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Arab-American soldiers sometimes face criticism at home
December 15, 2004, 1:52 AM

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) -- The estimated 3,500 Arab Americans serving in the U.S. military are receiving a mixed reception from their communities, in which many people oppose the U.S. war in Iraq.

Army Pfc. Abraham Gebara, who comes from this heavily Arab Detroit suburb, said he did not expect enthusiasm from his neighbors when he enlisted. But he said he was surprised when the "Army of One" bumper sticker repeatedly was ripped off his car, either.

"I had friends who stopped talking to me," the 20-year-old told The Detroit News.

Gebara, who said he had dreamed of becoming a soldier since he was 7 years old, shrugged off criticism and replaces the bumper stickers as fast as they vanish.

"I had friends who supported my decision. I had friends who called in to the recruiter themselves," he said.

Military recruiters have been seeking Arab Americans to help as translators and liaisons in the war zone.

Imad Hamad, Midwest regional director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, says some Arab Americans who want to join up are hesitant now because of the suspicion they have encountered from other Americans in the wake of Sept. 11.

The military says there is no doubt that Arab Americans are welcome and valued in today's armed forces.

"It's of tremendous value to us to have (soldiers) who speak the language, who are very familiar with the culture, who can help build relations between the United States and the people there," said Lt. Col. William E. Spadie, commander of the Army's Great Lakes Recruiting Battalion, who is spearheading the drive to increase Arab-American recruitment.

For the past two years, the military has offered enlistment bonuses, special training and created a new designation for recruits who join the individual ready reserve as translator aides.

Even with the support of local Arab and Chaldean community leaders, the recruitment drive in metropolitan Detroit's 300,000-member Arab community has gone slowly.

Spadie said he recruited 23 Arab language translators last year. Gebara is one of two recruits to join in the last quarter of this year.

Hamad is one of the community leaders who has worked with the Army to encourage recruits. Recruiters have set up booths at community events and taken part in festivals and community meetings. Still, Hamad said he understands the community's reluctance to sign up.

"The many injustices, unpleasant experiences, have left heavy marks on people's minds and hearts," Hamad said. "So that even if someone wants to join the Army, it makes them more hesitant -- this heavy burden of being under a cloud of suspicion because you are Arab."

"We have to keep proving our patriotism," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jamal Baadani, who just returned from a tour of duty in Yemen. "I go around, telling people, "Hey, we've been here for over 200 years. We're Americans."'

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Information from: The Detroit News, http://www.detnews.com

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