Archeological training helps Soldier accomplish mission

Photo By Staff Sgt. Miles Elder | Sgt. Mageen Heffron, Company C, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, has been a busy Army Reservist during her tour in Iraq.  

BAQUBAH, IRAQ

03.26.2006

Story by Staff Sgt. Miles Elder 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUABAH, Iraq (March 11, 2006) " An Army Reserve Soldier uses her passion from the past in her quest to help build a promising future for the Iraqi people.

Sgt. Mageen Heffron, a civil affairs specialist with Company C, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, has put her archeological training to good use while serving at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. She has helped head-up U.S. efforts to return more than $1 million worth of antiques to Iraqi officials while ensuring that Coalition forces were mindful of the area's many archeological sites.

"The U.S. has been making an effort to be operationally aware," Heffron said. "They don't always have all the information.

"That's why it's been fantastic to work with some of the organizations back home."

Heffron has worked with archeologists in both the U.S. and Iraq on the project. As an archeological student, she said she has enjoyed working with the likes of the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute and the Archeology Institute of America.

"We've had a lot of information flow back and forth and it's been very professionally stimulating," Heffron said.

These agencies have provided her locations of archeological sites in Iraq. She gives this information to tactical units who make sure they don't disturb a prized area.

Still, it's not what you would expect from a 25-year-old college student who works as a manager at a Direct TV outlet. She commutes to her Mountainview, California-based unit from Idaho where she is pursuing a degree in archeology.

"My first quarter of college, I was registering late and there was not a lot of classes left," Heffron said. "There was a survey class of Greek and Roman something or other.

"I loved the teacher, and the questioning method used by archeologists."

There's a reason why Heffron said she was so drawn to archeological studies. She said it fits her mindset.

"It appeals to my questioning nature," Heffron said. "I question basic assumptions.

"This is exciting and it's scientific."

Besides her classroom studies, she has gone on digs in Peru and in Israel. It was in Israel, not during her present assignment, when she first dealt with working under fire. She was doing her job when she came under fire in.

"Archeologically is romantic," Heffron said. "We have Indiana Jones, we have King Solomon's mines.

"It's fun to think through things and discourse."

Another appealing aspect of archeology is that its adherents worldwide speak the same language. Heffron said she has been able to work well with both U.S. and Iraqi archeologists.

"Everybody uses the exact same grid system all over the world," Heffron said. "It's a common denominator."

Heffron is working toward a promotion to staff sergeant. When she resumes her college studies, she also plans to enroll in ROTC and pursue a commission. She also plans to marry fiancé Brian Caines when she can find the time.

For now, she's content to finish her tour here this spring. She ranks restoring the $1 million collection to Iraqi control as one of the highlights of her tour.

"It's the coolest thing I've done," Heffron said. "I've had some very satisfying personal interactions with Iraqi folks.

"This is my area. I do know what we're talking about. I get an extra special tickle out of it. It's a fun day and it has been a fun project."

Heffron has been a key player for civil affairs operations here said her supervisor, Maj. Jay Trinidad. An Army Reservist from Honolulu, Trinidad is the officer in charge of the base's civil-military affairs operations center where Heffron is to be found when she's not on the road.

"She's been awesome," said Trinidad, who normally serves as a sergeant on the Honolulu Police Department. "She's a very good noncommissioned officer.

"During the most of the year, she has been performing at levels above her pay grade."

Heffron's personal magnetism helps her as she deals with local and military officials. She works well in whatever environment her duty places her.

"She has an outgoing personality and great interpersonal skills," Trinidad said. "She can get along with anybody.

"I have asked a lot of her and she always comes through."

• Date Taken: 03.26.2006
• Date Posted: 03.26.2006 11:01
• Story ID: 5865
• Location: BAQUBAH, IQ