Proud daughter-in-law

My father-in-law, Tom Shields, is a soldier with the Missouri National Guard. He's serving in Iraq and I'm super-proud of him and what he's doing:

Missouri Guardsmen continue important medical mission in Iraq

By Michelle Key, Missouri National Guard Public Affairs

CAMP BUCCA, Iraq –Nearly halfway through their deployment to Camp Bucca, Iraq, the Soldiers of the Missouri Army National Guard’s 205th Area Support Medical Company have distinguished themselves by providing medical support to both service members and civilians.

The company has been providing medical support at Camp Bucca since
February. Their commander, Maj. Herbert Mosebach, of Benton, said his Soldiers
have been doing an outstanding job.

“I can tell we’re on top of this mission and there is much more to do,” Mosebach said. “Their drive and enthusiasm is always showing.”

Camp Bucca is the largest American-run detainment center in Iraq. The
facility is now undergoing a major renovation and expanding to hold up to 30,000
prisoners, according to an October “Stars and Stripes” article.

Sgt. Jason Bird, Spc. Tessa Bulgier, Pfc. Travis Stahl and Pfc. William Floyd are assigned to the Air Force-run security operation. The security force patrols the area, serves as a quick reaction force, provides security for detainees, and searches for
improvised explosive devices. The Guard medics provide medical support for the
security force and Iraqi civilians.

In addition to their duties, Sgt. Suzanne Sippel, of Union, and 1st Sgt. Thomas Shields, of Lamar, volunteer one day each week at the detainee camp. They hand out clothes, toys, books, snacks and candy to Iraqi civilians at the camp’s visitation center.

“To us, this is a rewarding experience to show the people of Iraq that we care,” Shields said.

Although the Soldiers’ missions keep them busy, they still have some free time. Maj. Ian Fawks, of Moberly, and Capt. Jason Maeder, of Liberty, used that time to compete against 50 other participants in the camp’s half-marathon. Along the course, Guardsmen including Sippel and Staff Sgt. Joshua Hall, of Jefferson City, manned
water stations and medical stops.

“The weather cooperated and it was not too windy or hot until later in the morning,” Fawks said. “It was a fun race and I’m honored to be part of this memorial event.”

Two other Soldiers used their spare time to make work easier for their fellow Guardsmen. Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Robinett, of Wentzville, and Spc. Richard Westmoreland, of Moberly, helped implement a new electronic records system that gives medics quick and easy access to patient records on portable wireless devices. Both Robinett and Westmoreland received sergeant major coins from Sgt. Maj. Garfield Skyers of the 31st Combat Support Hospital.

Mosebach said he is proud of all his Soldiers and reminded them to look out for one another. He added that before long they would be planning their return home in November.

For more information on the 205th Soldiers and how to support these troops, contact Sgt. 1st Class David Huff at (816) 922-5044.