While guarding Division Headquarters one day in May 2006, PVT Larry Huissen of
Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment,
had an unexpected guest approach him. It was his second cousin,
Colonel Bob Failie. COL Failie was conducting business at Camp Liberty
and noticed that PVT Huissen was working there.
PVT Huissen was definitely surprised because he did not even know
that COL Failie was in theater.

In addition to COL Failie, PVT Huissen has had other family members
serving in theater. His sister, Amber served with the 101st Airborne Division
and his step-father served with Special Forces. PVT Huissen, his sister Amber,
and COL Failie were able to have lunch together one day at Camp Liberty.
PVT Huissen's biological father is also active duty
and is currently a drill sergeant at Ft. Jackson.
PVT Huissen said that his father wishes he could be over here with him.

PVT Huissen joined the Army reserves when he turned seventeen
and was assigned to active duty in July of 2005. When asked why he joined,
he said, "Ever since I was a little kid, I knew I would join the Army
because my father was in." PVT Huissen is a member of 2nd Platoon (Roughnecks).
He and his platoon have participated in numerous raids and have been responsible
for locating over 25 cahches since arriving in this area.
They execute missions every day in an effort to disrupt Anti-Iraqi Force operations.
When 1st LT Chris Thelen, his platoon leader, was asked about PVT Huissen
he said "he is a very energetic and dependable Soldier.
He is never afraid to ask questions when he does not know how to do something."
His platoon sergeant, SFC Jose Davila, also has high praise saying,
"PVT Huissen is one of the best Soldiers in the platoon."

PVT Huissen's plans for the future are to finish his three-year commitment
and go back to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee,
where his financee is currently studying. When he finishes college,
he would like to work for the Federal Bureau Investigation,
Drug Enforcement Agency, or the Central Intelligence Agency.
As far as him seeing more family members while on deployment, his chances are good
because his brother-in-law is getting ready to deploy later this year.