Ghanaian-born Soldier Fighting In Iraq

CAMP PENNSYLVANIA, Kuwait -- Albert "Shaka" Wakketsi remembers the coup that caused political upheaval in his west African homeland of Ghana when he was a boy.

The 1979 insurrection brought hundreds of his country's infantrymen into Accra, where he lived, to try to stop the revolt.

But even with all the bloodshed he saw there, the youngster was intrigued by the soldiers and their bravery. As an 8-year-old boy, he decided he wanted to be in the military, and he's been passionate about soldiering ever since.

When people meet Wakketsi, 31, now a staff sergeant stationed at Fort Campbell, they're sometimes intimidated by his bold, in-your-face intensity and high standards.

But it is because he believes his soldiers can always do better that he'll train them tough -- to always be ahead of the enemy. It's a philosophy that might save the lives of his troops in Company A, 1st Battalion of the 327th Infantry Regiment.

"I train them hard now, so that they make it back to Mama alive. I've seen the face of death in my hometown," Wakketsi said. "The U.S. soldiers have the equipment and technology, but I don't think they have the true flame to fight. I want to instill that flame. I have very young troops. All they know is Nintendo. This is a culture shock. These boys are the forefront of the fight. Psychologically you have to be in tune."

His principles can be seen on a sign in his tent with a picture of an al-Qaida fighter in Afghanistan.

Below the picture are words for American soldiers to ponder: "They don't go on sick call, take (paydays off), have 4-day passes. He's ready to kill you. Are you ready for him?"

Drive to excel

Before Wakketsi came to the United States at age 14, his father taught him a strong sense of personal responsibility. He was the only son and had 10 sisters.

"I was not pacified and taught to be a man at an early age," he said. "You learn to do things for yourself and what is important to you."

Because of his passion to absorb everything around him, Wakketsi was able to excel in American schools even when he didn't know the language.

"I think watching 'Sesame Street' on TV helped me with English. I caught on so quickly because everything in America was so interesting. I would repeat every word people would say. I questioned everything and how it related to my life. Sometimes my constant questioning still gets me in trouble," he said with a smile.

In 1989, Wakketsi joined the South Carolina Army National Guard but he found it not challenging enough. So three months later he joined the Marines and stayed for five years as a sniper. He became a U.S. citizen in 1993.

Then circumstances changed. He became a single father. He decided to return to the Army in 1998 because he thought it would be more family-friendly. His daughter, Katrina, 9, is staying with Wakketsi's mother in Atlanta while he's deployed in the Middle East.

'He trains them hard'

1st Lt. Billy Wilson, Wakketsi's platoon leader, wishes he had about five more noncommissioned officers like Wakketsi because of his attitude and leadership abilities.

"He's an absolute professional. He leads by example and he takes care of his men. He trains them hard so they're able to accomplish the mission," Wilson said. "He's loud, but he's in control. His tactical and technical competence is second to none. He's just a motivated solder."

Wakketsi has been asked why he doesn't join the Special Forces, who could use his above-average intelligence, professionalism and his background in speaking an African language. It crossed his mind, he said, but it is not his calling.

"I love to be a mentor and I love teaching these soldiers. I enjoy one-on-one and interaction with the troops," Wakketsi said. He hopes to attend drill sergeant school when he returns to the States.

"I'm really proud to serve. I've been all over the world. America is the greatest country in the world."