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Saipan native returns home after Iraq deployment
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Posted on Jul 21 2011
[B]FORT SHAFTER FLATS, Hawaii[/B]—Saipan native Sgt. James Kennedy D.L.G. Benjamin was greeted with open arms by his family and friends when he arrived in Hawaii after a nearly yearlong deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, June 27.
Benjamin deployed with the 305th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 9th Mission Support Command, to provide critical public affairs support for the 1st Infantry Division and the 36th Infantry Division in Basra.
Throughout the deployment, Benjamin played a vital role in telling the stories of his fellow soldiers protecting our country through print journalism.
“I got some great hands-on experience during the deployment,” said Benjamin. “A major part of my job was interviewing and talking with other soldiers and local Iraqis. Then I would write stories about the mission in Iraq.”
Benjamin went on to say how proud he is of the team and happy they all came home safely.
“Our unit went downrange and accomplished our mission,” said Benjamin. “We left as a team and that’s just how we came back.”
Benjamin, along with his fellow soldiers, completed a two-week demobilization and reintegration process at Schofield Barracks after arriving in Hawaii. He finally made it home to Saipan this past week.
When he’s not wearing an Army uniform, Benjamin serves his local community as a health and safety coordinator for the American Red Cross, Northern Marianas Islands Chapter. [B][I](Elizabeth Cole)[/I][/B]
