Bronze Star Recipient
John Opala |
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When
Army
Reservist
Major
John
Opala
was
deployed
to Iraq
in May
2007, he
had no
idea the
multi-faceted
role he
would
play
behind
the
scenes
to help
improve
safety
in the
region.
One of
his
primary
missions
was to
constantly
improve
the
Iraqi
logistics
and
sustainment.
His
leadership
also
contributed
substantially
to the
mission
of
developing
and
sustaining
Iraqi
Security
Forces. Opala
worked
faithfully
with his
Iraqi
Army and
National
Police
counterparts
to help
them
become
more
independent.
“Our
goal was
to
increase
self-sufficiency
as the
nation
moved
towards
self-governance,”
said
Opala
who was
part of
the
Multi-National
Security
Transition
Command-Iraq
in Taji.
He
successfully
increased
the
tactical
and
technical
proficiency
of the
Iraqi
Army and
National
Police
leadership
by
coaching,
training,
and
teaching
them
about
the
dynamic
duties
and
responsibilities
inherent
in a
professional
commissioned
and
noncommissioned
officer
corps.
As the
executive
officer
for a
Logistics
Military
Advisory
Team, he
also
supported
the
Ministries
of
Defense
and
Interior
by
making
sure
damaged
war-fighting
vehicles
were
quickly
and
efficiently
repaired
and
returned
into the
fight of
the most
dangerous
streets
in and
around
Baghdad.
“Included
in my
tasks
was
transitioning
the
Iraqi's
largest
Wheeled
Maintenance
Facility,
explained
Opala.
“Basically,
I was
the U.S.
Army
liaison
between
the
civilian
contractor
and the
Iraqi
Army as
the
facility
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changed from a U.S.
government-funded contractor
and transitioned to the
Iraqis. I made sure the
contractors did their job
and provided the Iraqi Army
the equipment, parts and
training they needed. The
training was very
important.” |
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Opala is
a
soldier
who
leads
from the
front.
He
ensured
U.S. and
Coalition
Forces
as well
as the
Iraqi
Army
were 100
percent
equipped
to
successfully
function
and
complete
their
numerous
and
dynamic
war-fighting
missions.
When
necessary,
he
volunteered
to help
the
Iraqi
National
Police
obtain
critically
needed
spare
parts to
repair
their
battle
damaged
tactical
vehicles.
He also
was
actively
involved
in base
operations
ensuring
a safe
environment
for all
tenants,
Coalition
Forces
and
Iraqis.
“My
various
duties
kept me
extremely
busy,
and it
was a
challenge
to
devote
sufficient
time to
each
responsibility
ensuring
success,”
Opala
reflected.
“Safety
and
security
were
first
and
foremost
in
everything
we did.
We could
not take
shortcuts
but
ensured
we were
ready
should
any
hostile
event
take
place.
Regular
meetings
were
held to
discuss
situations
worthy
of note
and what
we could
do to
keep all
of us
safe,”
said
Opala.
When he
learned
that he
would be
awarded
the
Bronze
Star for
his
outstanding
leadership,
he said
“It was
a
deep-felt
honor
and
appreciation
for work
that I
did. As
a major
in the
Army
Reserve,
it is a
privilege
serving
my
country
in this
capacity.” |
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Photo and information courtesy of US
Army /
Dept. of Defense |
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Bronze Star Recipients |
Other Heroes | |
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