Father’s service to country requires family sacrifice
By KEN BLACK, TIMES-REPUBLICANArticle Photos
When James Ulin left the Marshalltown Police force to handle security details for the U.S. State Department, he knew there would be tough times ahead.
These tough times weren't necessarily reserved just for him, but his wife, Shonda, and daughters: Isabelle, 7, and Mina, 3.
"I was stationed in Tallil, Iraq, as a special agent with the U.S. Department of State in the area of diplomatic security," he said.
Such an assignment means children and family are not able to accompany the agents at the site. In many other cases, agents can take their families with them, often staying at or near diplomatic areas in embassies.
While Ulin and his family had been in Miami as he attended training there, they made the decision to move back to State Center while he was serving in Iraq.
"The state department is really good about moving families back to their home communities when they can't come along," Ulin said. "That's something they do so the family can be close to other family and friends and have that support."
Another thing they do is award medals and certificates to the young members of the family, as a way of thanks for allowing the United States to "borrow" a parent for an extended period of time.
Sen. Steve Sodders, D-State Center, read a proclamation about the awards and gave them to Ulin's daughters.
Isabelle remembered her dad leaving, but said the homecoming was a great memory.
"When he first got on the plane, that was the saddest part," she said. "I was super happy the day he came home."
Ulin's next assignment is in Central Asia. Before going overseas again, he will go to Washington for further training. His family will be with him at both locations.
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Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com
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LadyCyclist
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07-05-09 9:58 PM
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Always comes more money to say yes so why the "family sacrifice" anything different than anyone else who goes for the money. Need a story to fill the TR?
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Puppetmaster
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07-05-09 11:07 AM
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How is his story any different from the story of the rest of the countries military families? Is he somehow more important because he is a Marshalltown policeman? Sounds to me like he is going to get more military training for a civilian position! Martial law is always easier to implement when individuals have military training. Im glad to see people volunteer for military service, but I think it is detrimental to a democratic society to militarize our police departments.
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opinonated
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07-03-09 5:51 AM
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Thank you, James for your service. It's great to see you home safely!! Good luck in your future assignments.
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