By Pfc. Jerome Bishop
LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Balad, Iraq -- It's been said that everyone has a story to tell; the Soldiers of LSA Anaconda are no different, and the responsibility of preserving these stories for posterity falls in the hands of the 46th Military Historical Detachment.
The detachment, made up of only three soldiers, has the ongoing mission of conducting interviews, collecting documents, taking photos and videos, and cataloging artifacts to preserve the history of Operation Iraqi Freedom, said Capt. Lora Neal, detachment commander. Once the soldiers of the historical detachment gather the materials, they send it to the U.S. Army Center of Military History in Washington, D.C., where it is cataloged in the Military History Collection System Integration. From there it is accessible by anyone wanting the information, said Neal.
"They store [the information] there until a producer wants to do a documentary or write a story or a book," said Neal. The detachment's operation includes extensive planning for coordination of interviews, photo and video shoots.
However, it is not uncommon for unforeseen events to find their way into the monthly plan. Raids, convoys and missions sometimes produce artifacts that the detachment must process. Artifacts can be weaponry, uniforms and equipment retrieved or donated and then processed by the detachment. The items might end up in a public or military museum or be given to a specific unit. In the case of weapons, the 46th MHD soldiers determine if they can be given to the Iraqi National Guard for use, she said.One unique item that was recently collected by the detachment will most likely be placed in a museum.
A soldier who had received the Silver Star donated his uniform to the detachment for historical preservation. The uniform he donated was the one he wore during the attack that earned him the medal, said Staff Sgt. Latanya Montague, detachment photographer.
Although the soldiers are kept busy with the daily mission, vehicle maintenance and extra duties doesn't deter these Soldiers from enjoying the job.
"Meeting other Soldiers from around the world is a great opportunity. I enjoy meeting people and learning about their jobs," said Staff Sgt. Karen Hickman, detachment administration sergeant. "It's a learning experience for me."Units like the 46th Military Historical Detachment make it possible for these stories to be remembered.
"Every Soldier has a story," Neal said. "That's what I like hearing."Recording history for the nation, the world and for generations to come is what this U.S. Army unit did here. Editor's Note: Pfc. Bishop is a member of the 1st COSCOM Public Affairs Office at LSA Anaconda.
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 02.07.2005 15:41 |
| Story ID: | 1117 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 115 |
| Downloads: | 8 |
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