BAGHDAD, Iraq— Charismatic, artistic, charming, tough, and an angel; there is no single word to describe the unique character of Staff Sgt. Ronald Leger of New Bedford, Mass.
Leger joined the Army National Guard in 1974. As a new member of the 26th Yankee Division, he continued the tradition of his forefathers. Leger's great grandfather, grandfather and father all served during the World Wars. Leger joined because he wanted to understand why they were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country. He realized it was to safeguard freedom.
While serving in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, Leger noticed the children and the overall poverty of the country and wanted to help the local people. Leger wasn't in a position to do this, until many years later.
In 2006, while deployed with NATO troops to Pristina, Kosovo, Leger had an opportunity of a lifetime to make a difference for Kosovo's children of war. When asked to volunteer his time at a children's center in downtown Pristina, Leger jumped at the opportunity to help. His chance to make a difference had arrived.
"This opportunity started one of the greatest experiences of my life," said Leger, a father of two daughters.
After meeting the 150 women and children who had lost their husbands, fathers and brothers in the Serbia and Kosovo conflicts, Leger helped coordinate basic necessities such as the delivery of water and electricity.
"The joy on the faces of these broken families was payment enough for helping," stated Leger.
As desire to help grew, NATO Soldiers from around the world participated in the center's very first Christmas Angel Tree to help those less fortunate. The Soldiers sponsored children for the holidays by choosing an angel ornament with a child's name on it.
Leger and a team of Santa Soldiers not only gave the children toys, but also donated coats, hats and mittens. Most of these items were donated from Soldiers' families at home. Leger was floating on cloud nine when he saw that Soldiers like him; were willing to lend a helping hand.
"Seeing the smiles on their faces and the tears in their eyes, will never be wiped from my memory," said Leger.
Leger was instrumental in planning a version of Woodstock that took place in Kosovo in 2007. Leger, a connoisseur of blues music, used the idea of a music festival as a fundraiser to increase support for a children's center.
The event was a great success, hosting seven local bands and providing enough food for 3,000 people. Between t-shirt sales and donations, Leger and the volunteers helped raise enough money to help the children's center for over a year. This event also started a Woodstock Foundation that continues to raise money for future support.
"Cost of Woodstock: 4000 euro. Cost of getting Woodstock off the ground, sweat and tears, being called an angel by the children of Kosovo: priceless," said Leger.
For Leger's last leg of his military career, he is currently deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 101st Engineer Battalion's six interpreters.
Once again Leger's kind heart has allowed him to be in a position that allows him to help. His responsibilities include making sure the interpreters have everything they need: food, clothing, housing and personal safety.
Truly honored to serve his country and make a difference in so many lives, Leger hopes to retire right where he began, with the 26th Yankee Division.
| Date Taken: | 12.11.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.11.2009 04:07 |
| Story ID: | 42594 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 780 |
| Downloads: | 217 |
This work, A Soldier and Saint: Staff Sgt. Ronald Leger, by SGT Tracy Knowles, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
