The Story:
Irregular wars can require irregular duties for men and women in uniform. Thousands of sailors are being pulled away from their regular jobs to support the Global War on Terror, in positions that range from explosive experts to convoy security. Chief Theriault is one such sailor. He was sent to Iraq in April 2006 as the air operations officer for the 354th Civil Affairs Brigade – the first brigade of its kind made up primarily of sailors. The brigade worked on projects near the International Zone in Baghdad.
For eight months, Theriault tracked and scheduled all air movements for the brigade throughout the Iraqi theater. He sent people everywhere from Iraq to Qatar to Jordan to Kuwait. In all, he handled close to 500 personnel and cargo air movements.
Besides serving as the air operations coordinator, Theriault also served as part of the convoy security team; in that capacity he went on several missions with the brigade in dangerous areas around Baghdad. Despite insurgents firing at the team daily, the civil affairs unit was able to provide much-needed services such as electricity, humanitarian aid, and medical supplies. After assessing what supplies and structures were needed, the brigade worked with local Iraqi authorities, provincial reconstruction teams, and Iraqi and Coalition forces to bring the vital services to the area.
For his work in Iraq, Theriault received the Bronze Star on Feb. 5, 2007.