Soldier Inspires Students On His Visit Home

November 25, 2009
By Lt. Col. David Konop
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U.S. Army Africa KITGUM, Uganda - When Staff Sgt. John Okumu joined the U.S. Army nearly five years ago, he never dreamed he would one day deploy to Africa, the continent he once called home.

Okumu, who hails originally from Kenya, is among the first U.S. Soldiers setting up operations for Natural Fire 10, a multi-national partnership exercise in Uganda.

During a visit to Kitgum High School, Okumu, found himself surrounded by curious teens eager to learn more about the American sergeant who spoke their language.

Okumu, 35, welcomed such an ambush, responding to a barrage of questions from the uniformed high school students. Within minutes, a small circle of students grew into a crowd of 60 or more.

“How can I go to the United States and become a Soldier like you?” one teen asked.

What began as an impromptu discussion grew into a huddle of dozens, hanging on Okumu’s every word. He told them how important it was for them to do well in school and reach for their goals.

“Education in the key,” Okumu said. “Everyone has a talent. You just need to find out what yours is.”

The students paid close attention. At one point, they broke into laughter after one student asked a question the others thought was silly. Okumu quickly jumped in, telling the students never to be afraid to learn by asking.

The conversation went on in English, which the teens learn in their classes. But they were initially drawn to Okumu when they heard him speak Luo - the language spoken in northern Uganda, which is what Okumu learned as a child in Kenya. He moved to Missouri in 2000.

Okumu is assigned to a group of 21st Theater Sustainment Command Soldiers tasked with constructing a base camp in Kitgum and providing logistical support for Natural Fire 10. Hundreds of soldiers from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda joined U.S. troops for the 10-day exercise, which has been held in East Africa every two years for the past decade.

This year, Natural Fire 10 offered an opportunity for East African Community Partner Nations and the U.S. military to work together on a humanitarian assistance mission. The exercise takes place in three locations: Entebbe, Kampala and Kitgum.

In Kampala and Entebbe, military and civilian leaders from the U.S. and five Africa partner nations took part in a table top exercise that simulated a natural disaster requiring international support and coordination. In Kitgum, troops undertook a field training exercise geared toward enhancing their abilities to work together and increase capacity on tasks that support disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Also in Kitgum, U.S. troops and East African partners provided medical, dental and engineering support to local communities. Engineer projects were conducted at Kitgum High School, Mucwini Primary School and Kitgum Government Hospital - where students waited for more interaction with Okumu and his fellow Soldiers.

During their chat, Okumu made sure they understood the importance of education.

“Good grades and test scores may qualify you for scholarships to the U.S.,” Okumu said. “Do your best.”