Rodney Brown, South Carolina ’87, had intentions of one day becoming a prominent doctor. He was accepted at the University of South Carolina for his undergraduate studies, where he pursued a degree in biology, and would then direct his attention to medical school. He was intelligent, charismatic and driven to help those less fortunate than himself.

He did not, however, envision that one day that he would have been staring overthrown Iraqi President Saddam Hussein dead in the eyes. Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by the Iraqi High Tribunal. Brown stood just a mere few feet away from the accused tyrant as he reacted negatively to the verdict and was forcibly escorted from the courtroom.

During his senior year, Brown made a radical career move and decided to go to law school. “I always had a passion for politics and government,” explained Brown. He worked for his father’s law book and bindery business, and then pursued a law degree at the University of Florida. Brown later became an assistant United States attorney (AUSA) in Jacksonville. He now works as a criminal AUSA where he investigates and prosecutes child exploitation and drug trafficking cases, and works closely with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

Brown was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom after responding to a request from the Department of Justice for prosecutors willing to spend six months in Baghdad assisting and advising the Iraqi High Tribunal in the investigation and prosecution of high ranking members of the former Iraqi regime. “I felt like this was my opportunity to serve my country and the cause of justice in a unique and meaningful way,” offered Brown. “I also wanted to witness and participate in what some would consider one of the most significant trials in history.”

Before leaving for Iraq, Brown read up on Saddam Hussein and the history of his regime in Iraq. He reviewed many of the legal filings, investigative reports and witness interviews, as well as speaking with American lawyers who had been working on the trials. He purchased Arabic language instruction audio lessons that he listened to around the clock for several months. Brown also received training in firearms, explosives, first aid, security and Iraqi history and culture, and for good reason. “Several of the lawyers working in the Dujail trial were assassinated in Baghdad, and the Iraqi High Tribunal was located in the middle of a war zone,” advised Brown. “Safety and security was a constant concern during the mission.”

Most of Brown’s time was spent advancing other pending investigations. He would locate, gather and transport documentary evidence, review witness interviews and forensic surveys involving mass graves, and travel to interview victims and witnesses both in Kurdistan (northern Iraq) and the Wassit province (south central Iraq). “I also participated in a number of hearings conducted by Iraqi investigative judges in which they interviewed other former regime members,” offered Brown. Throughout his stay, he traveled mainly by helicopter for security purposes.

Brown said that he and the U.S. were treated very well by their Iraqi partners, as if they were members of their own families. He shared that victims and witnesses he met with were thankful that he was helping them tell their stories in court, and that they could seek the justice they and their families had deserved. “The Iraqi people were warm and accommodating, and seemed eager to embrace the rule of law,” exclaimed Brown.

When asked what the most eye-opening experience was from this experience, Brown reflected back to a vivid memory. “I will never forget interviewing an elderly woman whose husband and four sons were taken away from their home and killed by the former regime. She showed me her scars from being shot that night as her family was dragged away,” remembered Brown. “That was a difficult moment for me.”

Brown met many heroes, both American and Iraqi and he saw firsthand the many contributions, service and sacrifice of the incredible men and woman of America’s military. He applauds those Iraqis who risked their lives to seek justice and for that he is very blessed and thankful. — A. Hammel