China Grove Soldier plays role in Iraqi Elections

Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Monroe | Staff Sgt. Michael Clemency is a civil affairs non-commissioned officer in charge with the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion. He is currently deployed to Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq. As a civil affairs NCOIC, Clemency handles the section's briefs and operations such as flights, lodging and orders.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, TIKRIT, IRAQ

03.24.2010

Story by Spc. Cassandra Monroe 

135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — Staff Sgt. Michael Clemency is a civil affairs non-commissioned officer in charge with the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion. He is currently deployed to Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq. As a civil affairs NCOIC, Clemency handles the section's briefs and operations such as flights, lodging and orders.

The China Grove native played a significant role in the recent 2010 Iraqi elections. His responsibilities included tracking the movement of voting ballots and tally sheets that traveled back and forth from Baghdad to other outlining areas.

"I kept everyone in the loop as to what was going on concerning the elections," said Clemency, who's unit is a part of United States Army Civil Affairs Psychology Operations Command.

Clemency, who is on his third deployment to Iraq, feels these historical elections are a sign that Iraq is on its way to a successful development.

"I was here during the initial invasion with the 3rd Infantry Division. Now, I am here working with the 3rd Inf. Div. again and I can see the people of Iraq wanting to live for themselves. It's a sense of completion.

"It's the fact that they came out and voted despite the violence," he said. "I have a great amount of respect for the people."

Clemency attended South Rowan High school and is currently pursuing enrollment at Arizona State University. He is the son of Vanessa and Hugh House and James Clemency.

"Thank you for your support, especially for this being my third deployment to Iraq," Clemency said of his family. "It's been a rough few years, but the end is near. And hopefully, I can see the Carolina Panthers hit the super bowl next year."

• Date Taken: 03.24.2010
• Date Posted: 03.24.2010 03:52
• Story ID: 47126
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, TIKRIT, IQ