'03 Grad Part of Unique Defense Dept. Unit
A former Holland High School grad is in Iraq, playing a key role in
helping improve relations between Iraqis and U.S. troops. Jennifer Thaxton, HHS Class of '03, is part of a Human Terrain Team – a program of the U.S. Department of Defense. This initiative employs trained anthropologists to carry out a unique counter-insurgency strategy which was introduced by General David Petraeus.
Jennifer embraces the "win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people" objective. "This has been the experience of a lifetime and I occasionally have to pinch myself to make sure I am really here doing all of these interesting things," she said via e‑mail.
The work of the Human Terrain Team provides military leaders with a deeper understanding of the local population as they prepare their various missions on the ground. Thaxton, 24, goes on foot patrols three‑to‑four times per week, talking to Iraqi citizens. "Usually, Iraqis are more than willing to sit down and chat, especially when they see that I am both a female and a civilian. I am able to learn so much when individuals and their family members feel comfortable talking to me," she said.
"Iraqis are very kind and patient and I usually ask them about their political views, opinions about local government, and their support for different community leaders," she added. "In general, I believe that the media makes the Iraqi people to be much more hostile toward Americans than they actually are. I meet many Iraqis who admire America for justice and economic progress. Iraqis are traditionally more liberal‑minded than other Arab countries in the region, even when under Saddam's rule."
Jennifer is the daughter of Tony and Becky Thaxton, who moved to Holland in 1987. Tony is the former director of student services for our district while Becky is a retired elementary teacher for Hamilton Community Schools.
"Jen absolutely loves what she does," said her proud father. "She feels she and her team are making a contribution to the mission as well as to the improvement of the welfare of the Iraqi people."
The work of the Human Terrain Team has not gone unnoticed in our nation's Capitol, as its work has been lauded for building new cultural understandings and opening communications between our military and Iraqi citizens. Since September, the U.S. State Department has employed five teams in the Baghdad area, including Thaxton's.
At Holland High School, Jennifer was one of three valedictorians of her class. She performed on the school's 2003 state championship theatre team and qualified for the state meet in cross country. After high school, she graduated with honors from the University of Michigan where she majored in political science and Spanish. Before going to Iraq, she worked with the Organization of American States spending time in Columbia, Peru and Argentina. She also worked for the Center for U.S. Global Engagement in Washington D.C., and with BAE Systems, a British defense contractor.
She is currently stationed in Baghdad in a densely populated area, an area made up of Shia, Sunni, and Christian households which took the brunt of the much publicized sectarian violence in 2007.
"The reported decrease in violence gives the perception that attacks are no longer happening," Jennifer said. She noted that the closest she's been to an attack was on December 1 when insurgents attacked a police academy about two blocks from where she was at the time. Her patrol was then able to be the first to respond to provide immediate assistance.
"The destruction was immense and it was surreal to see it happening right in front of you," she said. "I believe 22 Iraqis were killed that day."
Jennifer does not want anyone's sacrifice to go in vain. "I've met many interesting people from all walks of life. I think it's important for me to do what I can to help folks see Americans and our country in a positive light."
