Maj. Kyle Schultz served two tours in Iraq with a mission to change lives while protecting our nation. Each solider plays an integral part in the establishment of Iraqi freedom and peace. During his second tour, his biggest struggle was missing his wife and son. Being overseas, Schultz learned the importance of leadership, faith and courage.
After high school, Schultz followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and brother. He joined the ROTC at Henderson State University and became an officer. Right after finishing the program and becoming 2nd lieutenant, Schultz was deployed to Baghdad in 2004.
by Emily Coles
Kyle Schultz
“...improving their quality of life is what it's all about.”
-Kyle Schultz
"That's the first time I really had some courage"
LEADING THE WAY
Before a platoon takes over, the existing unit spends two weeks preparing the troops and passing along the information they have learned. During that time there is a sense of security, but as soon as they left, Schultz's platoon was called to action. During the night a mortar team began shooting into the camp, the platoon had to scour a canal at 2 a.m. to find the men.
Schultz, as a 2nd lieutenant, began giving orders but some of the officers refused. Regardless, the mission needed to be accomplished so Schultz found soldiers who were not afraid and the proceeded to search. “Looking back on that I really think my transition into manhood really started at that point, if you can ever trace it back to a point. That's the first time I really had some courage.” The platoon found the mortar team and the largest weapons cache; they were later awarded for their efforts.
Schultz found himself in a position of authority again in November 2004 as insurgents took over a police station close to their camp, leaving casualties. His platoon was in charge of the station for three days. Schultz, at 22 years old, had to proceed as mayor and delegate a town with close to ten thousand inhabitants.
FAITH IN THE FIELD
During these high-pressure situations, Schultz knew that his faith would carry him through. “Faith really helped over there because when you're faced with a situation where you could die, it's good to know that there's something better waiting”. Having that assurance and knowing that there are prayer chains at home gives soldiers a sense of stability.
Others in his platoon never had such hope and the toll it took on them was apparent. “The stress and living in constant fear that the next time you go out on patrol could be the day you hit a roadside bomb or something like that”. Such thoughts weigh on a person and can spiral into depression.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The military has come a long way since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. In 2004, soldiers had little cultural awareness training with the exception of key phrases and gestures to avoid. By the time Schultz's second tour began in 2007, the military put forth effort to educate soldiers due to the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. “You really are like an ambassador”.While there are many burdensome moments of war, Maj. Schultz took part in positively effecting the lives of several Iraqi citizens.
Church organizations sent shoes to the soldiers for children in the impoverished villages. Helping children put on their first pair of shoes was an experience Schultz describes as one of the most memorable experiences overseas. “From a soldier's standpoint, he doesn't care about whatever national motive or agendas are behind it ...to know that you have a part in going over there and getting rid of that type of government and establish a democracy, even though your part is real small, that's really what matters”.
Schultz was able to witness that democracy in action. In 2005, the platoon was in charge of going to polling stations and pulling security; witnessing people vote in a democratic election for the first time in over 30 years was a rewarding experience.
“What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I don't think I'd be the family man I am today if I hadn't had that experience in my past. It showed me that things can get bad but you can get through it if you're persistent”.
Photo provided by Kyle Schultz
Photo provided by Kyle Schultz
Photo provided by Kyle Schultz