‘Leaders’ Rest’ Dedicated to Memory of Fallen Iron Soldier
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Freedom Rest, the U.S. Army’s designated location for troop rest and recuperation in Baghdad, opened a new addition last month.
Several Task Force 1st Armored Division brigade and battalion command leadership teams joined Brig. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, 1st Armored Division commander, and Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, CJTF-7 commander, for the opening and dedication of the new facility.
The building was dedicated to the memory of Pvt. Jonathan Falaniko, son of Command Sgt. Maj. Ioakimo Falaniko, 1st Armored Division’s engineer brigade command sergeant major.
Pvt. Falaniko was killed in Baghdad by an improvised explosive device attack.
When Leaders’ Rest was nearly ready for opening, Dempsey and Brig. Gen. Mark Hertling, deputy division commander for support, collaborated to put together a surprise for Falaniko by naming the building “PV2 Falaniko Inn,” said Sgt. Maj. Edward Faust, division personnel sergeant major.
“We wanted to show (Command) Sergeant Major Falaniko how much the division appreciates him and the kind of solider he is. We appreciate the sacrifice that he and his son have made here,” said Faust.
Falaniko was not told that the opening ceremony would include a dedication. He said he was honored by his comrades’ gesture of gratitude and sympathy.
“The dedication of this facility to my son is a total surprise,” he said. “It reminds me how proud I am of my son and makes me proud of the division and what we do.”
Faust said the idea behind “Leaders’ Rest” is to allow for separation between high-ranking and low-ranking soldiers during their rest and relaxation time off.
“Leaders’ Rest is for general officers, brigade and battalion command teams,” Faust said. “In order for soldiers to relax, they need to be away from the military environment. This facility will allow leaders to get away from the soldiers they are in charge of as well as allowing those soldiers some space from their leaders.”
Falaniko said he hops that his son’s memory will help the military leaders in Baghdad remember what they and their soldiers are fighting for.
“When leaders come through that door and see my son’s name, they are going to be reminded of those soldiers out there making the ultimate sacrifice to bring peace and hope to the people of Iraq,” said Falaniko. “Maybe it can reinforce our focus on why we are here, and help us carry on the fight.”
