In July 2006, I highlighted a story about the first Vietnamese-American Military Advisor to the Iraqi Army Captain James Van Thach. Earlier this month, I was able to view a prestigious occasion where Staff Brigadier General Special Forces Nassir Ahmad Ghanim Al-Ogali the Brigade Commander of 3rd Brigade 6th Division Iraqi Army presented an Honorary Iraqi Army rank of Staff Brigadier General to James Van Thach.

Great accomplishments have been made in Iraq and depending on who you listen to, you would hear the direct opposite. The challenges that we must put to each other is to find out what is the word from fellow Iraqis that are on the ground in the fight against internal and external enemies so that they can secure and protect their nation of Iraq.

General Nassir al-Hiti is that man that represents his Brigade and he is proud of his unit's tenacity and experience that has set the standard of fellow Iraqi Army units throughout Iraq.

He stated "Great work is being done by U.S. military advisors that provide the expertise and continuity necessary to truly accelerate the Iraqi Army (IA) capabilities to accept the transfer of security responsibilities for Iraq. One such man has dedicated two years of service under extreme circumstances and I am honored to thank him for his service on behalf of the Republic of Iraq."

The citation reads:

Praise to Allah on this glorious day of 1 April 2008, in our country of the Republic of Iraq, I am very honored to bestow the Honorary Iraqi Army Rank of Staff Brigadier General to James Van Thach.

United States Army Captain James Van Thach volunteered in April 2006, to come to the Republic of Iraq in the capacity as a Military Advisor. For one year he worked as an S-3 Advisor at 1st Battalion and 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade 6th Iraqi Army Division. He advised, mentored, assisted in developing training plans with his Iraqi Army counterparts and provided Coalition support on numerous missions in our battlespace. While conducting his advisory role he was injured twice by enemy contact and Allah has spared his life.

He still chose to remain in Iraq to assist our nation in providing security to protect our citizens against Al Qaeda and criminals.

He completed his one year tour in February 2007, but he decided to volunteer for an additional year in the capacity to assist our nation.

He was reassigned to Iraq Assistance Group Headquarters and worked on Brigadier General Pittard and Brigadier General Yarbrough's staff as a Supply and Service Officer and supported the Mult-National Force Iraq's intent to execute the Baghdad Security Plan. He spearheaded the construction of 12 Traffic Control Points between Samarra and Baghdad.

He generated a Video Telephone Conference communication contract to outfit each Iraqi Army Divisions Headquarters, Operation Centers, Iraq Ground Forces Command and the Ministry of Defense with a network that improved the security of our military operations through secured communications.

After now serving two years it is time for our brother James Van Thach to depart back to the United States, may Allah continue to protect him and his family with good health and prosperity.

I commend his contributions to our nation and he is a great asset to the people of the Republic of Iraq.