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Pushed, pulled in Mosul

Jul-30-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

The following is a column written by a soldier serving with the Army National Guard in Mosul.

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By Frank Selden

MOSUL, Iraq -- Lonely. Exhilarating. Frustrating. Exhausting. Rewarding. Serving in Iraq during the transition from war to sovereignty exposes me to many emotional experiences every day.

Although I joined the Army National Guard several years ago, this is my first active-duty mission. I feel adequately trained, yet training emphasizes a level of safety not found in a conflict zone. A publicly acceptable training program could never fully prepare me for dealing with people intent on extinguishing my life. I volunteered because I wanted to be part of creating the first Islamic democracy. I wanted to join reconstruction and humanitarian missions. Iraq gave me more than I bargained for.

Because I'm an adventurer at heart, the realization that safety concerns and job requirements confined me to a 2-square-mile base dampened my initial enthusiasm. Soldiers in some parts of Iraq actively participate in community projects. Attacks in our area, however, forced the cancellation of trips not strictly related to military operations. I hope that terrorist attacks will decrease so that we can resume goodwill efforts throughout the country. Until they do, I will feel frustrated, surrounded by solvable problems yet lacking the opportunity to interact as I first hoped.

I feel pride in the role I am still able to play in the grand scheme of bringing democracy and freedom to a people brutalized and impoverished by their former leaders. Our advisers are helping Iraqis create a new security force, revise their court system, renovate schools, set up drinking water and sanitation systems, expand electrical service to smaller villages and build a national food distribution network. We are making an incredible difference here, and most Iraqis respond with deep appreciation.


Comments For "Pushed, pulled in Mosul":

Thank you sir; we here really appreciate your positive attitude & the pride you have towards the difficult job & challenges ahead. We need to hear this; we honor you and pray for all our soldiers. May you come home safe & sound.

Posted by: Karen, proud Stryker mom | July 30, 2004 9:26 AM

What do you say to the Men and Women who have poured and are still pouring their sweat and blood into their jobs and fighting for our freedom and protection. I can only say this, " I owe you my life". Thank you

Posted by: Jill Morgan | July 30, 2004 5:04 PM

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