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Deployed Soldier Gives Back To Supporters In US
(May 6, 2011) | 
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CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq (5/3/2011) – Smiles crossed the
faces of students at Kingman Academy in Kingman, Ariz., as their
anticipation and excitement finally ended and they put a face to the
name. As the door to the auditorium opened, the students watched as a
man in an Army uniform entered—a man they did not know by name, but who
they thought of as an American Hero. |
Lt. Col. Joseph Holland, commander, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Divison, presents Pfc. Kenneth Johnson with an Army Achievement Medal during an awards ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior in April 2011. Photo by 1st Lt. John McNamara |
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Pfc. Kenneth Johnson, a native of Las Vegas, spent an afternoon with
students of Kingman Academy earlier this year discussing the U.S.
Army's mission in Iraq during Operation New Dawn.
An
intelligence analyst serving with Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, Johnson took a day
during his environmental morale leave from Iraq to say ‘Thank you'
to the people back at home who supported him from afar.
“They
took the time to put together care packages and write letters to the
soldiers of the battalion, so I wanted to give them something back
to let them know their efforts were appreciated,” said Johnson.
During his trip, Johnson presented the students and staff with
the flag flown over, 2nd Bn. headquarters at Contingency Operating
Site Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq. He also |
gave students 12th Cavalry Regimental crests in appreciation of
their continuous efforts to support the “Thunderhorse” Battalion
soldiers.
“I asked permission to thank them before I left,”
said Johnson. “My chain of command thought it was a great idea and
they fully supported it.”
Johnson spoke to the students
about the role and mission the U.S. Army fulfills during Operation
New Dawn as American forces continue to advise, train, and assist
their Iraqi counterparts as well as the challenges, experiences and
realities of being a deployed soldier.
Johnson wrapped up
his discussion with a lively question and answer session with the
students, capping off his visit.
“They were very excited and
[my visit] motivated them to continue to do what they are doing for
us,” said Johnson.
Johnson's unit recently recognized his
efforts to give back to unit supporters, presenting him with an Army
Achievement Medal.
“Throughout the whole experience I felt
slightly overwhelmed and prideful to know people at home still care
about us,” said Johnson. |
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By Army Sgt. Joshua Quick
United States Division-North
Copyright 2011
Provided
through DVIDS
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