EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Keeping Peace Connected

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Our Extraordinary Person of the Week is from Wilmington but our interview is from about 77 hundred miles away where he just wrapped up Eastern Accord 2016.

Gerrod Sidbury graduated from Laney High School in 2004. He went to Winston-Salem State University on scholarship as a track and field star.  He did stand up comedy, too, and also worked for the Boys and Girls Club of America.  In 2013, following in his families footsteps, he joined the US Army.

Wilmington’s Gerrod Sidbury is now a communications specialist in the US Army.

We caught up with him in Tanzania, some 77 hundred miles away, via Skype during a special exercise called Eastern Accord 2016.

“We’re here with more than 200 people from 9 different countries,” Spc.Sidbury said, “Working with our African partners, supporting peacekeeping operations.”

Specialist Sidbury is helping bring peace by working side by side with African militaries and build on the bonds with all countries involved.
During the military exercise in Tanzania, officials say they focus on planning, decision making, and other aspects of a real peace keeping operation.

They spent one week in a classroom and one week of command post exercise to replicate a real life scenario in Eastern Africa. It is this soldier who helps keep everyone on the same page.

“We’re behind the scenes,” Spc.Sidbury said, “keeping all the networks together, so we’re able to communicate.”

And while we had him on the horn, he had a special message everyone at home.

“I’d like to thank my wife, Brittany, for holding down the fort, she’s my co-pilot and taking care of our little girl,” Spc. Sidbury said. “My mom, grandmother, mother in law, father in law and all my family and friends back home. I’m here, I’m okay. We’re having a good time helping others and making the mission happen.”

Specialist Gerrod Sidbury, you’re keeping peace connected, and that makes you Extraordinary!

Specialist Sidbury is now stateside, returning to Fort Stewart, Georgia where he is stationed after two weeks in Africa.
I told you he used to do stand up comedy, right?
Next time I have him on Skype, I’m asking what his favorite joke is and we’ll see if he’s as extraordinarily funny, too.
Thank you for all you do, Gerrod.
-Daniel

For more information on Eastern Accord 2016, click here.