Colonel, My Colonel

U.S. Army Colonel Ed Lesko served in the Vietnam War, where he held young, dying soldiers in his arms, their insides exposed, offering comfort as their lives slipped away. I know this because Ed shared these painful and graphic experiences with me repeatedly over the time I served with him in Seoul, Korea. These nightmarish memories haunted him, affecting his relationship with God and challenging his role as a spiritual leader.

American soldiers move cautiously through the dense jungle terrain during a patrol in Vietnam.

I had the bittersweet experience of meeting Ed during my one-year tour of duty in Seoul, as part of the enhanced security forces for the 1988 Olympics. Father Colonel Ed Lesko was a Catholic priest and the head chaplain for the 8th U.S. Army military community in Yongsan. He was a tough, consistently gruff man, difficult to approach or engage in conversation. Early on, I decided not to let him intimidate me, nor would I give up on him, even though I believed he didn’t like me. And yes, I was afraid of the man.

A stunning view of Seoul juxtaposes traditional Hanok rooftops with the modern skyline, highlighted by the iconic Namsan Tower in the background.

Over time, my fear of him greatly diminished. Our paths crossed frequently, both on and off duty, providing opportunities to either grow in disdain for one another, or surrender to mutual tolerance and peaceful coexistence. It seemed we both chose the latter, although it was easier and quicker for me. I came to deeply respect Colonel Ed Lesko and truly love Father Ed Lesko during my time in Korea. His companionship, mentorship, and friendship helped me grow as a person in ways I'm still realizing nearly four decades later.

Winding roads navigate through the lush, rugged mountains of South Korea, offering breathtaking views of the expansive landscape below.

There is a much longer story yet to be written. It spans the entire landscape of South Korea—from mountains to valleys, rice paddies and rivers to the sea, months of soldiering in thick mud and monsoons. It’s about an old military priest coming to terms with his past, his life, and his faith. It’s about an unlikely friendship between a senior army officer and a much younger army warrant officer. It’s about a colonel priest entrusting a young warrant officer layman with a tactical communion kit and tasking him to go forth an tend to the spiritual needs of the American armed forces. It’s about holding commuinion services outside of Mass in remote locations under some of the most challenging conditions. It's about bringing God’s love (and cookies!) to exhausted, dirty young soldiers. It’s about recognizing our common humanity, regardless of rank or responsibility.

Yes, I may very well write that story one day. When I do, I’ll write it for you, colonel.