BMS teacher headed for Iraq gets a big send-off from students, staff

From left, Principal Lance Tobin presented Mollie Keith with a Marshall Owls flag on Friday, Dec. 14, so she could fly the flag on her 2008 tour of Iraq. (Rachel Harper/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

Keith will be taking a year- to year-and-a-half tour in Iraq starting this spring. She took command of the National Guard's 1175th Military Police Company on Sept. 17.

The assembly started with Keith's class joining her in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Principal Lance Tobin said the assembly started out as a simple and informal occasion to celebrate Keith's departure, but turned into something a little more serious.

"She is going to be in the nitty-gritty of it," he said about her trip to Iraq. "The respect we have for her is beyond words."

Tobin said he never imagined that her departure would be "an educational experience for all of us."

Keith showed the students at BMS the "Army Strong" campaign video.

"The cool part about this video is that we actually do all these things," she said about jumping into Humvees and doing a lot of running.

Different strengths were listed throughout the video, such as the strength to command, the strength to do well, the strength to get yourself over and the strength to get over yourself.

"It's a strength like no other," the video says. "The strength to do good today and the strength to well tomorrow."

The video ended by saying, "There is nothing on this green earth that is stronger than a U.S. Army because there is nothing on this green earth that is stronger than a U.S. Army soldier."

Keith said the army instills seven values in soldiers and those are the same values teachers try to instill in students.

Keith gave students an idea of her company's travel plan. They will train at Ft. Dix, N.J., and then be transferred to Kuwait to allow their bodies to become acclimated to the hot temperatures that Iraq will have in store for them.

The 186 soldiers who will be under Keith's command will make up a police transition team to form a coalition with the National Police escorting important people from one place to another.

Lieutenant Jason Gipson, squad member, said when he found out that Keith was taking over command of the company he was extremely "impressed with her composure."

Gipson said that Keith has maxed the PT scale with a score of 300 for physical fitness.

"I've got obstacles ahead of me," he said. "She is definitely raising the standards."

Gipson gave students an idea of what Keith's role would be like in Iraq. She will be in charge of 186 people, which is equivalent to 18 football teams, 21 soccer teams or 38 basketball squads.

She will be in charge of 44 Humvees for 365 days and 14 new armored vehicles, which is equivalent to $100 million worth of equipment.

Her squad will be patrolling an area approximately the size of Rhode Island. She will have units that are two to three hours away.

"She is going to be traveling hundreds of miles on treacherous roads," he said. "She will definitely display leadership from the front because the troops have to see her (to stay optimistic)."

Gipson told students that Keith's position is usually held by someone ranked as a captain or higher.

"Her master's in education helped her rise to the top," he said. "She beat out senior captains and other very intelligent officers."

Keith is only 26 years old and is a 1st Lt.

He continued, "A two-star general said, 'she is the one. She is the best of the best and that is why she is in the position.'"

State Rep. Joe Aull said, "It's a real honor to be here today and I really appreciate the hand-written invitation I received. It meant a lot."

Aull said he was particularly proud of Keith as he had her in class at Missouri Valley College a few years ago.

"We are seeing more and more women in the service," Aull said. "It is a great accomplishment for her to rise to the top. Most commanders are still men."

Senator Bill Stouffer said, "Our country is born out of the citizen-soldier," who sacrificed much for the country.

Keith is "dropping the chalk and eraser, so to speak, to go and defend our country," he said.

Stouffer presented Keith with a U.S. flag that was flown over Missouri's capital on Dec. 12.

Tobin concluded the assembly by presenting Keith with a Marshall Owls flag that is weather proof.

Keith said she will bring pictures back from areas where she proudly displays the flag.

"She's dedicated. She's committed," Tobin said. "And, she's going."

Tobin said he has three wishes for Keith. The first is a wish for "best of luck." The second is a wish "to come home safely." And, the third is, "I wish you wouldn't go."

As the students gave Keith a standing ovation, Tobin said, "We know you are going to be a great leader."

First Lieutenant Dino Orlando, squad member, was also at the assembly showing support for Keith.

Contact Rachel Harper at marshallcity@socket.net