 |
|
(TAC Photo) |
I decided to redeploy a second time to Iraq because of the opportunity to again help in the War on Terrorism, albeit indirectly. My position here in the Gulf Region North District (GRN) is important because I help everyone get paid. I deployed in January of this year and just extended until December.
I have set a goal for myself: to maintain good customer service with each person working for the Corps of Engineers in Iraq under GRN or the Gulf Region Division by assisting them in all areas of their pay, from timesheet submission to ensuring they submit the correct paperwork for danger pay and post differential.
My job here is similar to my job at the Transatlantic Programs Center (TAC). I am the commander’s executive secretary and as such, assist him and all of his staff in any way possible. We set up Hail and Farewell ceremonies, prepare awards for folks returning to their home offices, and assist with in-processing of new employees to GRN and the four area offices falling under GRN. We also reachback to TAC (especially the Administrative PPO, Joan Inger, Jay Poma and the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center) for all manner of response to deployees’ questions and stand ready to provide assistance or advice as needed.
By taking some of the stress related to the “little things” off our deployees’ shoulders, our project managers, contract specialists and supervisors can turn their attention to the larger, more important tasks related to rebuilding Iraq and assisting the Iraqi people.
When I worked in the International Zone in Baghdad, during my first tour, I had a large Ford F-250 which I used to meet and greet new employees, and I miss that truck.
In my current position, I am doing the same type of enjoyable work by helping our newcomers complete their paperwork and sending them off to do their jobs. The only difference is that they come to me to get their files full of paperwork to complete.
I’ve enjoyed both tours. One reason is that I enjoy meeting the other people who decide to deploy. I also enjoy meeting the Iraqi people, especially when we can make the children smile by delivering school supplies.
One misconception about Iraq is that the Iraqi people don’t want us here. The only people who don’t want us here are the people who would prefer to rule as Hussein ruled. My prayer for Iraq and its people is that soon the American military can return home considering their mission complete and successful because they will leave behind a better life and future for Iraqi children and their parents.
Since I thrive on challenging opportunities, there really aren’t any obstacles to my being here. The only challenge, and one thing I don’t like, is being away from my grandchildren and not being a part of their activities; however, it was my choice to deploy.
I am lucky though, because my family supports my deployment most of the time. At times, they are concerned for my safety because of what they hear on the news and from word of mouth. I always try to reassure them that when we are in-country and busy with everyday work, it’s just like any day working in the United States. The biggest difference in Iraq is the insurgency and uncertainty about what may happen next.
When one deploys to Iraq (or Afghanistan for that matter) there is not much to do besides work. Several of us finish our day by exercising. Before we moved from the Forward Operating Base in Mosul, we would go to the gym for circuit training, but since our recent move to Collocated Operating Base Speicher, we haven’t gotten into a routine. There are a few of us who walk to the PX area and that’s a fair hike, taking about 45 minutes at a steady walk – great exercise for a good night’s sleep.
What makes it all worth while is this – about a month ago, we visited a school and I realized that these children come to school with the most basic of materials. They work in overcrowded conditions, there are no hot lunches, and there was one bathroom for well over 100 children.
But when we were distributing school supplies (donated by a school in North Carolina) and snacks like chips were being distributed to the children, they insisted on sharing their snacks with us. This is just one example of why being here is one of my best life experiences.
-30-
Ruby H. Pierce, administrative assistant for Gulf Region District North, is serving her second deployment in Iraq, because she wanted the opportunity to help in the war on terror. The Transatlantic Programs Center is her home station. |
