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

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served
in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States
Armed Forces Today!

---

~ 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! 

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning, Kathy!

*HUGS*

Heading out the door - into the ice and sleet!



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)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

Thanks, unique, for the pastries.

Coffee is always on........

How about a donut?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Sandwich?

[E.G.C.]

Monday Morning Coffee Bump.

Nope, no rain yet. We may get some tonight and tomorrow.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning again, Kathy! At the office.

[beachn4fun]

Good morning, Canteen.

Good morning to our

Military, our Allies, and their families.

Thanks Guyz and Galz.

Thank you, Star, for preparing the Canteen for today’s activities.
KUDOS and thank you go out to
MAJ Mark Thompson
for his service.

Ah, memory fails me at the moment, but
didn't we have another FReeper/family member
who helped build that play ground?

{{{MA?}}}...help...
you remember everything.

DC Metroland weather report

~ Today...Showers this morning
becoming less numerous during the afternoon hours.
Snow or sleet may mix in early.
High around 45F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
Chance of rain 60%.

~ Tonight... A few showers early,
then clouds lingering overnight.
Low 39F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Chance of rain 30%.

Had a nice weekend even though it was cold.
At least it was dry and sunny.
Looking forward to a warm up even if it's temporary.

Gotta make my rounds.

But please stay right where you are.
Chat up the military or a family member.
No need to fret...you know I'll be back!

The FR Canteen is

Come in and sit for a while.
There's always plenty of coffee, tea,
pancakes, conversation, silliness,
and plain old BS

REMEMBER THEM ~ DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM

BAKER, ARTHUR DALE
4/7/1965
Laos
Presumptive Finding of Death

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allied military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.

[beachn4fun]

maybe?

[beachn4fun]

maybe?

[beachn4fun]

maybe?

[beachn4fun]

maybe?

[beachn4fun]

maybe?

[E.G.C.]

((HUGS))Good morning, Beach. How’s it going?

[luvie]

Monday already??
Gimme strength!
I wanna sleep more!
Am sure all of you did, too! :)
Anyhooooo...have a GREAT day!
....and don't work TOO hard!
Gonna be a warm one here in Texas!
((((hugs))))

[E.G.C.]

((HUGS))Good morning, LUV W. How’s it going?

[beachn4fun]

Good morning EG ((HUGS))

all is well this Monday morning.

Howz things out your way? Have a good weekend?

[Arrowhead1952]

Good morning to everyone at the Canteen. It's already 70º here at 7:40 AM.

[Arrowhead1952]

Good morning ladies and (((HUGS))).

[beachn4fun]

Good morning night owl ((HUGS))
How was your weekend? Do anything exciting?

Gonna be a warm one here in Texas!

Rub it in why don'tcha!

[PROCON]

Good Morning Beachie!!

I was in the hibernation mode this weekend, it was wet but warmish.

I really haven't figured out who I'm pulling for in the Super Bowl yet; I saw a show on both the Harbaugh brothers and their dad Jack, who was also a coach, a fine football family.

Better hit the coffee pot....

Have a grandocious day!

[PROCON]

Good Morning Beachie!!

I was in the hibernation mode this weekend, it was wet but warmish.

I really haven't figured out who I'm pulling for in the Super Bowl yet; I saw a show on both the Harbaugh brothers and their dad Jack, who was also a coach, a fine football family.

Better hit the coffee pot....

Have a grandocious day!

[beachn4fun]

Good morning dear ((HUGS))

70?

see post 57

LOL