Great War Story...

Terry O'Keefe · Oct 31, 2006

Not about bravery in battle, but about rebuilding communities.

Oak Lawn soldier helps rebuild Afghanistan

October 31, 2006
By Angela Caputo Staff writer
Even after more than six months of traveling between Afghan villages filled with hungry children and their impoverished parents, Army Capt. Craig Lanigan doesn't see the face of despair but rather hope for struggling people.

The Oak Lawn native has spent the better part of the past year as an Army civil affairs officer coordinating infrastructure projects -- such as schools, wells and bridges -- to modernize the Afghan way of life.

Water now runs through what were dust bowls. Engines, not men, power carts. And many children spend afternoons in schools instead of roaming remote villages. All of this is a result of his unit's work, Lanigan said.

As he travels from town to town identifying new projects, the Richards High School alumnus said he starts by asking a simple question of the natives: What can we do to extend our friendship to you?

Then he listens."We try to reach out to good people and show that we're not conquerors," Lanigan said via phone from his base in Nuristan.

Lanigan wasn't in Afghanistan five years ago when the United States launched its first attacks in an effort to sweep the Taliban from power.

But his unit, since arriving last winter, has seen firsthand the results of the United States' goodwill efforts to rebuild Afghanistan.

Bridges have been built and wells and irrigation systems are up and running along rural stretches between the embattled towns of Bagram and Kandahar, he said.

His proudest accomplishment, though, is seeing children attend schools.

Children working for survival often trumps education in the eyes of many parents he's met.

"Schools are a new thing to a lot of parents in Afghanistan," he said.

But his Army unit is trying to change that by helping build schools and secure them so parents will send their children.

Lanigan sees creating hope and prosperity is the key to securing the region and the world.

"If people are illiterate, they can believe any propaganda they hear from terrorists," he added.

The former reservist, who attended the University of Notre Dame on a military scholarship, was tapped unexpectedly for duty last fall after more than six years of inactive ready reserve status.

"I felt that I wanted to ... serve my country," the 37-year-old said, particularly after Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

"But on the other hand, I didn't want to pack up and leave my family," he said.

In January, the father of two bid farewell to a daughter, who's a second-grader at Sward Elementary School, and his third-grade son.

He also put his career in sales on hold. And someone has taken over his weekend gig playing the piano at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, for now, at least.

Remarkably, there isn't even a twinge of resentment in Lanigan's voice, despite knowing he'll fall asleep each night thousands of miles away from his wife and children until April.

Instead, he's filled with optimism for the tough job ahead and the future of the Afghan people.

"Afghanistan will turn around one day, and people will live well," he said.

Lanigan's sense of hope and concern for others doesn't surprise Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Supt. Kathleen McCord.

When she first met him at Sward 25 years ago, the quiet, sensitive kid left a lasting impression.

"He was a gentle kid with a kind spirit ... with such a hope and a commitment to doing good," the former speech therapist recalls. "You always sensed a strength within."

The two crossed paths again when Lanigan joined the District 123 school board in 2005, not long after McCord took the reins as the district's top administrator. What she found in her newest board member was an "all-American success."

"He's got it all," McCord said. "He's an athlete; he's got the business (background); is on the school board; and in the armed services."

For Lanigan, that compliment carries a lot of weight.

"I always knew I was lucky to live in America," he said, "Now I'm even more grateful for what I have."

Angela Caputo may be reached at acaputo@dailysouthtown.com or (708) 633-5993.
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Sid · Oct 31, 2006

Very nice story, Terry. Thanks.

HoustonLarry · Nov 1, 2006

Just...

<t>Outstanding Terry but then we all know nothing is positive is being done as a result of the war right?</t>

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