LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Front Line Warrior: Capt. Lisa Gerlt
Deployed Unit: United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
Duty Title: Military Observer (MILOB) (Peacekeeper)
Home Unit: Air Combat Command Requirements Directorate
Hometown: Aberdeen, MS
Time in Service: Active duty Air Force more than 24 years (13 enlisted)
Describe your deployed duty and the tools you use to accomplish it: As a MILOB, I perform daily patrols to villages, towns, local businesses as well as to Government of Liberia Ministries and agencies to assess their current situation, living or working conditions, and assess their current and future needs in an effort to improve their way of living or business effectiveness. Daily patrols also aide MILOBs in sharing valuable information concerning economic and social development with the local populace, which MILOBs report daily to United Nations leadership. The country of Liberia is recovering from a 14-year civil war (1989-2003) when tens of thousands of Liberians were killed.
What do you bring to the fight? All members of the military should be expert communicators; good communication skills are a must in gaining the trust and respect of those interviewed, such as town chiefs, Government of Liberia Department Ministers, police commissioners, teachers, youth leaders, etc. As the team's Information officer, I routinely coordinate with local authorities and UNMIL agencies to keep higher headquarters aware of any potential, civil unrest, demonstrations, or events that may take place which would destabilize the current peaceful state.
What are you overall thoughts and opinions about your mission there? This mission was a richly-rewarding experience for me. Being given the opportunity to live and work in a third world country, to witness the Liberian citizens' past and present hardships, challenges and successes is an experience that I will forever be affected by. Additionally, working with members of other countries which support United Nations missions has greatly increased my respect and understanding for their different cultures and militaries. Being chosen to support a peacekeeping mission is an experience I strongly recommend; it gives you the chance to make a positive difference in many people's lives.
Supervisor Comments: Capt. Lisa Gerlt is truly gifted with a high standard of communication skills (both oral and written), experienced judgment and keen decision-making ability. She was respected by all team members as well as by civilian colleagues due to her outgoing nature and compassion which she has displayed generously. She always showed respect for other countries' cultures, and presented herself well composed in this multicultural environment. Above all, Captain Gerlt represented her country as an Excellent Ambassador and is recommended for future employment in the UN in any capacity. (Comments provided by Lt. Col. Dimitry Artyushchik, Russian Army, Team Leader, Camp Abuja in Monrovia, Liberia)