A Soldier Finds Refuge

Christ brings healing after the trauma of war

Story by Carmel Palmer
Photos by U.S. Army Spc. Daniel P. Shook

Staff Sergeant Bobby Frisina dropped to his knees inside his tent. Stationed in Zhari district in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, with the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, Bobby’s brigade faced daily danger and many casualties. Having returned from a memorial service for three comrades, he needed a private conversation with God. He recalled, “When you’re in combat, life becomes very simple. I said, ‘Lord, if I’m going to die here, I need to know so I can be at peace until I go.’” He felt God assure him that this was not his time or place to die. He recalled, “I only told my chaplain, but I lived in peace until I returned home.”

By that time, 56 soldiers in Bobby’s brigade were dead; 170 were amputees. The only South Carolinian in his unit, Bobby boarded his flight to Columbia alone. The only passenger in fatigues, he walked alone through the airport to his family. As they joyfully embraced him, they had no idea that a new battle was just beginning.

The complete article is published in issue 70 of Calvary Chapel Magazine.