2008 Woodie Awards
SBU students serve and prepare to serve in Iraq and Kuwait
Charlotte Holman
Issue date: 5/4/07 Section: In the Spotlight
Iraq and Kuwait may seem far away and unfamiliar to many students at Southwest Baptist University, but several SBU students have served and are preparing to fight in the War on Terror in these countries.
Senior Arthur Woolford joined the United States Army because joining the military was something he had always wanted to do, even growing up in Guyana, South America.
In March of 2003, Woolford for Iraq with the 442nd Medical Detachment for one year.
"I didn't know what to expect," said Woolford about going to Iraq.
Woolford admits that Iraq was scary at first.
"It was an experience," said Woolford.
The mission given to Woolford's detachment included inspecting incoming food for the troops and conducting medical inspections on the military dogs.
Thought he did not see the frontlines, Woolford worked on the convoys. On these assignments he saw innocent children play next to military humvees, an image that has stayed with him for the three years since his return.
As the United States has tried to rebuild Iraq, snuff out insurgents and stop terrorist, Woolford says that the war in Iraq is very political, being focused on rebuilding governments.
"You're over there just to do your job: protect the people and provide them a better way of life," said Woolford. "My experience was mostly taking care of people."
While Woolford was taking care of the Iraqi people, a belief that he has held all of his life was greatly reinforced.
"People are the same all over the world," said Woolford. "We all have the same needs."
Woolford also served some time in Kuwait.
After finishing six years in the Army, Woolford decided to join the United States Air Force and is currently training.
Junior Josh Erickson is preparing to deploy to Iraq in November. His brother, SBU graduate James Erickson, has already spent a year fighting in Iraq with the United States Army.
Josh will be deployed with the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion to Iraq. His battalion's mission focuses on rebuilding the country, including protecting the Iraqi people and building schools and hospitals.
Senior Arthur Woolford joined the United States Army because joining the military was something he had always wanted to do, even growing up in Guyana, South America.
In March of 2003, Woolford for Iraq with the 442nd Medical Detachment for one year.
"I didn't know what to expect," said Woolford about going to Iraq.
Woolford admits that Iraq was scary at first.
"It was an experience," said Woolford.
The mission given to Woolford's detachment included inspecting incoming food for the troops and conducting medical inspections on the military dogs.
Thought he did not see the frontlines, Woolford worked on the convoys. On these assignments he saw innocent children play next to military humvees, an image that has stayed with him for the three years since his return.
As the United States has tried to rebuild Iraq, snuff out insurgents and stop terrorist, Woolford says that the war in Iraq is very political, being focused on rebuilding governments.
"You're over there just to do your job: protect the people and provide them a better way of life," said Woolford. "My experience was mostly taking care of people."
While Woolford was taking care of the Iraqi people, a belief that he has held all of his life was greatly reinforced.
"People are the same all over the world," said Woolford. "We all have the same needs."
Woolford also served some time in Kuwait.
After finishing six years in the Army, Woolford decided to join the United States Air Force and is currently training.
Junior Josh Erickson is preparing to deploy to Iraq in November. His brother, SBU graduate James Erickson, has already spent a year fighting in Iraq with the United States Army.
Josh will be deployed with the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion to Iraq. His battalion's mission focuses on rebuilding the country, including protecting the Iraqi people and building schools and hospitals.
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pacman
pacizzle
posted 5/06/07 @ 8:40 PM EST
good luck to you guys. I think it's brave of ya'll to go fight for America. Thats a role model, someone a child could look up to. I wish you the best of health and I pray you come home safeto resume healthy lives. (Continued…)
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