Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service

Citation for Mr Muntajab Ibraheem Mohammed

The citation, read by Major Cedric Hills (International Emergency Services Coordinator, IHQ), declared:

‘In August 2003, The Salvation Army commenced an International Emergency Services operation in Al Amarah, southern Iraq. The decision to focus our community recovery efforts on this town was influenced by the fine relationship that had been built by our earlier team members with the local community. This had been largely due to the efforts of our translator, Mr Muntajab.

‘It was very quickly discovered that Mr Muntajab was far more than a translator. Muntajab assisted The Salvation Army to develop an extensive community programme, establishing excellent relationships with community leaders. Mr Muntajab, now our senior staff supervisor, has provided leadership to our 20-strong team of Iraqi staff and given management oversight to a large number of local contractors.

‘Under his leadership The Salvation Army has constructed more than 400 homes, 30 schools, 20 vocational training centres and five clinics. Water pumping stations have been refurbished so that thousands of families now have access to clean water. Sewerage, drainage systems and street lighting have been installed throughout large areas of the town – greatly improving the quality of life for hundreds of families.

‘During the period of operation, more than 40 Salvation Army personnel have been deployed to work in Al Amarah. Mr Muntajab has sacrificed his family life to ensure the personal safety of team members, making necessary arrangements for team security under very difficult circumstances. Mr Muntajab has not flinched from this task, even under armed attack, and serving the needs of our international personnel has been his priority. With short-term deployments leading to regular staff changes, Mr Muntajab has provided the consistent leadership that has underpinned our programme.

‘The deterioration in security led to the withdrawal of international personnel in April 2004. Since this time our programme has continued unhindered. Mr Muntajab has implemented on behalf of The Salvation Army a US$1 million "Returnees Recovery Programme" sponsored by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

‘Mr Muntajab, a Shia Muslim, has shown the highest respect for Salvation Army principles, promoting the ministry and reputation of The Salvation Army at every opportunity, ensuring that our programmes target the needs of the most vulnerable and that our objectives have not been compromised. Thousands of Iraqis in Al Amarah have had their lives improved by The Salvation Army’s community recovery programme. The good reputation currently enjoyed by The Salvation Army in Iraq is testimony to Mr Muntajab's distinguished and committed service.’

     

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