Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Whitney Houston | Capt. Alberto Pantoja, native of Miami, and commander of Headquarters and Headquarters...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Whitney Houston
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Two Soldiers who work at the Detainee Holding Area Annex at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad were awarded Army Achievement Medals Sept. 6, 2008.
Spc. Denver Hankis, native of Calico Rock, Ark., and Spc. David Misicka, a native of Chicago, both assigned to Company B, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, "Mongoose," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi- National Division – Baghdad, were recognized for their consistency and excellence in performing their daily duties.
"There are a lot of rules and regulations these guys have to follow," said Master Sgt. Nicanor Mendez, a native of San Antonio, Texas, and Military Police liaison officer to 2nd SBCT, assigned to the 411th MP Company. "These guys get here every day, do monotonous work, and they continuously do their duties, without skipping steps which could cause a mishap."
Capt. Alberto Pantoja, native of Miami, and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 225th BSB, commander said he was pleased to recognize Soldiers for a job well done.
"More often than not Soldiers working in detainee operations are recognized for their mistakes," Pantoja. "It's time these guys were recognized for their consistency in performing their duties."
The daily routine for Soldiers working at the DHAA requires controlling check points, making sure that the detainees are accompanied during meals, hygienic functions and religious practices.
"On any given day we control entry control points, or hold two guard tower positions," said Hankis, "and if you're not on one of the points we are inside as an escort whose primary responsibility is escorting detainees to and from the latrine, and also to the shower points throughout the day so they can wash their hands, face and feet before they pray. We also serve them three square meals a day."
Working in the DHAA all day is taxing to a Soldier's mind. However, they are given time each week to recuperate.
"Being in a prison area, these Soldiers from time to time feel like prisoners themselves," Mendez said.
Despite incarceration for their suspected unlawful acts, it is paramount that MND-B Soldiers treat prisoners as human beings, said Pantoja.
"One thing we put emphasis on is ensuring detainees are treated with dignity and respect," said Pantoja. "So when they leave here, they leave here understanding Americans are good people, and we are here to help them."
Since opening, the facility has an impeccable record concerning propriety and in-processing.
"We've been here since January, and have processed over a 1,000 detainees with no incidents," Hankis said. "[And] we were recognized today for being two of the most awesome Soldiers here."
Hankis and Misicka said they strive to maintain a good attitude, stay motivated, and assist their comrades to do the same.
"Staying motivated and motivating other people is done by staying motivated yourself," Hankis said. "Good spirits and jokes raise the morale of the people who are around you."
The devotion of these two Soldiers to their mission and country has reflected through their tireless actions, setting a high standard for others to look up to, regardless of occupation.
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2008 04:24 |
| Story ID: | 23438 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 701 |
| Downloads: | 587 |
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