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JC Roadcap:
After high school I went to Mansfield University and graduated in 1993. Yes, 5 years for a 4 year degree:) I’ve
been in the Army ever since. I’ve been married for a little over 10 years and we have a 6 year old little girl and a
3 year old little boy. They both keep my wife and I very active. We currently live at Fort Hood, Texas where my wife is a
5th grade teacher and Im the brigade executive officer with the 41st Fires Brigade. In the past 15 years, I’ve been
deployed to a few different places such as Kuwait in 1995 for training, the country of Albania in 1999 for an operation called
Task Force Hawk, and Iraq in 2005 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. During my deployment to Iraq in 2005, I was mainly centered
in and around Baghdad where I was on a team of 7 that worked with the Iraqi National Police. I’ve also been to Korea
on a few occasions for training. Currently my unit is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in June of this year but this time will
be operating in the town of Al-Kut which is in the eastern part of the country.
As for what it’s like overseas
– for me it’s being forever grateful that we live in the country that we do. A “bad” day in the US
will always be better than a “good” day somewhere else. Although people for the most part are the same –
wanting and needing the basic necessities to survive – there are clear differences in freedoms and the ability to exercise
those freedoms. There are places such as Germany and Korea and a host of others that have amazing things to see and do and
safety wise are much better than Iraq or Afghanistan. I guess the most amazing thing for me was and is having the privilege
of being able to experience the vast differences and similarities of so many different cultures.
I hope I somewhat
answered your question. If you or anyone has any other questions or would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to
ask.
Again, sorry I can’t make it back to Thundering Herd territory. Would be great to see you all! Please give
my best to all. I’ve included my info below – if anyone makes it to Texas, the door is always open!
JC
My info:
John and Jeni Roadcap
3818 Oakridge Blvd
Harker Heights TX 76548
home: 254-698-2220
cell:
254-220-1592
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James "Jay" Gallivan
Service in our Nations' military
continues to be a privilege and an honor. To be able to work with our Nation's remarkable men and women has been rewarding
and fulfilling; the young men and women in the military continue to amaze me with their level of dedication and compelling
desire to contribute. Our military remains diverse and truly representative our Nation and its values. When considering
service, our families of the men and women in uniform are also serving. Valerie and I have been married for as long
as I have been in the Army (we met at Florida State University), and our children (Rachel 9 and James 6) have been fortunate
to live in a myriad of places. Each move has brought adventures; exposure to new cultures; and most all, the cultivation
of new friendships. Our children have excelled through multiple deployments to Kuwait and 2 year-long tours to
Iraq; a large measure of their strength has come from the Country's unmatched support for our military and military
families.
Service is Iraq has been a
positive part of my life. To be part of a team that collectively endures challenging conditions and makes lasting contributions
to the lives of others have been an honor. Moreover, this experience has helped many of us to understand that we are
all part of something larger than ourselves. This experience has also reinforced our appreciation for the freedoms and
quality of life that we all share in America. From my experience, the people of Iraq are proud and very determined
to make life better for their families and future generations. Under the regime of Saddam Hussein and the insurgency
that followed, much of Iraq's population has survived for too many years under a pall of fear and a terrifying campaign
of intimidation and coercion. However, as security improves for the population, the people are increasingly enabled,
encouraged and empowered to take control of their lives and communities. Although difficult to be away from family,
I am eager to serve again in Iraq. In
short, the military life has been an enriching experience for the Gallivans, and we are looking forward to our next assignment
in El Paso, Texas.
Very Respectfully,
Jay
James Gallivan
LTC, U.S. Army
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