CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq -- After the events on Sept. 11, 2001, many Americans reevaluated the security of both their lives and their jobs. Among them was Ryan Amador.
Though Amador grew up in East Los Angeles, the effects of that tragic day reached his home from the opposite coast. Now, he is a corporal and one of the proud veterans claiming the responsibility of protecting his country and job security. Amador is a food services specialist with Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, which recently deployed here to conduct stability and security operations as part of the Global War on Terrorism.
His unit is part of the ground combat element in the Sunni Triangle, an extremely volatile region in the Al Anbar Province.
Just a few years ago, he never would have expected to be serving his country in such a way.
"I always wanted to do something to help out," said the 22-year-old. "Back in L. A., I used to be a dialysis technician for a local clinic. One of the first things I thought about was job security, so my friend turned me on to the Navy. But I decided that if I were to join, I'd have to be with the Marines because we have so much pride in our service."
And the pride has taken the 2001 Our Lady of the Angels Academy, Atimonan, P.I. graduate a long way. Amador's superiors put him in a leadership position, charging him with one of the biggest responsibilities on this base. It is a responsibility that could mean the difference between mission accomplishment or failure.
"I'll put it this way;" said Amador. "Picture this camp without the mess hall. What would it be? Three times during the day and also during the night we make a wholesome meal that includes all of the food groups. And if that's not enough, we have dessert too."
In a place where just about everything is a scarcity, Amador ensures that all fruit, vegetables, meat and juices keep flowing continuously into the camp. His view on the job is that he's just giving back to the people who work alongside him.
Amador also coordinates the transportation of food through Ramadi, one of Iraq's most dangerous cities. Simply put, if the trucks don't roll in on time, Marines and other personnel on base don't eat. That can cause a ripple in the overall mission.
"Basically, I make sure the trucks get here on time or the Marines and everyone else will go hungry," said Amador. "In a place like this, people can't have the comforts of home, but at least they can have a hot meal made right on the spot."
"All of us here are doing a good job," said Amador. "It's not easy doing this thing-going to war. For me, I guess I just feel like making a difference."
If Amador were to do it all over again, he says he might have picked the infantry. He admires the men on the front lines, who see danger around every corner.
"But in the end, I love my job because I feel like I'm a part of that too," said Amador. "And if I can be the one to keep them going, my job is done."