thedrifter
10-01-07, 07:00 AM
Unsung servants of the Iraqi war
Posted: October 1, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Chuck Norris
2007
"We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
– Will Rogers (1879-1935)
As I toured around 15 military bases in Iraq a few weeks ago, I met many heroic individuals – Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen. I also had lots of discussions and saw many memorials of those who gave all in their service to freedom. The eyes of fellow comrades easily told the stories of love and commitment for these fallen warriors.
Without any disregard to those brave souls, while in Iraq I also met with those who work behind the scenes with little recognition or notoriety. I'm not speaking about the elite covert teams like the Navy seals or even the heroic medical personnel, all of whom deserve commendation honors. I'm referring to those on and off the battlefield who are often overlooked in the news and by the public – the unsung servants of war.
Intel, communications, mechanics and base personnel
From aides and protocol chiefs, operation officers, liaison personnel, those who run CENTCOM and EUCOM, in-flight communications, ground communications, computer support, rear support, security, mechanics, etc., to hundreds of other administrative and engineer folk who keep operations and equipment running, the laborers who set the stage for battle, security and maintenance serve as heroes without fanfare.
Not to be overlooked are the servicemen and women who work solely on the bases. Maj. Mike Olness, the Aide for Gen. Bob Magnus, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, related their appreciation for such personnel through a light-hearted event:
"These are the camp support folks who refuel the generators, clean the place up and help run the chow halls. I know much of this is done by Ethiopians, but there are plenty of Marines whose only job is to guard a supply lot. Gen. Magnus and I literally ran into a pair of these Marines while we were out for a run at Camp Fallujah. Cpl. Toomey and Lance Cpl. Greer were guarding the Mercado Supply yard with the professionalism you expect from a Marine despite the oppressive heat and conditions. When we stopped to ask directions, they had no idea who we were, but were helpful and eager regardless. When we departed, Gen. Magnus identified himself, and I thought the corporal would drop his teeth!"
The lionesses of Iraq
Since the American Revolution, U.S. women have served in different capacities at wartimes. It wasn't until 1978, however, with the dissolution of the Woman's Army Corps that women regularly served in the same units as men in the U.S. Army. They were legally and officially dispatched in combat situations since only 1994 – thanks to Defense Secretary Les Aspin, who removed "substantial risk of capture" as a ground for exclusion of women in warfare.
Still, they are prohibited from serving in infantry, artillery and armor branches, as well on submarines, special operations and forces (like the Navy Seals), or forward air defense, etc. And though they can fly aircraft, they represent only 2 percent of military pilots. One of our C-130 pilots out of Iraq was one of the best I've met. (We enjoyed a laugh together when the crew gave me the Air Force's version of the "Church Norris Facts").
Today in Iraq, women also fly attack and scout helicopters, are Military Police, in the Corps of Engineers, cart ammunition to the front lines, staff refueling depots and coordinate artillery fire and man machine guns on helicopters and armored humvees.
Many female troops are also either appointed or volunteer as "lionesses," whose purpose is to interact with Iraqi women and children on combat missions. They even prowl borders, frisking women for weapons or other explosive devices – duties simply not allowed by males in Islamic law and culture. With insurgents using women and children as detonating pawns, one can easily see how vital the role of the lionesses are.
It was apparent to me at every military base the advancements women have made in even the last few years. Many of them have paid the ultimate price in their service for freedom.
The K-9 units
Another group of unsung servants are the K-9 units. Though the exact number is classified, the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines all have them. Most are used as security-patrol or explosive-detector dogs, but some are for search and rescue.
At the most remote base we visited on the furthest western border of Iraq and Syria, we met "George," with her hardy K-9. (Speak of robust, we were also told George could out lift any guy on the base – and that male troops who enter the gym when she's working out often turn right around and leave!).
George was out on patrol with her K-9 one night, when the dog immediately stopped and looked down right where George was going to take her next step. The K-9 located an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) right below her, saving her life!
These dogs are not mere pets or companions. They are inspectors, security personnel, weapons and life savers. And I agree with others that they need to be recognized and honored (and their masters) too for performing their military service.
Chaplains and religious program specialists
Last, but not least, are a group of individuals who bear no weapon in the war zone, besides the Word of God – which is in reality their best defense – the sword of the Spirit. They are the military chaplains, who minister to our troops on and off the battlefield.
They are not only responsible for the spiritual welfare and, often times, psychological care of our troops, but they provide weekly church services, administer the sacraments of baptism and communion, ride along with troops for companionship and comfort, perform memorial services, provide aftercare for those grieving and wounded and assist in the transitional training of those departing back to the states, among other duties.
Heading up the chaplaincy last year in Afghanistan and this year as the Force Chaplain in Al Anbar Province is a soldier of the cross and an officer in the Navy, Capt. Michael Langston, CHC, USN, who accompanied and led “Team Norris” around the 15 military bases. Next year, Mike will be appointed as the commanding officer over the Navy Chaplain School in Newport, R.I., where Navy chaplains are educated and commissioned for military ministry around the world. Congratulations Mike!
Mike is a humble man who is also quick to recognize and elevate others above himself. He gives credit to all the chaplains in the field – for their hard work, compassion and courage. They often place themselves in harm's way for the sole purpose of ministering to the troops. In next week's article I will tell you about one chaplain whose neck was lacerated by shrapnel as he ministered on the frontlines. His story is breathtaking!
I must confess I didn't tell the whole truth a moment ago when I said chaplains are defenseless in the battlefield. Not only do they each have God by their side, but religious program specialists too with advanced caliber rifles at their sides! These spiritual soldiers are yet one more admirable example of the valor of those in our military.
For the last year and a half, from Afghanistan to Iraq, Capt. Mike has had Religious Program Spc. First Class Donnie Roland, USN, as his military protector. Donny is a gentle giant, who says few words but convinces you with a stare and smile that he'd take a bullet for you. He is proof that some angels speak softly and carry big sticks. God does work in mysterious ways!
Ellie
Posted: October 1, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Chuck Norris
2007
"We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
– Will Rogers (1879-1935)
As I toured around 15 military bases in Iraq a few weeks ago, I met many heroic individuals – Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen. I also had lots of discussions and saw many memorials of those who gave all in their service to freedom. The eyes of fellow comrades easily told the stories of love and commitment for these fallen warriors.
Without any disregard to those brave souls, while in Iraq I also met with those who work behind the scenes with little recognition or notoriety. I'm not speaking about the elite covert teams like the Navy seals or even the heroic medical personnel, all of whom deserve commendation honors. I'm referring to those on and off the battlefield who are often overlooked in the news and by the public – the unsung servants of war.
Intel, communications, mechanics and base personnel
From aides and protocol chiefs, operation officers, liaison personnel, those who run CENTCOM and EUCOM, in-flight communications, ground communications, computer support, rear support, security, mechanics, etc., to hundreds of other administrative and engineer folk who keep operations and equipment running, the laborers who set the stage for battle, security and maintenance serve as heroes without fanfare.
Not to be overlooked are the servicemen and women who work solely on the bases. Maj. Mike Olness, the Aide for Gen. Bob Magnus, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, related their appreciation for such personnel through a light-hearted event:
"These are the camp support folks who refuel the generators, clean the place up and help run the chow halls. I know much of this is done by Ethiopians, but there are plenty of Marines whose only job is to guard a supply lot. Gen. Magnus and I literally ran into a pair of these Marines while we were out for a run at Camp Fallujah. Cpl. Toomey and Lance Cpl. Greer were guarding the Mercado Supply yard with the professionalism you expect from a Marine despite the oppressive heat and conditions. When we stopped to ask directions, they had no idea who we were, but were helpful and eager regardless. When we departed, Gen. Magnus identified himself, and I thought the corporal would drop his teeth!"
The lionesses of Iraq
Since the American Revolution, U.S. women have served in different capacities at wartimes. It wasn't until 1978, however, with the dissolution of the Woman's Army Corps that women regularly served in the same units as men in the U.S. Army. They were legally and officially dispatched in combat situations since only 1994 – thanks to Defense Secretary Les Aspin, who removed "substantial risk of capture" as a ground for exclusion of women in warfare.
Still, they are prohibited from serving in infantry, artillery and armor branches, as well on submarines, special operations and forces (like the Navy Seals), or forward air defense, etc. And though they can fly aircraft, they represent only 2 percent of military pilots. One of our C-130 pilots out of Iraq was one of the best I've met. (We enjoyed a laugh together when the crew gave me the Air Force's version of the "Church Norris Facts").
Today in Iraq, women also fly attack and scout helicopters, are Military Police, in the Corps of Engineers, cart ammunition to the front lines, staff refueling depots and coordinate artillery fire and man machine guns on helicopters and armored humvees.
Many female troops are also either appointed or volunteer as "lionesses," whose purpose is to interact with Iraqi women and children on combat missions. They even prowl borders, frisking women for weapons or other explosive devices – duties simply not allowed by males in Islamic law and culture. With insurgents using women and children as detonating pawns, one can easily see how vital the role of the lionesses are.
It was apparent to me at every military base the advancements women have made in even the last few years. Many of them have paid the ultimate price in their service for freedom.
The K-9 units
Another group of unsung servants are the K-9 units. Though the exact number is classified, the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines all have them. Most are used as security-patrol or explosive-detector dogs, but some are for search and rescue.
At the most remote base we visited on the furthest western border of Iraq and Syria, we met "George," with her hardy K-9. (Speak of robust, we were also told George could out lift any guy on the base – and that male troops who enter the gym when she's working out often turn right around and leave!).
George was out on patrol with her K-9 one night, when the dog immediately stopped and looked down right where George was going to take her next step. The K-9 located an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) right below her, saving her life!
These dogs are not mere pets or companions. They are inspectors, security personnel, weapons and life savers. And I agree with others that they need to be recognized and honored (and their masters) too for performing their military service.
Chaplains and religious program specialists
Last, but not least, are a group of individuals who bear no weapon in the war zone, besides the Word of God – which is in reality their best defense – the sword of the Spirit. They are the military chaplains, who minister to our troops on and off the battlefield.
They are not only responsible for the spiritual welfare and, often times, psychological care of our troops, but they provide weekly church services, administer the sacraments of baptism and communion, ride along with troops for companionship and comfort, perform memorial services, provide aftercare for those grieving and wounded and assist in the transitional training of those departing back to the states, among other duties.
Heading up the chaplaincy last year in Afghanistan and this year as the Force Chaplain in Al Anbar Province is a soldier of the cross and an officer in the Navy, Capt. Michael Langston, CHC, USN, who accompanied and led “Team Norris” around the 15 military bases. Next year, Mike will be appointed as the commanding officer over the Navy Chaplain School in Newport, R.I., where Navy chaplains are educated and commissioned for military ministry around the world. Congratulations Mike!
Mike is a humble man who is also quick to recognize and elevate others above himself. He gives credit to all the chaplains in the field – for their hard work, compassion and courage. They often place themselves in harm's way for the sole purpose of ministering to the troops. In next week's article I will tell you about one chaplain whose neck was lacerated by shrapnel as he ministered on the frontlines. His story is breathtaking!
I must confess I didn't tell the whole truth a moment ago when I said chaplains are defenseless in the battlefield. Not only do they each have God by their side, but religious program specialists too with advanced caliber rifles at their sides! These spiritual soldiers are yet one more admirable example of the valor of those in our military.
For the last year and a half, from Afghanistan to Iraq, Capt. Mike has had Religious Program Spc. First Class Donnie Roland, USN, as his military protector. Donny is a gentle giant, who says few words but convinces you with a stare and smile that he'd take a bullet for you. He is proof that some angels speak softly and carry big sticks. God does work in mysterious ways!
Ellie