In this week's installment of Shootin' It with the Sheriff, Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly recalls the year he spent in 2005 in Baghdad, Iraq, developing a curriculum of police training for Iraqi law enforcement.
Part One: "This is not good: I have to cross Baghdad."
Kelly tells how he was chosen for the position in the Middle East and arriving in Baghdad. After he realizes what being in a warzone is really like, Kelly is introduced to Iraqi officials at the United States' Expert in Curriculum.
Part Two: "Bar none, all branches, the United States' military is the best in the world."
Kelly describes the curriculum he helped develop, the language barrier, the United States' military and the difficulties and benefits of his time spent in Iraq.
Part Three: "Should we be in Iraq? Absolutely not."
Kelly explains why he feels the military presence abroad should return home and how developing domestic interests should be the nation's focus.
Part Four: "It's always heartwrenching to see people give their lives for other people in other countries, but that's what freedom's all about."
Kelly recalls being ambushed while travelling through the city and how a South African soldier, Liam, drove him to safety. Liam died later when a car bomb detonated under his vehicle.
Part Five: "Every life experience you can impart (in this job), you have to."
Kelly describes working with people from other nations and how his experiences abroad have helped him become a better leader back home.
Questions for the Sheriff? Email Ryan Clark at rc348710@ohiou.edu or mention @RyanGClark on Twitter.
