MOSUL, Iraq (June 23, 2006) -- Not many Soldiers can say that they perceive themselves as being a mentor or tutor for the people of Iraq, but for one infantryman in the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, that is exactly how he describes his job.
Staff Sgt. Melvin A. Clark, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment and native of Minneapolis, Minn. has served in all phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"From the first time being here, I have seen great improvements that we, the United States and Coalition Forces, along with the people of Iraq have accomplished," he said.
"My role is to help those that need help," said Clark. "The people of Iraq have a base, but I am here to help them apply new leaderships and concepts and put them into action to make them a stronger and independent nation."
Clark has seen changes in the Iraqi people, utilities, and also coalition forces. "The people of Iraq have changed a great deal. They feel more self-assured with establishing their government, Army, and police force," he says.
"When I initially rolled into Baghdad in Operation Iraqi Freedom I, there were no sewage system or power supplies."
Not only has Iraq changed for its citizens, it has also changed for the troops. According to Clark, living conditions have improved.
"This deployment has been much easier due to improved living conditions. From sleeping in the back of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, or in the sand and eating MRE's [meals ready] to eat to sleeping in air conditioned quarters with a dining facility and access to telephones and computers with Internet."
One of the biggest challenges of this deployment for Clark has been leaving his family. His daughter Reese was only two months old when he departed Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
"It was hard missing her first steps, first words, and her first tooth." Most of his military career has been spent in Iraq, which has left him with very little time to spend with his family, especially his 12 year old daughter who resides in Shakopee, Minn.
Clark looks forward to spending time with his family and going back to school. He will attend a military to advance his career in January and is thinking about becoming an officer. He will attend the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course to advance his career.
"When I go home, I look forward to going to Officer Candidate School to make me a better person. Also, to go hunting in North Dakota with my father-in-law and going to the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks baseball games."
According to Clark, as much as he reminisces about going back home, knowing that he is helping people make themselves better has made this deployment worthwhile.
"On patrols I see the youth of Iraq smiling, waving, and wanting to change for the better and not the worst. That really makes me feel like I have done something in this lifetime. Not just saying it, but accomplishing it hands on."
Clark has had many Soldiers in his care during this deployment, which has made him become a better leader.
"The saying "Freedom isn't free" wasn't lying," he says. "And those that think that freedom is a right and not a privilege really need to spend some time in the boots of my fellow brothers and sisters that are over here and those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice."
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