Robert Hall of Silverdale will marry his war bride, Vivian Mansour, today. In this photo taken last year in Iraq, Hall said goodbye to Mansour before his convoy departed on a mission. The two met in Iraq while Hall served there.
Posted on 08/22/2004 6:07:08 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
American Reservist Marries Baghdad Woman He Met in Iraq The Associated Press
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) - A Washington state soldier has married the Iraqi woman he met and fell in love with while in Baghdad. Robert Hall, 23, says he knew within a month that he would marry Vivian Mansour, 21, of Baghdad, even though at first neither spoke a word of each other's language.
Hall, an Army reservist who earned a Bronze Star for meritorious service during his one-year tour, said he's never been happier. The two were married here Saturday.
"I never in my life saw this coming," he said.
For them, cultural differences are offset by a shared Christian faith. Mansour is a Kurdish Christian - a population that makes up just 3 percent of Iraq's 24 million people.
"It's such a learning experience," Hall said. "Our cultures are different, but the way we look at it is, we're both children of God."
The Christian population was persecuted by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's regime, but after his ouster they have been targeted by other groups. A recent wave of church bombings has prompted about 40,000 Iraqi Christians to leave the country.
Mansour's family has been in danger not only because of their faith, but because they worked for the U.S. military.
Hall was with the 4022nd Civil Affairs Battalion, which set up camp inside the Baghdad palace complex. The battalion worked closely with Iraqis, helping to resolve infrastructure problems and clear weapons caches. He met Mansour - and her mother and sister - when they were hired as cleaning women.
"Every time she came over, I kind of followed her and watched her clean," Hall said.
"Yes, everywhere," Mansour recalled, laughing.
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.tbo.com ...
A good way to get the enemy into this country legally.
Just kidding! Here's to a long and happy marriage.
She's Christian
For them, cultural differences are offset by a shared Christian faith. Mansour is a Kurdish Christian - a population that makes up just 3 percent of Iraq's 24 million people.
A good way to get the enemy into this country legally.
I wouldn't classify Kurdish Christians as the enemy.
Kurds are not our enemy...they simply have no friends.
Damn, she's hot!!!!
good job digging up the pics......
One way to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, I guess...
You have no idea man. about 75% of the Shia, 50% of the Sunnis and all of the Kurds and the Turkomen are helping us and just want to get along with life.
Painting a group of people with a broad brush is a liberal trait.....
Nice little body on her
Go for it soldier!!!
Good luck to both of them
The press has painted them all with broad brushes
Most people just want the terrorists gone then us gone so they can live in peace
PING FOR THE KURDS
Good for BOTH of them! I married a girl that I met while stationed overseas and that was 22 years ago.
I hope you all know that here on FR we do not buy all the negative press BS. We are with you guys 100%.
He stalked her and she thought it was cute.
It must've been the uniform.
So is HE!!
20 Year Test!!!!
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