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Making a difference in Mosul

Feb- 2-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

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By Ronnie Thomas, Decatur Daily

Who was that masked man? Decatur soldier says he's a friend

They don't know the lanky man's name. In his hometown of Mosul, Iraq, it is as hidden as his masked face.

Army Spc. Raymond White of Decatur and his Stryker Brigade Combat Team call the masked man Homer. He is their interpreter. He is much more.

He's a lawyer who speaks five languages. His stature tips off his favorite sport. Standing about 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds, he is a former member of the Iraqi Olympic basketball team.

"He carries himself with dignity," said White, who returns to Mosul on Sunday after a 14-day visit with family. Homer and White make quite a contrast. White is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 140.

White, 22, talked about the redemption his friend seeks after living under the reign of Saddam Hussein. The basketball team didn't perform well, and one of the dictator's sons, Olympic czar Uday Hussein, ordered two fingers chopped off Homer's left hand and his teeth yanked out. [...]


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