Soldier bonds with Albanians in Iraq

Photo By Sgt. Marshall Thompson | Capt. Daniel Chase, the adjuntant for the 142nd Corps Support Battalion, speaks with an Albanian soldier at the Albanian Komando complex at Logistical Support Area Diamondback. Chase lived in Albania for two years as a missionary and speak fluently. Chase says the Albanians are like a family away from home.  

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA DIAMONDBACK, IRAQ

02.17.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

LSA DIAMONDBACK, Iraq- When a Soldier from Fort Polk, La., arrived in Iraq for a one-year tour, the last thing he expected to find was a second family from a distant country.
Capt. Daniel Chase, the adjutant for the 142nd Corps Support Battalion, was surprised to find himself on the same base as a contingent of Albanians. Chase lived in Albania for two years as a missionary and speaks the language fluently. He even keeps an Albanian flag on his desk.

"I had no expectations of seeing anyone I knew," Chase said. "It was kind of neat to see somebody with whom I could relate. Even though they were from a different country, we"d have the same experiences."

The Albanian military has worked with the American military since 2000 as peacekeepers in Bosnia. In 2001, they went into Afghanistan and have been in Iraq since 2003. The contingent has fewer than 100 soldiers, but U.S. Soldiers appreciate their presence.

"I didn't think there"d be anyone over here but Americans," said Pfc. Kurt Tappe, a paralegal specialist with the 142nd CSB. "It makes me feel like we're not the only ones fighting the war. There are people over here fighting with us."

Tappe said he had no idea Chase spoke Albanian until an Albanian soldier visited the office one day.

"Capt. Chase was talking fluently with him when I came in to ask a question and I was like, "wow,"" Tappe said.

Chase said he gets some curious glances from U.S. Soldiers when he eats lunch or dinner with the Albanians.

"I've noticed that some American Soldiers will walk by and take a double take," Chase said.

Although many of the Albanian soldiers speak English, they were pleasantly surprised to find someone who speaks their language.

"The first time Capt. Chase was here in my compound, I was impressed by his Albanian language skills because he speaks very well," said Maj. Besnik Sokoli, commander of the Albanian contingent in Iraq.

Chase said that for him, the Albanians were like a second family and "brothers in arms."

"The term "brothers in arms" means more than fighting alongside another country, but understanding the backgrounds, differences, and struggles our countries have made to be where they are today," Chase said.

Albania and the United States have come a long way in the last two decades to be working together. When Sokoli took command of his first unit in 1988, Albania was under a communist regime and had no allies, even among the other communist countries. In 1991, Albania started an effort toward democratization. Fifteen years later, Sokoli said it hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it. He's also glad to have allies once again.

"The cooperation we have with the American officers and noncommissioned officers has been on a good level," Sokoli said. "Our operations here are not just for Albanians, they are for Americans, too."

The Albanian contingent provides base security and a quick reaction force. They also patrol a large section of Mosul as well as operating checkpoints and running security for visiting officials.

Chase said he appreciates what the Albanians do to protect the base and surrounding areas and he's also happy just to speak Albanian with someone.

"To see them here contributing to the war on terror and fighting for the freedom of this country, it's incredible," Chase said. "And having them here has made it a little easier on me."

• Date Taken: 02.17.2006
• Date Posted: 02.17.2006 02:47
• Story ID: 5414
• Location: LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA DIAMONDBACK, IQ