Fort Sill French liaison officer reflects on Paris attacks

By Monica K. Guthrie, Fort Sill TribuneNovember 30, 2015

Fort Sill French liaison officer reflects on Paris attacks
Service members of various branches and nations observe a minute of silence at the home of French army Lt. Col. Olivier Mariotti, Nov. 16, 2015, the Monday following the attacks in Paris. Mariotti said his family appreciated the condolences from Fort... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (Nov. 25, 2016) -- When the attacks in Paris occurred two weeks ago, it only took moments for French army Lt. Col. Olivier Mariotti to learn about it.

Mariotti, who serves as the French liaison official on Fort Sill and his wife, Johanna, have family in Paris, and their two eldest sons, while not living in Paris, remained in France after the Mariottis moved to Oklahoma.

"There was a lot of sorrow because our family is in Paris, but we called them and they were OK," Mariotti said. "But there was still a lot of sadness. It could have been our children, nieces, nephews. [The victims] were just young people that wanted to enjoy life."

As part of his duties, Mariotti works to enhance the cooperation between France and the United States in terms of tactical technical procedures, or TTP, for field artillery and air defense artillery. The goal is for him to learn as much as possible about the two branches and then to provide that information to France so the two counties can better work together in the future.

"A strategic vision was signed last July to enhance the cooperation between the two countries," he said. "Since the attacks, I have a feeling [the cooperation] is going to increase."

Mariotti said the strengthening of the relationship between the United States and France isn't limited to nations, but also between individual people. The Mariottis arrived in July from their home in Remis, France, which is in the Champagne region of the country. While their two older sons remained in France for schooling, their 5-year-old son, Louis traveled with them.

"He is a little bit bashful, even in France he was," Mariotti said. "And he also left his two brothers so it was quite hard for him."

In addition to the difficulties Louis felt leaving France, the Mariottis faced regular moving troubles such as transportation and finding a house, all of which were made more difficult with a language barrier. Mariotti said they arrived in Oklahoma feeling like they were "in the middle of nowhere."

However, it wasn't long before they began to create friendships, found another French woman (who is married to an American Soldier) and was even invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with another Family.

After the attacks on Paris, Mariotti said the outpouring of support was moving. Between the support in their move to Oklahoma and the support they saw following the attacks, Mariotti said he felt a "kind of family spirit." For Johanna in particular, a simple bouquet of flowers moved her the most.

"Two U.S. Soldiers dropped in front of our house a flower bouquet with the colors of France," she said. "It was very emotional for me. It was the day the attack happened. It gave us strength."

The following Monday, Mariotti arranged a minute of silence for the dead and wounded. The event took place at noon. Included in the crowd was Aurelie Murray, the French woman they met after they arrived on Fort Sill. A friend of Murray's was a student, who died in the attacks.

"We do appreciate all the sympathy and condolences we received from Fort Sill," Mariotti said. "We do appreciate the presence of international and U.S. military in front of our house for the minute of silence."

Mariotti said the events have strengthened his resolve as a soldier in the French army and also that of Johanna's cousin, who also serves in the French army. He works in intelligence and was considering a career outside of the military, but has chosen to remain. Mariotti said the attitude of his wife's cousin is one he will apply to himself as he remains in Oklahoma during this time.

"I think that we have to do the job and that if we are here there is a reason," said Mariotti. "We have to do our job. [The attack] gave me more strength. Yes I would prefer to be in France together with my family for this time of mourning, but this is my place."

Both Mariottis said they hope the people of France will respond to the attacks the way they have encouraged their own family to respond - by living their life.

"Keep living and act normal," Johanna said. "What was normal before, going to movies and the restaurants and so on - we told our kids, 'keep living. Go out. Stand against the terror and be proud to be French.' This is the best resistance. We don't accept the terror."

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