Soldier wants hometown to know U.S. is making a difference in Iraq

May 14, 2008 11:11 am

— My name is Staff Sergeant Ray Sibert and I was born and raised outside Corbin. Since graduating from Whitley County High School in 1989, I’ve been serving in the U.S. Army. I am currently assigned to 3rl Battalion of the 187th Infantry Regiment of the prestigious 3rl Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.
I work as part of a three-man team that visits with local government agencies to create and manage security, water, agriculture and civic improvement projects. My team works hand-in-hand with the local mayor and council members to resolve problems that the Iraqi people experience in their villages and neighborhoods.
I have served in five separate combat zones in more than 18 years of service. This deployment is unlike any other because my mission is to help Iraqi people rebuild their neighborhoods and economies.
We go to council meetings with ministers of different branches of the government. We work projects to meet the basic needs of the Iraqi people. Agriculture is the main source of income for the majority of Iraqis in Yusufiya, where I am stationed.
Recently we facilitated the reopening of the Yusufiya Wholesale Farmer’s Market. This market used to gross more than 1 million dollars annually before terrorists shut it down.
The mission of our team is to provide a basic foundation for the future of Iraq. I want the hometown people to know that soldiers are making Iraq a better place, and someday these people, who were once our enemies, will be a great ally in fighting the war on terrorism.
Ray Sibert,
Staff Sergeant, USA
3-187 Infantry Regiment
3nl Brigade, 101st Airborne Division
APO AE 09344