Mulvaney served for a year in a remote outpost

The Clermont County Commissioners recently welcomed Army Specialist Vincent Mulvaney home from what has been dubbed the deadliest place on Earth.

Welcoming Army Spc. Vincent Mulvaney, center, home from Afghanistan are, from left, Veteran’s Service Commissioners Ken Cook, Don Chandler, Bob Derr, and Howard Daugherty, and Clermont County Commissioner Archie Wilson, Mulvaney, Commissioner Ed Humphrey, District director for Jean Schmidt Gertrude Whitaker, Commissioner Bob Proud, and Veteran’s Services officer Frank Morrow.
Commissioner Bob Proud said the valley has been given the nickname due to almost daily fire fights between American soldiers and Taliban forces. The valley was also featured in a National Geographic documentary titled “Restrepo.”

Mulvaney spent a week short of a year in Korengal Valley in Afghanistan where 42 American soldiers were killed between 2001 and 2010. He was part of the force involved in the withdrawal from the valley last spring.

The remote base tucked away among the hills along the Afghanistan and Pakistan borders could only be reached by helicopter, which made resupply difficult.

Every Clermont soldier the commissioners have recognized has spoken of the importance of receiving mail and packages from home, but the supply problems also disrupted mail service for his unit.

“It was pretty important to all of us. Getting something from home boosted our spirits,” Mulvaney said. “We would always share packages with each other.”

He said they went two months without receiving anything. Not only did they not have mail coming in, but they did not have mail going out. The lack of letters also took its toll on his parents, Carolyn and William.

“He could usually call home right before they went out (on patrol) to let us know they were OK,” Carolyn Mulvaney said. “As a parent I waited for those phone calls or checked on him on Facebook.”

She emphasized the importance of supporting the soldiers.

“I’d like to say thank you to the families and community that supports the troops,” Carolyn Mulvaney said. “It is a blessing and they need all the support.”

In addition to foot patrols, Mulvaney said he frequently met with the elders of the local tribe. Part of his role in the region was to develop a relationship with the tribe in an effort to gain their support in finding the Taliban.

“We would sit down and try to come up with solutions,” Mulvaney said. “It was pretty clear though, they didn’t want us there at all.”

Mulvaney joined the Army after graduating from Amelia High School in 2007. He said overall his time in the service was well spent.

“We had good times and bad times,” Mulvaney said. “It was positive for me.”

Carolyn Mulvaney said her son has grown a lot in his three years of service.

“It’s matured him a lot,” Carolyn Mulvaney said. “I could see it just in the pictures of him.”

Now that he has received his honorable discharge Mulvaney said he wants to get a job and begin taking night classes. He wants to study zoology and become a game warden.

The Clermont County Commissioners welcomed Mulvaney home with a proclamation.

“We’re very happy to have you home and would like to recognize you for your service,” Commissioner Ed Humphrey said.

District director for Congresswoman Jean Schmidt Gertrude Whitaker presented a proclamation on behalf of the Congresswoman.

“We appreciate the time you have given and the service you have given,” Whitaker said.

The Veteran’s Service Commission also welcomed Mulvaney home. Service officer Frank Morrow said the commission makes every effort to get returning veterans any help and benefits they need.