In service of others

By Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3-3 Public AffairsFebruary 13, 2010

In service of other
Spc. Mikail Lawal, a petroleum specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 4, 2010.... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

He was born in Nigeria and lived there for 22 years. His father, a village elder and Muslim religious leader, made an early impression on his life, an impression that still guides him now as he works to become an Army chaplain.

Spc. Mikail Lawal traveled to America in 1995 to become an All-American tennis player at Morehouse University in Atlanta. While at Morehouse, he also earned a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology.

Unassuming and respectful, Lawal, a petroleum specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, has seen more of the world than his rank would suggest.

He works as an attendant at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu airfield, doing his best to be professional and helpful to the Soldiers and civilians who are leaving or coming to the FOB. Whether he is helping passengers with their bags or informing them of flight times, he ensures that travelers get on the right helicopter at the proper time.

It can, at times, be a thankless job, but Lawal views it as another opportunity to help people.

"I can make money many ways; the money will come no matter what job I do," he said. "Anything I do, I do because I really care about it. I know I will be successful; it's a matter of when that will happen. What can I do in between those times to help people' That is the more important thing."

His giving attitude comes from two sources; his deep faith in Islam and the example his father set for him at an early age. Not surprisingly, both are intertwined.

"He was a figure that everyone respected," Lawal said of his father. "No one wanted to wrong him; he was that peaceful of a man. He is my example as a man and a teacher."

Another lasting gift given to Lawal by his father was the opportunity to go on the annual Islamic pilgrimage called the Hajj. As one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, a trip to Mecca is extremely important for any Muslim.

To be able to go on the Hajj was an even greater honor, according to Lawal. It was an eternal gift from his father, the chance to deepen his understanding of the faith.

He journeyed from Nigeria to Mecca with his mother and sister to participate in the spiritual event. Upon return, his life was changed forever

"It is a feeling you can never explain," he said. "You leave there changed. It was like being touched by a spirit. To go through that was simply phenomenal. It is that simple."

While his faith is his foundation, tennis is one of Lawal's passions. He was so skilled at the sport that he was able to secure a tennis scholarship to Morehouse. He played there from 1995 to 1997 and became a collegiate All-American.

"I'm still playing tennis," he said. "I don't compete as vigorously now that I'm in the Army, but it will always be one of my professions."

Even in tennis, his devotion to others show through.

"My tennis academy means a lot to me. On all my business cards for the school, the phrase 'I teach because I care' is on them," he said. "For me, tennis is another way to help people."

That spirit of service, and the need he saw for chaplains to serve Muslims in the Army, led Lawal to pursue a career as an Army chaplain.

"There are a small number of Muslim chaplains," he said. "There are a lot of wrong misconceptions about the faith. It is a very noble faith. It requires a person to put everything in the hands of their creator. It requires total submission to the will of God. It is not what many people think."

Lawal leads a small worship service for Kalsu's Muslims every Friday and normally has 12 other people who attend. Soldiers, security guards and contractors make up the varied congregation.

"I think worship gives you more benefit if you have a congregation," said Lawal. "There is a reward in seeing a change in a person. It rubs off on everyone. I would say to be in the presence of godly people makes someone stronger."

Lawal doesn't find being a spiritual teacher to be a burden. He views his role as a way to demonstrate love to his fellow man.

"It is very simple," he said. "You show people love. You don't even have to say it. People just need to see that you care about them. You just need to be constant in your role. You cannot start off one way and change."