IslandVibesIOP.com 19 FEATURE treating nearly 700 wounded U.S. service members and dozens of Iraqi prisoners of war and civilian casualties. The language barrier created confusion and fear. The Iraqi prisoners perceived equipment such as defibrillators as torture devices designed to get secret information from them. Little did they know that nurses like Morro were instructed to save their lives. “I think we changed the hearts and minds of the Iraqi men that were on our ship that had no idea what to expect from us,” Morro said. “In the beginning I think they thought we were going to kill them and we gained their trust slowly but surely.” Morro still has flashbacks of the terror in the prisoners’ eyes, which she described as “big white saucers.” With armed guards protecting the medical staff, Morro treated everyone under her care, even one of Saddam Hussein’s own men, part of the notorious “deck of cards” list of Iraq’s most-wanted figures. As of January 2025, all but four of the 52 most wanted have either died or been captured. But amid the trauma and tension, Morro found light in the resilience of her fellow Americans. “Laughter was the best medicine,” she said. “Some of them had pretty horrific injuries, but even in their darkest moments, they supported and teased each other. It kept them human.” Reflecting on nearly three decades of service, Morro’s pride remains unwavering. “I truly enjoyed my 29 years and wouldn’t trade one of them,” she said. “It’s a wonderful calling to be able to serve your country – and to do it as a nurse is even better.” After spending 35 years in government and serving around the world in support of peacetime, humanitarian and wartime missions, Morro still lives in the house she bought on Isle of Palms back in 1997. She currently serves as an adjunct faculty for the Swain Department of Nursing at The Citadel. COL. CHARLES PHILLIPS, COMMAND CHAPLAIN A young man took his first steps on a journey that would span the heavens and the earth – a journey of courage, conviction and calling. His name was Charles A. Phillips, and though his beginnings were humble, destiny had marked him for a life of service, both to his nation and to his God. In 1982, Phillips raised his hand and swore the soldier’s oath. He entered the ranks of the U.S. Army as a private, serving with precision and discipline as an electronics calibrator at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and later in Germany. But his eyes were ever drawn to the skies. In 1985, he returned to Fort Rucker to enter the Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course. There, through sweat, study and sheer determination, he earned his wings – first in the nimble OH-58 Kiowa, then in the mighty UH-60 Blackhawk. From the cockpit of those aircraft, he served his nation with valor, his steady hands guiding him through missions across distant lands. Yet, even as the engines roared and the blades thundered, another call stirred within him – a divine summons to serve as a shepherd to soldiers. Trading the flight helmet for the cross, Phillips answered God’s call and became an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1999. Phillips’ mission expanded from the skies to the Holy Spirit, from flight lines to front lines of faith. As a chaplain, he became both guardian and guide, standing beside warriors in their darkest hours, reminding them that valor is not only found in battle, but in compassion, faith and endurance. Today, chaplain Phillips continues his sacred mission as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church on Isle of Palms. Col. Charles Phillips, Command Chaplain Join us for… Happy Hour: Tues - Fri 4pm-6pm Wine Wednesday: ½ off Select Bottles Cajun Brunch: Saturdays 11:30am-3pm LoLA Mt Pleasant @lolamtpleasant lolaparkcircle.com 1036 Chuck Dawley Blvd. (843) 984-5004 Scan to reserve your table! Craving New Orleans flavors? It’s closer than you think!
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