FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Mark Thompson ~ 18 February 2019

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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.

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! 

[Kathy in Alaska]

~ Hall of Heroes: Maj Mark Thompson ~

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[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

[SkyDancer]

~ Good Evening ~

~ Just Hanging ~

~ Good Evening ~

~ Welcome To My World ~

I’m Down There Somewhere

[left that other site]

Hi Everybody!

((((HUGS))))

[MS.BEHAVIN]

??

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Janey...((HUGS))...how’s your weather doing? Good for parachuting yet?

We’ve had gentle snow all afternoon. It’s pretty to watch it falling if you don’t have to go out in it.

[PROCON]

Hiya Kathy and thanks for honoring tonight's Hero!

Salute Maj. Thompson!

[PROCON]

What? You think you get a trophy for being #6? 😁😁😁

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...is Penny enjoying her mud room? Is it performing as you intended?

Gentle snow here.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, MS B...((HUGS))...are you finally done with the frigid temps?

[Kathy in Alaska]

In first....Janey grabs the gold!!

[left that other site]

Yes. The Mud Room helps to make winter here a bit more bearable. Also, my heating bill is greatly reduced, thanks to the buffer zone it creates between me and the weather. :-)

[SkyDancer]

Good Evening, Kathy ...(((HUGS))) ... the weather’s been okay but haven’t done any jump plane flying - I’m heading out Tuesday for a four day run, then a day off (will most likely stay at Denver) then off on a three day group of flights. I was going to take time off until the 1st. of March but they asked me to come in.

[luvie]

Thank you, Major Thompson for your brave service to our country. And thank you, Kathy, for giving us his story!

[Kathy in Alaska]

And in second....ML snags the silver!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

And rounding out the top three....MS B bags the bronze!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Pro...has the cold weather and snow left you finally?

[PROCON]

Our weather has ‘warmed’ up a bit with no more snowfall, but still plenty of snow on the ground.

[Kathy in Alaska]

"...Also, my heating bill is greatly reduced, thanks to the buffer zone it creates..."

Now THAT is a great outcome!