Jim Spiri in Iraq

Frank is in his late forties, but looks and acts in his mid twenties. He is a former Marine, and of Italian heritage. When he opens his mouth, the strong New York accent punctuates each word. I spent a day with him as he worked the crowd at the border. He is known as "crazy Frank", but everyone loves his demeanor. If we all had Frank's attitude, I honestly believe the war would be over. He is just a fun person to be around and yet at the same time, he works harder than most I've ever met. He also has a heart for all people, as long as they listen to him..!

From the photos I've shared here at the border, I'm hoping that the viewer is able to grasp the scene. It is very hot, and very crowded, all the time. Among other duties, it is up to Frank to not only serve and protect and keep a watchful eye out for wily insurgents, but at the same time he manages to keep the crowds of thousands from stampeding themselves and causing a riot. Only a New Yorker who happens to be Italian, and has grown up in such an environment could handle it the way Frank does.

There are just certain hand gestures that Italians know all too well, that are understood in every language. As I approached the crowds in the morning at the border with Frank, I watched him as he began mumbling to himself the closer we got to the crowds.

I am always doing the same things as my wife can attest to. Many times as I'm about to embark on something important, she will ask me, "Jim, who are you talking to..?" I'm usually swirling things around in my head planning and coordinating my next move(s).
I think no one is listening, but, apparently they are.

Frank takes hold of the situation in a moment's notice. He begins by talking in loud New York language and tossing in phrases that no one but fellow New Yorkers would comprehend. He speaks to the people as they are all jamming the lines like sardines in a can, as if they completely understand everything he is saying. Most of them of course do not speak a word of English, but, to Frank it does not matter. He has an interpreter with him, but before the interpreter gets going, Frank has already told them a million things to do and somehow, they are all doing it. It is a site to see. And many times I could only burst out laughing as even members of the crowd smiled in the midst of all the chaos.

Frank is a professional, make no mistake about it. He has told me on many occasions that all people are the same, and they all want to be treated with respect.

Yet a firm hand in a crowded mess is extremely important, especially in the grueling heat of summer here in the Iraqi desert. He knows this well and the crowds must adhere for their own safety. It is not fun to be in line at this border, and there are many lines. Periodically throughout the day, all the lines mesh into one mess. Frank keeps any eye on it all
and from time to time has to start all over and insist, in very loud tones, for everyone to get over here and get over there.

No one gets by with anything sneaky when Frank is around, yet everyone tries. He hears it all. He answers them with his interpreter, while soaking wet with sweat dripping off his bald head. He listens to them, and gives them answers that only a New Yorker could come up with. The interpreter having to stop from laughing at what Frank demands on translating, keeps up at every command. Frank and the interpreter have an excellent working relationship and the two can always be found working the crowd throughout their shift.

I've watched as Frank in the heat of it all, take time to buy bottles of water and give them to the elderly to cool them down. The other day, there was an old man who just was worn out. Frank stopped everything, went and got a bottle of water and a clean rag, and cooled the man down in the midst of the thousands of people jamming in all around him. He motioned the crowd to back away, in his loud voice, and they all watched as "crazy Frank" became the humanitarian. All see his heart at moment's like this.

Then there is Frank the father figure. He has a soft spot for children, and carries a bag of candy at all times. I've seen him stop in the middle of it all, find a small child whose parents are as worn out as Frank, and kneel down and take a breather and dispense a piece of candy to an awaiting child. It is times like this that the crowd then just begins to cooperate and listen to whatever hand gestures Frank is demonstrating at the time, (and there are lots of them) and they begin to somehow line up in some kind of order so that the unpleasant experience of waiting becomes a little more civilized in 120-degree heat.

I've watched Frank converse with the border authorities and all of them love his demeanor. They have learned enough about him to know he is there to help them learn and make it through this hectic process. He has for sure earned the respect of all those around him. His fellow employees all love to have him handle the crowd. It is a daunting task and one that will wear on you in short order. Yet Frank has the endurance as well as the heart for the job.
He never quits, the day is never done until the gate is closed for the day. It is full on work, from beginning to end of shift. Frank seems to thrive on it.

I spoke with him at length and did an audio on him about his service here at the border. This is his second time being here. It is an all volunteer assignment and he enjoys the experience. He loves to be able to do his part on the war on terror. He also explained to me that just by being here it has educated him immensely on how to deal with folks from this part of the world when they arrive at JFK. He has taken this experience as one big learning event and cherishes it to the uttermost. He has a lot of energy.

Every now and then, there just has to be an inclusion of something on the lighter side of this journey. I have decided that Frank Salomone from New York fits that description. I was glad to spend the day with Frank. He made me laugh the whole time, yet his work ethic is superb. He approaches each day the way I do.

Just another day to have a good time and absorb another experience and somewhere along the line, have fun, make people smile, and never drop your guard.

I've passed through JFK many times on my way to and from Italy, where all my paternal side of the family live. I'm a big Yankees fan and love the Italian side of life. Frank is the same. If there was a way to have Frank talk to all the groups in Iraq that are at odds with one another, I would not be surprised if they all would end up listening to him and heeding his commands. Iraq is quite fortunate to have Frank Salomone at the border, keeping things under control.

New York will just have to wait for his return.

Jim Spiri
COP Heider, Iraq
jimspiri@yahoo.com