Iraqi thanks Soldiers for saving country

By Zamawang Almemar, Fort CarsonAugust 25, 2011

Iraqi thanks Soldiers for saving country
Zamawang Almemar stands by Dukan, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kurdistan, Iraq, during a January 2010 visit to her native country. Almemar, who said she is more impressed with the progression in Iraq with each visit, vividly remembe... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CARSON, Colo., Aug. 25, 2011 -- "You're the first Iraqi who hasn't tried to kill me," a Soldier said to me on my first day volunteering with the Army at Fort Carson. I didn't know whether to feel insulted or take it as a compliment, so I just said, "thank you." I knew from that day forward that I had chosen the perfect way to give back, to show the military my appreciation for all that they have done saving my war-torn country -- Iraq.

My compassion for the U.S. military and the uniform first started before my family and I were transported to the United States under asylum, due to Saddam Hussein's "leave or die" decree. We were temporarily placed at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, safeguarded by men and women in uniform, after escaping Saddam's tyranny in 1997.

Coming from the mountains of Northern Iraq (Kurdistan), the Kurdish people have a saying that there are no other friends than the mountains. Recently, that saying has changed, especially since the dawn of the Iraq liberation in 2003. Americans are now one of our closest allies.

To most people, mainly because of what's being conveyed in the news media, the U.S. invaded Iraq eight years ago. In reality, it was only after the U.S. troops moved into Iraq and took down one of the most powerful dictators in the world, that the Iraqis really started living, despite the casualties.

From the day I entered this world, I had known nothing but terror, suppression and being in constant alert under Saddam's regime, never knowing when the next bomb was going to detonate and where it was going to strike. Living in one of the world's most oil-rich countries, people most often believe that the Iraqis are some of the wealthiest people in the world. However, enduring the embargo of Saddam's regime for decades created an era of famine with a large Iraqi population living below the poverty line.

After U.S. troops moved into Iraq and removed a dictatorship with a goal to demolish its own people, especially the Kurds, the entire dynamics of the country changed. The U.S. liberation of Iraq brought about not only the accessibility of the basics of life, but it also opened up doors for the Iraqis to develop investment ideas and utilize those ideas to advance their technologies and living conditions. It was only then that we were able to witness such luxuries as international airports, amusement parks and, most importantly, freedom. Kurdistan, or what I call "The Other Green Zone," has become one of the prime locations for vacationing, military rest and recuperation leave and investment opportunities, thanks to the U.S. armed forces.

Most people assume that Soldiers kill and that that's their primary task, but what they are not aware of is the significant amount of progress that the military has accomplished overseas, with rebuilding war-torn countries, development of new technologies and their tireless efforts toward completing the mission, for which they barely receive thanks. Being one of the 99 percent of the population that doesn't wear the uniform or bear arms, this is exactly what prompted me to volunteer with the Army -- to offer my gratitude for its continued success in liberating my country.

I've been volunteering with Army Community Service and various other entities at Fort Carson since May 2010. People often ask me if I volunteer and give my time to the Army because I have nothing better to do. Truthfully, with working on a doctorate degree, teaching at a university and holding a job, there's never a shortage of things for me to do. I volunteer because I believe that the best moments in life are the ones you don't get paid for. I also believe that Soldiers returning from their tours need to hear from a native that the Iraqis are thankful for their service. Additionally, the Families of the fallen Soldiers need to know that their sons, daughters and spouses did not die in vain. They died protecting their country while liberating another.

We all have different priorities, but if each of us contributes a small fraction of our time serving the one percent who wears the uniform and take part in this war against terrorism, I am certain that in time, more war-torn countries like Iraq will progress towards prosperity.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Human Interest News

STAND-TO!: Operation New Dawn

Army.mil: Stories of Valor

Army.mil: Army Values

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