Diné woman helps rebuild Iraqi highways

By John Christian Hopkins
Diné Bureau

INDIAN WELLS, Ariz. — A former National Honor Society member, Sgt. Doranda Denetclaw is now part of Operation Thunder Reaper, in Mosul, Iraq.

Operation Thunder Reaper, being conducted by Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division-North Soldiers, is working to reopen Highway 1, the major thoroughfare in western Mosul .

Highway 1 was closed because of improvised explosive device attacks on civilian and military traffic.

Denetclaw is on her third tour of duty in Iraq .

“I am very proud of her,” her mother, Dorothy Denetclaw, said.

Her daughter has had a lot of contact with Iraqi children — and hopes some seasonal cheer will reach Iraq .

“In her contacts with Iraqi children, they are requesting donations of soccer balls, any type of balls to play with,” Dorothy Denetclaw said.

Highway 1 is a four-lane expressway that represents the economic heart of western Mosul, according to Maj. John Oliver Jr., operations officer for 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Reopening will improve local and provincial commerce, thereby creating economic opportunities, Oliver said. It should also improve security for the people of Mosul by offering Iraqi Security Forces an increased freedom of movement when required, the major explained.

During its first five days of the operation, the ISF and Coalition Forces cleared and repaired 5 kilometers of previously unusable road.

Denetclaw, of Indian Wells, Ariz., is a medic assigned to Lightning Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Though she’s a medic, she still pulls essential duties — such as providing security.

Dorothy Denetclaw can be contacted at ddenetclaw@hotmail.com.

John Christian Hopkins can be reached at hopkins1960@hotmail.com