A Quiet Reality
A Chaplain's Journey into Babylon, Iraq with the I Marine Expeditionary Force
Emilio Marrero, Jr.

The words "Iraq War" evoke images of Marines on rooftops, feverishly shooting their automatic weapons at shadowy enemies. Yet the experience for a large part of our military has been vastly different, as they have dedicated their efforts to rebuilding a nation. A Quiet Reality draws readers into a very different side of the war. Get a glimpse of the untold war from the perspective of a chaplain who accompanied Marines into battle in Desert Storm and twice in Iraqi Freedom. Chaplain Marrero is not a cheerleader for the war, but a pastor who struggles with being a reflection of God in a time of war, defines his role as a chaplain, and seeks to find opportunities for compassion. A Quiet Reality allows you to walk by his side as he reflects, ministers, and leads the efforts to protect the ancient site of Nebuchadnezzar's Palace in ancient Babylon. Join him on an exhilarating tactical convoy during his first night in Iraq, and share with him the painful ministry to the wounded and dead. Chaplain Marrero's memoir is a heartwarming, hopeful commentary on the challenges of being true to one's faith and one's calling in the most trying of times. It's a wonderful story that provides deep insight into how Americans and Iraqis touch one another in conflict and in peace.

"Chaplain Emilio Marrero has written a brilliant and moving account of his experiences in the Iraq War. It is a side of war we rarely know. His personal and passionate story is wonderfully told and a must read for those who want to understand a side of combat seldom described."--General Anthony C. Zinni USMC (Retired)



From the Bronx to the rivers of Babylon, the "Mayor of Babylon" Chaplain Emilio Marrero tells a fascinating story of war, compassion, struggles, faith, and ancient biblical history in a country that we read about daily -- Iraq. As he describes the different events, it is obvious he continues to carry out the order of his Marine Commanding Officer: "Take care of my Marines." He tells the true story of saving Babylon for civilization. Strongly recommended, a must read, A Quite Reality is a different view of the war, the people, and the accomplishments made in that part of the world.� Rear Admiral Fred Metz, US Navy (Retired), Naval AviatorReverend Marrero takes us along on his journey of ministerial service to men and women on the front lines of battle. We confront the conflicts, fears, and bravery that is demanded of people who wear the uniform of our military and those who choose to be clergy to them. Through Marrero's journey you come to understand much of what our troops face under the conditions of war or violence. You come to understand how they struggle to do good as they try to insure their survival. Unlike any ministry book you have read, Marrero's narrative will inform you of how many decisions are made and of the men and women who enforce them. The tensions that are inherent in warfare make the role of a clergyperson both conflictive and rewarding. You will begin to appreciate the service of our military, the role of clergy, and how we as Americans must begin to understand military service. Chaplain Marrero provides insight into their role in our modern and global context, and even in the hell of war many of our troops are compassionate, risking life and limb not just for us in America but for the common Iraqi civilian, for their Iraqi culture, and all of civilization in the saving of Babylon. This book is highly recommended if you are interested in another perspective on the Iraqi war, if you are a person of faith, or a person who is thinking of a calling to ministry.� Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr., President, Esperanza USAEmilio Marrero Jr. is a Captain in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy. A native of the South Bronx (New York City), Chaplain Marrero is a 1982 graduate of Eastern College in St. David, Pennsylvania. He received his M.Div. degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1985, and completed his D.Min. in Religious Education from Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, California, in 2000. Chaplain Marrero has served in a series of diverse tours, including Ship's Chaplain to the USS Tripoli; Group Chaplain during Desert Shield and Desert Storm; Staff Chaplain, to the Naval Air Station at Keflavik, Iceland; and Command Chaplain for the Marine Corps Air Station at Yuma, Arizona. He served with the First Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton as the I MEF Forward Force Chaplain and Deputy Force Chaplain during combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom (January-October 2003) and Operation Iraqi Freedom II (February-July 2004). He is currently serving as the Force Chaplain at the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in Little Creek, Virginia. His personal awards include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and over twenty campaign and unit awards.