“…a relationship built on trust”

Nov 11th, 2009 5:29 PM UTC
By Pablo Castaneda

With the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I completed over 75 combat missions with U.S. Special Forces and the Multi-National Division in Central and Southern Iraq. I also worked with the Army Civil Affairs unit, which was responsible for helping the Iraqi people rebuild clean water delivery systems, schools, and hospitals.

Our mission was not just about rebuilding, it was also about providing the proper tools and training necessary to promote stability and independence. Through our efforts we established a relationship built on trust, which played an important role to our own security. Oftentimes, the Iraqis would notify us of potential attacks or provide information on the locations of insurgents.

The Iraqis worked with us, not against us, as we rebuilt, refurbished, and supplied them with their basic needs of food and clothing. We helped improve lives, which in turn helped support a stable and healthy society. All of our work built a high level of trust with the Iraqis and improved our overall security. Likewise, development work in Africa can help improve our country’s national security.

-Pablo Castañeda

TAGS: Veterans Day