A long way from Lynbrook: Operation New Dawn

Building relationships with Iraq’s up and coming generations, is surely the key to the future success of their country.

This is me, pictured at left, in front of one of my platoon’s four up-armored CAIMAN gun-trucks. I am joined by our Battalion’s cultural advisor and interpreter, Lee Farhan from southern California.

Courtesy Christophre Molaro

Lynbrook native Christopher Molaro

Courtesy Christophre Molaro

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Lynbrook native Christopher Molaro wrote the following. It is the first in a two-part series.

My name is Christopher Molaro. I am a lieutenant deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn as a platoon leader with 2nd Bn., 82nd FA Regt., 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. More than a year away from home, to be out of one’s comfort zone is an arduous task for anyone. And almost six months into the deployment, how is it?

I can only speak on my behalf, but can say, as someone with a unique perspective of the last remaining year for U.S. Forces in Iraq that it has been one of growth, personally and professionally, and has changed my perspective when analyzing the smaller pleasures of life I would all too often take for granted.

My story of Iraq does not start there but on Interstate-35 driving from Fort Sill, Oklahoma to Fort Hood, Texas. I vividly remember celebrating with my friends and fellow lieutenants last January. Not only had we just graduated from the Army’s Field Artillery School, but I was en route to my unit to where I was going to take lead of a platoon comprised of twenty-one of America’s sons and daughters. I knew months earlier that I was deploying two weeks after arriving to Fort Hood. After four years at the United States Military Academy and another six months at Fort Sill, all the lieutenants knew what we were to expect — nothing was going to be a surprise. Everyone said how important our job was and how excited we should be to be in the position we were. It was not until the five- hour drive from Oklahoma to Texas where I was alone, negotiating Dallas traffic, thinking about what lay before me and when the magnitude of the situation hit me — not the best timing for such a realization.

Up until that January 11, I was only ever responsible for myself, my own safety, my well-being and my future. I suddenly found myself driving directly into a job where I was not only responsible for the lives and well-being of my soldiers, but as the Personal Security Detachment platoon leader, was accountable for the safety of the 2nd Bn. 82nd Regt. Commander, Lt. Col. Robert Wright, and any of his guests, many of whom were general officers.