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25 Months, “Can You Believe It?"

Jun-14-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

Written by Spc. Yolanda Moreno Leon

MOSUL, Iraq (June 9, 2006) --Being in a combat zone for a year is a long time for anyone, Soldier or civilian. Imagine being there for 25 months.

One such civilian has done just that. She is in her 25th month and has not regretted one moment

Michelle McKinney works as a coordinator for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation center on Logistical Staging Area Diamondback located in Mosul, Iraq. McKinney is a native of Jacksonville, Fl., and has spent the last two plus years serving Soldiers at the recreation center.

“I love my job,” she said. “Being here helping these Soldiers find time to relax or see them on the internet with their families is something that is very rewarding and I will never forget.

According to McKinney she was going to leave Iraq last August but Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team caught her eye, and she decided to stay.

“McKinney is very outgoing, with a super personality that will put a smile on your face if you feel down or depressed,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Fugal, Co. B 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment. “She helps you forget about your worries. When you walk into her work area she makes sure that you have contacted your loved ones either by phone or internet.”

McKinney said that her biggest challenges are memorial services when a Soldier loses his life during combat. It is something that she will always have a hard time dealing with.

“It is very hard when you lose a Soldier,” said McKinney.” “You see them constantly in your work area, next you’re being told that a Soldier lost his life outside the wire.”

According to McKinney she has made a lot of friends with the men and woman of the 172nd SBCT, which has made her time easier and go by fast.

“Just talking with them and getting to know them has been a rewarding experience,” she said. “These Soldiers of the 172nd SBCT is the reason why I have stayed so long in this country.”

McKinney said the she wants American public to know that these Soldiers are doing the best possible work they can do; these exceptional men and woman deserve the greatest respect and admiration from the American people.

“No matter how bad I think I have it here, these Soldiers that leave the wire on missions have it worse than anyone,” said McKinney. I make sure I talk to as many Soldiers as I can to try and ease their day, and to see them smile is the best possible reward I could ever ask for.”


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