Clarkson University

Alumni assist rebuilding efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan

The Clarkson flag decorates a military
vehicle courtesy of First Lt. Jason
Lasher.

An article in the Spring 2003 Clarkson magazine featured some of our alumni involved in American efforts to rebuild post-war Iraq. Readers welcomed the voices of those interviewed individuals representing the more than 300 Clarkson alumni who have served in the region. As the U.S. continues to assist Iraqis and Afghanis in rebuilding their countries, Clarkson graduates remain engaged overseas. Once again, we'd like to share what a few of your fellow alumni have contributed to the rebuilding projects and how they've brought honor to Clarkson as well as to our country.

Captain Jonathan Dilmore '97 (iE&M) serves with the 204th Engineer Combat Battalion in Afghanistan. Since July of last year his company has been building a road connecting Kandahar to Tarin Kowt. "The road is important for the new government and economy," Jon explains. "We are connecting a lot of small villages to a main route for their benefit." Jon notes that the company has had trouble finding adequate sources of water to use for road compaction but comments that this problem "is not as bad as it could be." Jon honored his alma mater last December by flying a CU flag sent by Associate Vice President for Alumni and Parent Relations Steve Newkofsky. The flag was raised on December 13, and then again between December 23 and 28. Jon says that the 6' x 10' Clarkson flag gave him a piece of home, a lot of school pride, and "definitely drew attention."

Major Chad R. Thiemann

Since January, Major Chad R. Thiemann '90 (The Clarkson School) has been stationed with the New Jersey Army National Guard's 50th Main Support Battalion outside Tikrit, Iraq. Chad's unit has traveled over 600,000 cumulative miles providing supplies, maintenance, transportation and medical support to the 42nd Infantry Division as part of the 22,000 soldiers of Task Force Liberty. As the "S-2/3," Chad is responsible for all training, operations, orders and intelligence for the 950+ Battalion that supports 20 bases across a land mass the size of Rhode Island.

Major Kevin J. Jens '86 (ME), who served with the U.S. Air Force Reserve, was awarded an Air Medal for heroism during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The medal cited Kevin's disregard for his own personal safety during an F-16 mission to prevent a coalition ground unit from being overrun and captured. In addition, Kevin was cited for his part in the Utah Air Medical Evacuation Rescue of October 2003. After being alerted to the possible crashing of a civilian aircraft while on an F-16 training mission, Kevin located the accident site in less than 20 minutes and directed medical rescue forces to the area. He was cited as directly responsible for the saving of two wounded passengers.

First Lieutenant Jason Lasher '03 (PS) was deployed to Iraq with the 89th Transportation Company from Fort Eustis, VA, in June 2004. His unit, based at Tallil Air Base near An Nasaria, ran convoy operations throughout Iraq, hauling vital supplies to such places as Balad, Baghdad, Fallujah, Ramadi and Tikrit. Jason decorated one of the platoon's freightliners with a CU banner. Sending a photo with his correspondence Jason wrote, "So [in this photo] there is an official battle-tested and battle-worn Clarkson M915A4 tractor trailer "and of course, battle-tested and battle-worn me."

Jason E. Welch '04 (CE) is serving as a second lieutenant with the 536th Maintenance Company, 17th Corps Support Battalion, 45 Corps Support Group, and is stationed at an airfield in Mosul, Iraq. Jason says, "I've learned a few things, like your body can still function after two hours of sleep a night, and that soldiers can accomplish anything with proper motivation, direction and purpose." Meanwhile, Mike Pelletier '87 (ECE), a major in the New Hampshire Army National Guard, returned home in January after serving 11 months in An Nasairyah, which is about 180 miles south of Baghdad. During his time in Iraq, Mike worked in several positions including Civil Affairs and Logistics. Christian Wink '03 (CS), first lieutenant, ARMOR division, also recently completed a one-year rotation in Iraq as part of a tank battalion. One highlight of his tour, Christian writes, "was the opportunity to participate for a few weeks in joint missions with Georgian Light Infantry, of the former Soviet bloc. It was an eye-opening experience."

Finally, Laura (Hyland) Putnam'97 (iE&M) e-mailed us that her husband is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. "Thank you," Laura writes, "for all your thoughts and prayers.