With the 20-year anniversary of U.S. Marine involvement in Somalia on Sunday, Dec. 9, Kevin Sadaj of Rochester Hills is looking forward to sharing the story.

At 11 a.m. — Eastern time — a moment of silence will signify the time U.S. Marines landed in Somalia in 1992.

“We just want to do something to commemorate 20 years and do something to create some awareness,” Sadaj, former Marine and founder of the Marine Somalia Veterans Association said.

In 2009, Sadaj created the veterans group as a way to keep connected with his fellow servicemen and women countrywide, to remember the fallen as well as to serve as a support group.

“We’ve always felt forgotten,” he said, “Because it was a small conflict and we weren’t there for 10 years like the recent wars, so not a lot of people know about us.”

With 325 members, the veterans group will reflect on their peacekeeping mission aiding Somalis affected by years of civil war, famine and what he described as a “complete breakdown of law and order.”

It’s an important time in history, Sadaj notes, because “at least 300,000 Somalis died during the famine; there are some real reasons why it’s important for people to know about this,” he said.

The organization serves as a safe outlet for veterans to share stories, too.

“This organization for me personally is an opportunity to further provide service to veterans and particularly the Marine Corps,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to let them know that people are still thinking about them.”

As an infantry fire team leader and squad leader, Sadaj shared his experience patrolling the streets of Mogadishu, working in refugee camps, confiscating weapons and more.

“We saw some things that were disturbing,” he said, “And after 20 years, they’re still disturbing.”

At the time, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was not discussed or treated the way it is today, Sadaj said.

The group wants others to know that even though their involvement was a small war, “We bring back a lot of things that are common in big wars,” he said. “So having some recognition amongst the public is appreciated.”

The group also acts a conservatory of historical information, as many veterans will donate several artifacts from their mission.

“We’re not here to change the world or change policy, we’re here for each other and we want people to know that just like the big wars, we did something too, that’s our main purpose,” Sadaj said.

The National Marine Corps Museum is currently finishing its final stages of construction and plans to include a Somalia mission exhibit are in the near future.

Sadaj is thrilled to showcase some of the items he brought back in 1993 that include a collection of Somali money, traditional male garb and a handmade shank.

The Museum has also agreed to announce the moment of silence on their Facebook site in an effort to reach an additional 30,000 people.

“Someday there will not be a Marine Somalia Veterans group but we’re going to be here for each other as long as we’re around,” Sadaj said, “And that’s part of my life’s work.”

Sadaj has two children — Joseph, 17 and Mary, 16, of Illinois — and lives with his wife, Janine in Rochester Hills.

His family supports his work with the veterans group.

“I think it’s a great cause that Kevin takes up, it’s a big part of his life and I think it’s awesome that he’s bringing all these people together,” Janine said. “He’s a connector; he always has been.”

Source:- The Oakland Press

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