Multi-National Security Transition Command — Iraq J4 raises the flag on the Fourth of July

Photo By Van Williams | Multi-National Security Transition Command- Iraq J4 observing the July 4th holiday with flag raising ceremony. U.S. Army Col. Keith Kodalen, MNSTC-I 4 receives the flag from U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Rosa Harmon.  

IRAQ

07.06.2009

Story by Van Williams 

Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs

July fourth, the day of American independence, was celebrated in the International Zone with a special flag raising ceremony.

U.S. Army Col. Keith Kodalen, Multi-National Security Transition Command — Iraq, J4 commander, led his section in the first of many flag raisings on this patriotic day.

"The command receives requests from service members, family and friends back home, to have a flag that was flown over Baghdad," Col. Kodalen said, standing next to 40 boxes of flags waiting to be raised.

The stars and stripes were purchased from the Post Exchange and will be sent back to the states with a certificate signed by the MNSTC-I commanding general, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick.

"Today is special because we get to pay tribute and honor our nation by flying the flag," Kodalen added.

This is the colonel's third tour to Iraq. His first was in 2003 and again in 2006-2007 as the Defense Logistics Agency Officer in Charge for Iraq. Kodalen is still assigned to DLA and is serving MNSTC-I on a 12 month tour.

"The J4's mission is to equip the Iraqi security force with serviceable and maintainable equipment so they can protect themselves after the coalition leaves," Kodalen said. "In accordance with the Security Agreement between Iraq and the United States, we are building capabilities, not dependency. Logistics will play an important role in the future of Iraq's military and security forces. The Iraqi ministry of defense has a new Logistics Operations Center and we are advising them on how to use technology to keep track of equipment and supplies. We also have DLA volunteers who are advising the Iraqis at the Taji National Supply Depot."

Along with Col. Kodalen, there are four DLA volunteers assigned to MNSTC-I headquarters on FOB Phoenix in the International Zone.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Francis Williams, MNSTC-I J4, comes from Defense Supply Center Philadelphia where he specializes in medical and pharmaceutical supplies. "It's very rewarding when you can see firsthand how what you do impacts people," Williams said. He is serving on a six month tour.

Anita Luich, MNSTC-I Iraq security force-logistics, comes from Defense Supply Center Columbus, where she is the Integrated Supply Team chief. She has 28 years of logistics experience and says this assignment has been beneficial. "I've always wanted the opportunity to work overseas and this has been a great experience for me," she said. Luich's tour ends in October.

Philp Labranche, MNSTC-I J4 supply planner, works at Defense Supply Center Richmond as a customer support representative. He has worked for DLA for 10 years and has deployed to Kuwait and Kosovo. "It's good working in a joint military environment, and working with the young soldiers and airmen," Labranche said. "Without Phil over there, things would fall apart," Cmdr. Francis Williams said. "He is sharing his knowledge with the young officers on his team and helps them find things. Phil came over here and was able to hit the ground running," Williams said. Labranche will return home in August.

Van Williams, MNSTC-I PAO, works at Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service headquarters in Battle Creek, Mich. He has worked for DLA for four years and this is his second deployment to the International Zone. Williams is on a 12 month assignment.

• Date Taken: 07.06.2009
• Date Posted: 07.06.2009 02:05
• Story ID: 35995
• Location: IQ