Corporal K

TIKRIT, IRAQ

12.09.2005

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. Lee Elder 133rd MPAD

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq (November 20, 2005) -- He's known to his fellow Soldiers in the 4-101 Pathfinders simply as "Corporal K."

Although pronouncing his name might not be an easy task for some, Cpl. James Kinyanjui (pronounced "Ken-an-joo-wee") is one of the unit's top young leaders. The 31-year-old team leader was born in the African nation of Kenya and came to the U.S. nine years ago. He has been in the Army nearly five years after initially attending college in Kansas. "I was looking for action and adventure," Kinyanjui recalled. "I found a lot of it."

Kinyanjui enjoys serving with the Pathfinders, who are attached to the 501st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. He also likes being a Soldier.

"The Army has been good to me," Kinyanjui said. "The thing I like best about the Army is the Infantry. It's simple. Do your mission; accomplish your mission, end of story."

The training appeals to Kinyanjui. He enjoys fast roping out of helicopters, doing airborne operations and other tasks associated with the Infantry. "I land like a sack of rocks," Kinyanjui said of his 6-foot, 230-pound frame.

Kinyanjui's platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Roberson, said Kinyanjui was one of three of his soldiers who attended sniper school. He said he shows a lot of poise for a junior leader. "As a corporal, if he makes a mistake, he will admit it," Roberson said. "That's one of the things a good leader does. He has the ability to make the next step."

For his part, Kinyanjui said he wants to attend Ranger School as his next big career goal. Its importance goes beyond a military goal. "Ranger School is a test of manhood," he said.

Roberson said Kinyanjui works well with his fellow Soldiers. He uses his sense of humor and dedication to the mission to achieve success. "He has a great sense of humor," Roberson said. "He lets a lot of stuff roll off his back."

Though Kinyanjui lives in Clarksville with his wife and stepdaughter, most of his family remains in his native Nairobi, the capitol city of the western African nation. "My mother worries about me a lot," Kinyanjui said. "My father is pretty proud of me."

Although his deployment has slowed his efforts, Kinyanjui said he is working on gaining his U.S. citizenship. He said he also plans to finish his college education. For now, he is focused on completing his mission here and has one advantage due to his background.

"The hot weather doesn't bother me," he said. "I'm used to it.

• Date Taken: 12.09.2005
• Date Posted: 12.09.2005 13:19
• Story ID: 4020
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ