Eager Lion 2015: Allies and, most of all, friends

JORDAN

05.19.2015

Story by Maj. Tiffany Collins 

U.S. Special Operations Command Central

THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN – Earlier this week, I was approached by Seren, a young woman and waitress at the Jordanian Armed Forces hotel. After three weeks of interactions, she felt compelled to pull me aside to relay a message. It took her a little time to form the words (you could tell she had practiced). She held me by the arm and said very clearly in English, “I Love You.” I smiled and reciprocated the sentiment, but in true fast paced American form, I quickly continued on with the events of the day.

Later that evening, in the quiet of my hotel room, I pondered the experience. I wondered, had she selected an accurate noun to convey her feelings, did she truly understand the power of the word she had chosen. I thought about what I meant when I returned the compliment. If I was sincere, and felt endearment and concern for her well-being, which I did, why then could she not have the same view towards me.

I reconciled that she was appreciative of the way in which I treated her during my visit to the Kingdom, and I respected her as a person and that I was grateful to her for her devotion and for the selfless service she provided to me and others.

The fifth iteration of U.S. Central Command’s largest exercise in its area of responsibility, Eager Lion 2015 is not only about the training and proficiency gained by each of the participating countries but also just as importantly about the relationships that are being formed between us and one of our greatest allies in the Middle Eastern region. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Jaradat, Jordanian Armed Forces Exercise Director said what makes him the most pleased is to witness the interactions between us.

This year, more so than any other, our gracious hosts welcomed their American friends into their homes and also into their lives. They introduced us to mothers, spouses, and children. They shared engagements, weddings, sweets, coffee and tea, and of course – no happy occasion is complete without mensif. I overheard more conversations, not just about the differences between our cultures but the similarities.

I was reminded of our commonalities when the U.S. Ambassador to Jordan, Alice G. Wells addressed the Arab Thought Forum on Shared Challenges earlier this year. She said “Our friendship is rooted in shared values – in the belief that democracy can work in any society, not just Western societies; that all people deserve an equal opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their children; that human dignity and the virtue of tolerance demand respect.”

When addressing the crowd of distinguished visitors for the culmination of Eager Lion, U.S. CENTCOM Exercise Director, Maj. Gen. Rick Mattson said, "This exercise has forged new friendships. These relationships, which are both personal and professional, create an enduring bond between our nations and partners.”

Over the past couple of days I continued to think about how I could relay my feelings for the courage Seren had shown to me by sharing her beautiful message of endearment. She allowed herself to be vulnerable. Am I now capable of that same act of courage? Of course, I’m a Soldier, it’s not battle and she is not my enemy. I want her to know that I treasure the beautiful spirit that surrounds her and I am grateful for the positive difference she’s made in my life and in the lives of those around her. In the same manner in which she approached me, I gently pulled her aside, mustered up the courage and said in my best practiced Arabic “Bhibbek.”

As military personnel, we so often hear the words ally, partner nation or coalition to describe our professional relationships. It’s rare to use the word friendship to describe relationships between armed forces but as Wells said, “this is not the first time our countries have used the word friendship to describe the relationship that exists between the United States and Jordan,” and after Eager Lion 2015, it definitely won’t be the last.

• Date Taken: 05.19.2015
• Date Posted: 05.19.2015 10:39
• Story ID: 163770
• Location: JO