After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in human biodynamics, Sam Sa, whose father was a U.S. Army Ranger during the Vietnam War, enlisted in the Army. Sa received a Bronze Star for his deployment in Fallujah, where he was stationed from November 2004 until July of this year. Now back home in California, Sa plans to work in law enforcement.

KoreAm interviewed Sa via e-mail before he left Iraq.

What exactly is your role with your division?

My official duty is operations/intelligence sergeant for B Company, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, Calif. I am also assigned as the headquarters detachment sergeant for my company. We directly support the 8th Regimental Combat Team, who is under the 2nd Marine Division, dealing with the city’s civil military operations.

Where are you deployed? What areas in and around Iraq have you been?

I am currently living in Camp Fallujah. It is located west of Baghdad, in the Al Anbar Province, and in the eastern outskirts of the city of Fallujah itself. I have spent most of my deployment in Fallujah due to mission responsibilities.

What other countries have you been deployed to?

The only other country I have ventured into with the Army was Korea, attending training computer simulations and service and support operations in preparation for real missions.

What were your feelings about going into Iraq before being deployed?

We heard a rumor that we were destined to work in Fallujah, but nothing final was confirmed until we arrived in Baghdad. In my opinion, anticipating the unexpected was scariest of all. I had only heard of Fallujah through the media, about the tons of insurgents and battles. I honestly did not know what to expect.

What have you gone through in Iraq? How has it evolved since you first crossed over into Iraq?

I have been in Fallujah since September 2004. I have been a part of Operation Phantom Fury, more commonly known as Al Fajr, the Battle of Fallujah, from November 2004 to January 2005, and I have assisted in the preparation for the national elections held in January.

Our duties in civil military operations encapsulated a full spectrum of different phases of operations for Fallujah. With limited supplies and no dedicated assets, an Army Reserve company with roughly 30 soldiers assisted in the kinetic liberation, re-population and initialization of repair for critical infrastructure in Fallujah. Overall, in lieu of our limited resources, I believe our operation was successful. Currently, we are working to bring back a legitimate local government to handle the city functions such as water, electricity, sanitation, education and economy. This local government brings promise for Fallujah as an important city in Iraq’s future. I am proud to have been a part of these historical events.

What are your interactions with Iraqis?

During the liberation of Fallujah, our company secured and established a Civil Military Operations Center (CMOC) to assist Fallujah citizens with any civil-military questions or troubles. My job currently is to coordinate, facilitate and supervise civil military activities inside the city. Every day, Fallujah citizens visit the CMOC to resolve whatever problems they may have.