Refined by Fire

An Army Chaplain in Iraq

James Y. Pennington

• Publisher: Casemate
• Year: 2026
• Topic: History
• eBook ISBN:
  9781636246208
• Subtopic: Military Biographies
• Index: History

"The author does not hide the difficulties of the mission or its personal toll. Rather, he makes pain and loss an integral part of his faith journey. This book is a powerful tale of dedication in the midst of adversity filled with faith, hope, and love. This book sings with a sweet, sweet spirit and I know the Lord is in every page."— J. Furman Daniel, III, author of Patton: Battling with History; Blood, Mud and Oil Paint: The Remarkable Year that Made Winston Churchill; and Restoring Clausewitz

“I wanted the raw, unfiltered experience of ministry in the field, where the need was urgent and where the impact could be immediate. I wanted to be where soldiers were, in the midst of danger and uncertainty, offering spiritual care when they needed it most.”

Refined by Fire is the compelling account of a U.S. Army chaplain’s year-long deployment in Iraq (2004–2005). With vivid details of the infamous dining facility bombing at Forward Operating Base Marez—the deadliest attack on a U.S. military base during Operation Iraqi Freedom—this book offers a rare, first-hand look at the emotional and logistical complexities of military service in a combat zone.

The narrative weaves through a gripping account of mass casualties, Iraq’s first free election, and the role of spiritual care during wartime, blending biblical reflections with therapeutic insights. The author, now a counselor, provides an essential window into the resilience, struggles, and faith required in war, shedding light on the emotional and spiritual effects of combat. Given the ongoing challenges faced by Iraq War veterans, including PTSD and suicide, now is the time to share these reflections, providing insight for those who served and those who continue to support them. This memoir will resonate deeply with veterans, military families, and anyone seeking to understand the human toll of war.

Capturing the challenges of the early years of the Iraq War, and the evolving role held by chaplains in modern military operations, Refined by Fire offers valuable insight for veterans, military families, chaplains, and anyone seeking to understand the human impact of war beyond the battlefield.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Contents
• Introduction Chaplaincy
• Chapter 1 - Deployment with a Stryker Brigade
• Chapter 2 - Mortar Attack
• Chapter 3 - Battle of Mosul
• Chapter 4 - DFAC Bombing
• Chapter 5 - Iraq’s First Free Election
• Chapter 6 - Imam Engagements
• Chapter 7 - Easter at an Ancient Monastery
• Chapter 8 - Orphanage in Alqosh
• Chapter 9 - Hatra
• Chapter 10 - On Patrol in Mosul
• Chapter 11 - Trip to Dahuk
• Chapter 12 - Refined by Fire
• Afterword PTSD
• Appendix A - Serious Incident Report from DFAC Bombing
• Appendix B - The 13 Soldiers Who Died in the Dining Facility Bombing
• Appendix C - The 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division’s Year in Iraq, By the Numbers
• Appendix D - 1-25 Unit Ministry Team
• Appendix E - 1-25 Valorous Unit Award
• Bibliography