FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Mark Thompson ~ January 28, 2013

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[Kathy in Alaska]

 

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---

~ Hall of Heroes ~

Mark Thompson

Info from here.

           

"It was nothing like I expected," admitted MAJ Mark Thompson of his months spent in Baghdad, Iraq last year, his first deployment.

Stationed at Victory Base Camp (VBC), MAJ Thompson spent a portion of his time in theater in a place most would not imagine of someone deployed with the 11th Military Police Brigade: near a playground.

Originally deployed as a MP Task Force/Brigade G2 (Intelligence officer), MAJ Thompson was remissioned soon after arriving in Iraq. He was selected to serve as commander of a high-value detainee facility located at VBC.

U.S. soldiers had previously built a children's playground right outside of the detainee facility, set within the center's secure grounds. Said MAJ Thompson, Iraqi children visiting loved ones detained in the facility would come play atop the seesaws and swings, interacting with the troops in the process.

As commander, the playground - and the opportunity it provided to reach out to the Iraqi youth- unexpectedly became one the biggest tools for boosting morale amongst the soldiers. "Once I see kids playing, I want to play too," laughed MAJ Thompson, father of a 12 year old son. "I'm the biggest kid."

He, as well as many of the other soldiers under his command, often found themselves kicking soccer balls around and enjoying an unanticipated taste of home. Amidst their regular tasks in theater, MAJ Thompson'’s soldiers also collected toys and school supplies for the Iraqi children who had seamlessly become a highlight of their deployment. Their dedicated work with the local kids was one that many back home would not automatically have associated with the operations of the detainee facility.

"We were changing the negative stereotypes some were lead to believe about Americans," noted MAJ Thompson, who received the Bronze Star for his leadership in Iraq.

During his ten months abroad, MAJ Thompson also encountered another group of individuals that made an impression on him as not only commander, but as an officer in the Army.

"There are a lot of civilians paying prices as well there," said MAJ Thompson of the non-military serving abroad. "I truly appreciate all of the sacrifices they make. They truly support us."

Since returning stateside to Fort Dix in New Jersey, MAJ Thompson has once more found himself in a leadership position. He is now Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Support Activity. Yet again he is responsible for ensuring soldiers' safety and morale, just set against a different backdrop.

"The mission is different, but the goal is the same," explained MAJ Thompson.

And the larger goal, as always, remains taking care of his fellow soldiers.

Awarded: The Bronze Star

Right click to download this hero's story.

Interview:

September 08, 2010 - Crawford Broadcasting Comany (4.4MB)

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

[beachn4fun]

Good morning Pro ((HUGS))

I was suppose to hibernate but Saturday we went out to dinner with a family friend, and then I had to drop off some of my books at a local bookstore. I did hibernate until then and some on Sunday.

You haven’t decided who you will root for? I’ll tell you who...the Ravens! I rooted for your Seahawks. hehe

I was surprised, cause I apparently hadn’t paid attention before, to learn the coaches were brothers. This will surely make for an interesting game.

I heard an interview with a man who studies the placement of siblings, like who’s first child, second, last? and how they do in life...the question was who was their mother to root for? or how to handle the son that lost the game...he said, “if I were the mother I’d go to the field and wait for the one who came to be consoled” or something like that...LOL

I’m with him, I’d congratulate the one and comfort the other. I’m sure in this football family there won’t be a need to do much of that.

We’re having a rainy morning but will clear and warm up later.

Have a sunnylicious Monday!

[Arrowhead1952]

Yup, 70 now and headed for almost 80 later. I’ll go fishing and see if the crappie are biting.

[beachn4fun]

crappie...LOL...doesn’t sound appetizing. Have fun.

[SandRat]

Drive, it will be a 3+ hour trip.

[E.G.C.]

Had a great weekend. Got into the 70's yesterday. Took Bo out to the lake. Had a great time.

May get some rain tonight and tomorrow. Crossing our fingers.

[luvie]

Going well! And you & Bo?

[luvie]

It was nice and quiet....and yours? Good, I hope!

[E.G.C.]

It’s going OK here too. May head out to the lake later today. Forecast to be in the upper 70’s. :-D

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good afternoon, Beachy...((HUGS))...I'm not ready!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Off the top of my head....yes, another FReeper was involved in building a playground in Iraq. I can’t remember where, but the picture turns up every now and then. He is on a teeter totter with an Iraqi child. I will try to look for the picture when I can. I think his name was Kristian. Can’t drag up his FReeper name.

[Arrowhead1952]

Caught four keepers. Best white freshwater fish there is and the cats loved the “snacks” they got while I was getting dinner ready for tonight.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good Evening To Our Valiant Troops, To Our Vets, To Our Families, Our FRiends, Our Allies And To All Canteen Denizens!

Godspeed our Troops around the Globe, especially those in combat!



Evening Colors
(click)



May The Lord Protect And Uphold Our Troops In Their Vital Mission!

May He Keep Safe Their Families During Their Time Of Separation!

May He Preserve And Uphold The American Nation In This Time Of Adversity!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[luvie]

Amen!

[AZamericonnie]

Good evening Conor! *Hugs*

Still raining here & cold!

[ConorMacNessa]

Good evening, Connie!

*HUGS*

Still raining here but the temps are now in the high 30's so the ice is gone from the roads.



Keep Faith with the Fallen of Benghazi! Let the Obama Regime, for once, tell the Truth!

Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[ConorMacNessa]

Good evening, Luv!

*HUGS*

And a big Amen to you - thanks to your DH and son for their service!



Keep Faith with the Fallen of Benghazi! Let the Obama Regime, for once, tell the Truth!

Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[luvie]

thanks, Conor! And a big thanks to you for YOUR service, too!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Are you safely home now? I hope so.

How was the drive? Everybody being good?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Arrowhead...((HUGS))...pretty toasty in your neck of the woods.

It’s warming up here!

It’s now above zero. LOL! Possible snow tonight.

[HiJinx]

Last name Sorenson, perhaps?