Throughout the U.S. military, receiving a challenge coin from a high-ranking officer or senior enlisted member has been known to instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in its recipients. The coins represent a simple, yet special form of recognition. Such was the case for one army colonel from the Iraqi Ground Forces Command.
On Feb. 12, U.S. Marine Corps officer, Maj. Gen. Steven Hummer, United States Forces-Iraq J3 director of joint operations, presented two coins to Col. Mohammed Kamil, IGFC logistics liaison officer at the Combined Partnering Operations Center on Camp Victory. The CPOC conducts 24-hour operations to maintain operational readiness and serves as the liaison between IGFC and USF-I joint operations centers.
Both challenge coins bear the words "PRESENTED FOR EXCELLENCE" on the reverse side. One coin is small, round and bears the image of the USF-I seal. The other is in the shape of the USF-I shield with the words "BY THE COMMANDING GENERAL" on it.
Although the coin was not presented by the actual USF-I commanding general, Gen. Raymond Odierno, many of the general officers under his command are authorized to distribute his coins at their discretion, according to Army 1st Lt. Linette Palladino, Hummer's aide-de-camp.
"I was surprised when Gen. Hummer walked up and presented the coins to me because I see a lot of hardworking people here from both Iraqi and American side," said Kamil, a 28-year Iraqi Army veteran. "I'm just trying to do a good job."
The coin presentation may have been a surprise to Kamil, but not for some of his fellow American partners and co-workers, like CPOC executive officer, U.S. Army Maj. James Gallagher.
"I've worked with Col. Kamil since August 2009. Since then he has proven himself to be a valuable asset and partner. He has a great work ethic, which sets a good example for others, " Gallagher said.
This is not the first time Kamil has been recognized by the U.S. Army.
He is currently responsible for reporting and coordinating logistical operations between U.S. and Iraqi forces throughout his country. Before his role at the CPOC, Kamil was a military training officer for the Iraqi Army's 3rd Division from 2004 to 2008.
During his time with the 3rd Division, Kamil helped develop and execute plans that involved training soldiers in what was then called the New Iraqi Army.
He was a captain at the time, and was presented with two memorandums from the Department of the Army.
In One memorandum, dated July 28, 2004, Kamil's duty performance was described as "highly commendable and further indicative of his leadership abilities." The other highlighted his "meticulous" planning for the training he developed and described him as "an outstanding officer ready for increased responsibility."
Kamil said being recognized by his American comrades has helped motivate him to continue to work hard and embrace the CPOC's motto of, "One team, One Mission."
It is a motivation that has not gone unnoticed.
"Col. Kamil is always interested in learning about new ideas and trying innovations," Gallagher said.
Although Kamil's work has been recognized by Hummer and other U.S. officers, he is quick to say he wants to do even more.
"I hope my superiors and my government will give me permission to one day to go the U.S. and see how the American Army does their logistical operations over there. I believe I can learn a lot of new things, which will help the Iraqi Army and my country."
| Date Taken: |
03.21.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
04.24.2010 11:28 |
| Story ID: |
48641 |
| Location: |
CAMP VICTORY, IQ |
| Web Views: |
322 |
| Downloads: |
176 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Iraqi officer recognized for his hard work, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
