Super Cop Civilian employee receives Award

BASRAH - David Diaz received the SCSA in recognition of his tireless service and selfless efforts in the pursuit of warrants and detention orders against dangerous extremists. "He worked very hard in getting and finding warrants." said Gregory Barker, 36th ID LEP. "When we were concentrating on ops for detainees, Diaz was diligent at getting warrants for detainees. He also made sure that the warrants wouldn't fall through the cracks."

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Prior to being assigned to the 36th ID., Diaz had worked with elements of the 203rd MP Bn, British contractors, Iraqi Officers, and techs of the Basrah Crime Lab. He trained, mentored and advised Iraqi personnel in proper tactical site exploitation techniques. The law enforcement veteran of 20 years brought together forensic evidence and witness statements, in a manner that allowed the Staff Judge Advocate to present enough evidence for the Iraqi judiciary for prosecution. Diaz traveled to Basrah city 2 to 3 days a week, to assist in training the IP recruits processing crime scenes. "David went on many KLEs; he met with Iraqi judges and police to get warrants for insurgents." Barker said. The Florida native initiated an investigation into the counterfeiting and attempted distribution of more than $150,000.00 in U.S. currency, in Basrah prov. The investigation led to the apprehension and prosecution of the individual involved. "You don't often get a chance to utilize your skills, and use it to help others in everyday missions." In his role as a LEP, Diaz, not only trained and advised, he also graduated 156 IP investigators. "It's a great feeling to be able to train these individuals, and see them graduate." Diaz said. Diaz also trained U.S. Soldiers at COB Basra. "To have worked with the U.S. military, is something very special to me." Diaz said. Diaz will be returning home mid-January to get reacquainted with his family, and after a few months of R & R, he plans to continue training and assisting the police force, in investigative work in Afghanistan. "It's been a great honor to be part of something very special, to be part of the armed forces and basically working against terrorism." Diaz said. "It's also a tremendous honor to have worked with many great Soldiers, who dedicate their lives out there, to protect the safety and freedom of the U.S.A."

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