My AMS Story

My AMS story began in 2012, at age 60, serving as a civilian employee of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Having received notice of a 365-day assignment at the U.S. Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan, my first concern was providing for my spiritual needs while in country.

Thankfully, the Embassy was adjacent to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Base. With the proper credentials, Common Access Card (CAC), U.S. civilian employees could pass freely between the Embassy and the ISAF Base. The ISAF Multi-denominational Chapel conducted Catholic Mass most Saturday evenings. The Military-assigned AMS Priests provided for the spiritual needs for the International Military personal, and for the U.S. Embassy civilians as well.

Security protocols escalated at one point and Foreign Nationals assigned duties at the U.S. Embassy were denied access to the ISAF Base, and thus the ability to attend Mass. Witnessing the disappointment of the Foreign Nationals denied the opportunity to attend Mass, several of us approached the assigned AMS Priest, Father Paul-Anthony Halladay, and informed him of the issue. He immediately volunteered to come into the Embassy one evening a week to celebrate Mass. We found an open classroom and converted it to a makeshift Chapel.

The Embassy Mass provided for the spiritual needs for an additional group of Catholics who could not participate in Mass at the ISAF Base, as well as providing additional spiritual interaction for the rest of us.

The ability to participate Mass regularly during my tour enriched my spiritual life immensely. Attending the Mass with military men and women from several different countries was precious. During the 2012 Christmas Mass, an AMS Priest asked everyone in the packed chapel to sing ‘Silent Night’ in their native language. Still today when I sing Silent Night, I get goose bumps on my arms and tears in my eyes recalling that Mass. That rendition, while a

bit confusing, was exactly what Jesus wanted; people from across the world in many languages uniting as one, in perfect harmony, giving Glory to God.

Upon returning to the U.S. in October 2013, I immediately named AMS as my annual Combined Federal Campaign Fund recipient. I retired from federal service in 2019 and AMS remains on my list of charitable contributions. I witnessed the power of God through the AMS providing spiritually for military and civilian personnel while serving in Afghanistan, and will remain forever appreciative. I encourage everyone to provide financial support for the AMS and the important work that they do.

– John Balser, U.S. Department of Transportation (Retired)

“I had just completed a full circuit of Masses at several different bases in the Kabul Area of Operation. It was hot, I had been wearing the full kit required for travel “outside the wire” in the Kabul footprint and I had showed up for that Mass drenched in sweat and smelling pretty ripe I feel quite sure. What I remember, though, was how happy everyone was to see me. They could have cared less what I looked like, they were so happy to be able to celebrate Mass. When you know how much it means to so many, you can’t help but want to give them that for which they truly hunger; Our Lord and Savior in the Eucharist. It was beautiful to behold and sincerely MR. JOHN BALSER AND FATHER as much of a grace and blessing for PAUL-ANTHONY HALLADAY, me as it was for all those at our KABUL, AFGHANISTAN. U.S. Embassy who joined in the celebration.”

– Father Paul-Anthony Halladay: