2009.04.02
02APR09--Experience of Influence
Today, my team was called to an Iraqi base, where the Iraqis stored a recently-captured suicide vest. Apparently, the Iraqi Army had declined to allow an US explosive ordinance team to dispose of the item. Our task was to uncover more information about the vest and to approach the topic of its disposal.
After taking a look at the vest, we went to go see the Iraqi officer in charge. Within a few minutes, the Iraqi officer agreed that the vest was dangerous, requesting that the US explosive ordinance come to retrieve it at once. The vest was blown in place.
At first, we considering what possible manner or technique the explosive team utilized it talking to the Iraqis. How in the world we got such a different response? But the more we thought about it, the more we realized that we really are in practice of dealing with the Iraqis. After all, it is our fulltime job.
Perhaps the experience and understanding that we take for granted made all the difference.
Thank God you were able to make that very important difference!
Comment by Wendy J Jones — April 2, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
Communication is so important, and so is the communicator's demeanor.
Just want to say thank you for your service to this country. With all the negative news lately, we get wrapped up in the political firestorm on tv and need to remember you guys over there working to make a free Iraq for it's citizens. May God Bless you and your family.
Comment by Karen Pittman — April 2, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
It would be interesting two have heard both conversations with the Iraqi's. I suspect your success was the result of respectful dialog, as opposed to dictating your decision. Good work.
Comment by RHW — April 3, 2009 @ 10:16 am
RHW,
I have met the guys on the ordinance team several times. They are good people, who are trying to do right by everyone involved.
I think that the difference was familiarity and a successful attempt at illuminating what someone else wants and how they can achieve it.
Karen, thank you for all your best wishes.
Wendy, to be honest, I think they would have disposed of it in time on their own. We just made sure that no one got hurt along the way.
Comment by Rich Connaroe — April 3, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
yea to bad you didnt see that the million we killed didnt get"hurt along the way"
Comment by Tony — April 4, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
Rich - Good job! A little courtesy and consideration go a long way. Noting your comments from Karen Pittman. Several years ago there was a Dr. Karen Pittman, micro surgeon, who operated on my husband at Portsmouth Naval Military Hospital at Portsmouth, VA. She was excellent. We liked and respected her a lot. I think she left the Navy and moved to a hospital in St Louis close to 10 years ago. When I saw that name above I immediately wondered if that could be Dr. Pittman we knew. If you are at liberty to identify her we would like to know how she is, etc. if you know.
George and Mary Black - across the street in Fincastle from your mom and Bob. Good luck to you and keep care of yourself. Thanks for all you do.
Comment by Mary Black — April 6, 2009 @ 10:04 am
Mary,
I emailed Karen your comment and email address.
I should think that she would get back with you directly.
Small world.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — April 6, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
nice, really nice!
Comment by optodaKarried — April 17, 2009 @ 6:07 am