Myrtle Beach Police Officer Prepares to Head Home

Courtesy Photo | Myrtle Beach Patrol Officer (Sgt.) William Jackson has been a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard since 1995. In August 2006, his unit, the 151st Field Artillery Brigade, was activated as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jackson was deployed to western Baghdad to serve in the Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Iraqi Security Forces cell.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.08.2007

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

Multi-National Division – Baghdad

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - More than a year ago, a six year veteran of the Myrtle Beach City Police Force in South Carolina packed away the soft baseball cap and the black, short sleeve, collared, uniform shirt worn by city officers during the summer. In its place, he wore the uniform of an American Soldier; a heavy Kevlar helmet and a camouflage, ballistic vest, re-enforced with plated body armor.

Patrol Officer (Sgt.) William Jackson has been a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard since 1995. In August 2006, his unit, the 151st Field Artillery Brigade, was activated as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was deployed to western Baghdad. Jackson worked in the Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Iraqi Security Forces cell.

This was Jackson's second tour of active duty in the Middle East in less than five years. In 2004, he served in southern Iraq with another unit as a member of a quick reactionary force. When he returned to America, he was surprised to learn that the 151st FA Brigade was about to be deployed. Despite having only a short stay at home, Jackson never considered trying to get an exemption from the deployment.

"I have been with the 151st for almost eleven years," Jackson said. "I could not let my friends go without me."

Luckily for Jackson, the Myrtle Beach Police Department and his family understood his obligations and have been extremely supportive. Jackson is especially grateful to the sacrifice made by his wife, Damion, whom he had married only four months prior to deploying.

"I could not have done this without her," Jackson said.

Jackson graduated from Central Carolina Technical College in 1999 with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. When he returns to the United States later this month, Jackson looks forward to returning to the Myrtle Beach Police Department and resuming his patrols along Ocean Boulevard. Until that time, however, he is content to serve America by utilizing his law enforcement skills in a country halfway around the world.

• Date Taken: 10.08.2007
• Date Posted: 10.08.2007 16:33
• Story ID: 12772
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ