Finding Her Rhythm: Workplace or dance floor, Sgt. Dunham has moves to get the job done

By Staff Sgt. Carlos M. Burger II
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP ECHO, Iraq – The stress of being deployed in a combat zone can make it hard for Soldiers to find their daily battle rhythm. Sgt. Lacy Dunham is taking action to make sure both her personal and professional life stay 'in step.'

"When I found out they had salsa night here, I talked to the gym coordinator about starting a class," said the 25-year-old Dunham.

Dunham works as an imagery analyst for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division intelligence section. The San Diego native's primary job is to gather images and decipher them, which helps Soldiers make clearer choices on the battlefield.

Her secondary job is the brigade security manager, which takes up much of her time, but Dunham loves the chance to help the war fighters.

"Knowing that I produce something that helps the Soldiers feels good," she remarked.

It was on one of her previous deployments that the salsa bug first bit Dunham. Sharing a pastime that helps her relax, she now offers both intelligence and fun to fellow Soldiers.

"The fun I have, I want others to have too. It is fun to see to see them develop and do things they couldn't do before.

"My first time learning salsa was my first deployment in Camp Doha, Kuwait. I've been doing it for seven years, but I just recently started teaching," she said.

Her first foray into teaching was an accident, but she really enjoys it and is now instructing Camp Echo's salsa class. She teaches the basic steps of salsa, bachata and merengue.

Her students are grateful for the chance to escape the normal everyday routines of combat life.

"I think the class is a great idea, especially for Soldiers who want something to do, or they've never done it before. Sgt. Dunham worked with me one-on-one and doesn't put you on the spot. We actually extended the class because we were having so much fun," said Spc. Maria Paulino, 2nd BCT paralegal.

Dunham's personal battle rhythm works well for her; and her attention to detail has earned her the respect of her superiors.

"Sgt. Dunham is a very enlightened individual. She will pick up the 'ball' and run with it with minimal guidance. She's one of the shining stars of our intelligence crew. Her school was very difficult to graduate from, and she's a vital part of the Warhorse team," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ian Holt, fusion intelligence analyst officer-in-charge, and Dunham's supervisor.

Dunham joined the Army in June 2000 as a joint surveillance target acquisition reconnaissance system operator. She went to Fort Hood, Texas, and deployed with 1st Cavalry Div. She then moved to Germany and was stationed with the 1st Infantry Div. While there she deployed to Turkey and Iraq.

She was also stationed at Warner Robbins Air Force Base near Macon, Ga. She deployed three times for the Air Force and received an Air Force Commendation Medal before changing jobs to an imagery analyst.

While Dunham admits she is no expert at analyzing or salsa, she knows the basics to be successful at both and has found the perfect rhythm to make her deployment as enjoyable as possible.