"We had 68 people in today and it was a full house," Bradshaw said. "It's always good to see the chapel full of Marines."
Chaplain Bradshaw continued giving his Easter Sunday message. Interacting with his Marines and sailors there, he taught them visually, hoping to help them remember more about his message than just speaking to them.
"Interacting with them is a way to show them what I am trying to teach them," he said.
The unit chaplain does what he can to help keep the morale level up through his openness and willingness to meet the Marines. According to Bradshaw, no matter what time of day it is, he is always available to talk if someone needs him. At times, he is a middleman, but he handles what he can on his own. He bends over backwards to get what is needed.
"One really important part of keeping up the morale is following through on all questions that are asked of me by the Marines and sailors," explained Bradshaw.
As he finished the service, Bradshaw invited everyone to take from the chapel's supply of hygiene items, food and other miscellaneous items. Bradshaw receives many packages sent from the U.S., which are then distributed to everyone throughout the battalion.
Chaplain Bradshaw always looks forward to the everyday adventures with the Marines. Marines of this unit know that he will push ahead with a smile on his face, inviting everyone to stop him as he walks around the camp, or from room to room checking in from time to time.