Tear in the Desert

by Ron Camarda

Father Ron Camarda was recalled to Active Duty to serve with the Marines during the Battle for Fallujah, Iraq (2004). At Bravo Surgical (Marine equivalent to a M.A.S.H. unit)he received over 1500 casualties and 81 deaths. When he returned home he found his work was not done. Walking with the widows and families left behind has been filled with great love and compassion. This is a walk with God into the war in the desert, only to find that the real war is within the human heart. The Afterward is by Colonel Mike Shupp, USMC Commanding Officer, Regimental Combat Team-1, Fallujah 2004-2005

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 2008

Reviews

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recently given a copy of this book, from a man who had been helped back into the faith by Fr. Camarda. Fr. Camada is a priest in my diocese who had been called to Active Duty and sent to Iraq during the war. He tells the stories of his struggles and how he fought being returned to Active Duty and the fear that he had.

Most of the book is derived from his journal entries of his days mostly in Fallujah during the worst of the battles. His efforts to be with and fully attentive to the dying and the wounded, while struggling to make sense of it all and his own reactions. He also writes about his interactions with family members of those he ministered to.

Difficult to read in parts, even when these are events outside of my experience and not knowing the persons involved. Yet, his testimony to those who he comforted in the last moments would go on to comfort people in those families.

[Isabella Cilento · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, painful, and deeply inspiring read. I had the chance to read this book thanks to my boss (shoutout to Michael, if you ever see this!). At times, it was incredibly difficult to get through, but I’m so grateful I did. It’s astonishing what a person can endure and still hold onto faith.

Thank you, Fr. Ron, for sharing your experiences with such honesty and courage. Your stories offer a perspective that few others could, and they left a lasting impact. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has known someone deployed to Iraq in the early 2000s or anyone seeking a faith-filled account of resilience in the face of war.

[Rob Ballister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Ron Moses Camarda's book Tear in the Desert is an outstanding and spiritually uplifting memoir about one Catholic chaplain 19s tour of duty during the Iraq war.
Father Ron takes great pains in his book to describe not only the humanity of those ministered to and those around him but his own humanity as well. He discusses his doubts, his fears, and his failings as an angel of peace sent to a theater of war. Filled with his personal recollections, Scripture passages, and his own poetry, some of it written in the back of a Humvee as he transit another dangerous route, the book immerses the reader in Father Ron's experience.

Father Ron ministered to over eighty "angels," or fallen warriors, during his tour. He also ministered to countless wounded, scared, and emotionally scarred. Through it all he leaned on his faith, his humor, and his God to keep him going so he could keep the troops going.

The book is filled with opposites. Terror and peace in the same moment. Hardened Marines sobbing. A priest with thoughts of anger and hopelessness. These are not things one might expect to read in a spiritual book. But these very elements made the book so real that it was impossible to put down.

Anyone who has served in a line unit and has fond memories of their chaplain will enjoy this book, as will just about any veteran or military chaplain. As a military member if I ever have to go back to someplace not so safe, I would be privileged to call Father Ron my 1CPadre 1D.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Fr. Ron Camarda, he is an amazing man...and one of the most spiritual priests I have ever met. It is such an honor for me to have this friendship with him.
Read this book!!! I could probably get a copy autographed for you.