Leading through war: Harrell’s service in Iraq

Continued From Last Week…

MARSHFIELD - Taking Care of His Soldiers:

Harrell returned to Echo Company for his third Iraq deployment in 2007, this time as the Company’s first sergeant, responsible for approximately 120 soldiers. The company operated from Forward Operating Base Kalsu and participated in engineering and security missions. Harrell remembers being away from home for approximately 18 months in connection with the assignment, although the brigade’s documented period deployed in Iraq was closer to 15 months.

As first sergeant, he helped maintain the training, readiness, discipline and welfare of his soldiers. He worked closely with the company commander and platoon sergeants, making sure troops had the equipment, supplies and support needed for their missions. Harrell continued accompanying soldiers outside the base and remembered joining different groups on patrol several times each week.

The unit’s engineering work included clearing supply routes, searching for improvised explosive devices and supporting other military formations. His award narrative describes operations in which supported units cleared more than 2,000 kilometers of routes and identified eight improvised explosive devices during Operation Marne Roundup.

He also helped soldiers deal with problems back home.

Extended deployments meant missed birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and important events in children’s lives. Harrell remembered how difficult it could be for soldiers who arrived in Iraq before Christmas and were still there the following holiday season.

Communication depended heavily on where a soldier was stationed. Those operating from smaller bases sometimes had to wait until they returned to a larger installation before they could contact their families. Dorothy helped run family support activities back at Fort Stewart, working with spouses and relatives while their loved ones were overseas. She sometimes contacted Mark when family members needed information or when a soldier hadn’t communicated with home. Harrell said family difficulties could quickly affect a soldier’s morale. Marital problems, financial pressures and the strain of separation were concerns he took seriously.

The first sergeant also had to recognize when a soldier was struggling and might need professional help. Harrell remembered dealing with difficult personal situations and staying alert to signs that someone was having trouble coping. He had spent long periods away from Dorothy and their children because of military assignments and deployments, and knew the pressure military life could place on a family.

The Wheelchair and the Sandals:

During his third deployment, Harrell and his soldiers regularly visited an Iraqi village where families lived in difficult conditions. Some homes were assembled from available materials, including mud and reused containers. Residents often lacked basic supplies, and the soldiers helped distribute food, cooking oil, household items and other necessities. Medical personnel also visited to conduct basic examinations and assist residents who needed care.

One man especially stayed with Harrell.

During a visit to the man’s home, the soldiers found him sitting on the floor, unable to get up because he was paralyzed. Harrell said the man had been confined there for years. Working through military supply channels, he arranged to get him a wheelchair.

“He was so appreciative,” Harrell said.

The company also worked with local children, many of whom gathered around when American vehicles arrived in the village. Harrell decided to provide sandals, with Dorothy helping collect donations back home. The footwear was delivered to Iraq, and he distributed it to children in the community.

When he returned on another visit, he noticed that the children weren’t wearing them. He asked where the sandals had gone.

“They sold them to get food,” he said.

Harrell also distributed sunglasses and other small gifts to the children. He remembered a photograph showing a group of youngsters wearing the sunglasses he had provided. School supplies were another priority. Soldiers brought notebooks, pencils, tablets and backpacks to help children and teachers. They also arranged for plastic coverings that could help protect homes from rain. Harrell recalled assisting a textile business that was having difficulty operating because of problems with its power supply. Soldiers helped address the issue, allowing the business to resume work. The owner later gave Harrell a traditional headdress in appreciation.

The projects required approval through military channels, but Harrell appreciated being in a position where he could get supplies to people who needed them. His service during the deployment earned him a third Bronze Star.

To Be Continued…