Exclusive Interview on Christmas Eve

Lynn Mass. December 24th, 2005


Congoboston: Dear Willy, can you tell us your name; maybe your family background... where you were born, and so forth?

Willy: First, thanks for giving me a chance to speak to your readers to whom I say Hello. Certainly some know me already… My name is Kialemba Willy Kilomo, I was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I'm a part of a big family, the Kilomo’s of which some live here in Boston Mass, some others in Europe and far more back in the Congo.

Congoboston: How long have you been around in Boston, Mass? And what have you been doing, as far as occupation?

Willy: I have lived in Boston Mass for the past four years, before I joined the US Army. I used to work for a Logan Airport-based company, America West Airlines. I worked with them as airline customer service representative.

Congoboston: We are glad to know you are now serving in the US army... I kind of heard about it, but tell me what does this represent to you?

Willy: Yes Franklin, I'm in the Army now. I tell you what? It represents a lot for me because it gave me a chance to regain some discipline that I had personally lost. You know as young men we always have some flaws when it comes to disciplining our selves and setting up priorities. This is the greatest legacy I got from the Army, in deed!

Congoboston: What was the most challenging thing in this public service, from your enrollment to the actual deployment?

Willy: The fact that I was leaving my family behind and knowing that there was a chance I may never get to see them again…That was the most life-size challenge ever... You know what I mean?

Congoboston; How long did your last duty take you overseas, away from your family? And again, how did you survive through the separation?

Willy: Well, I was away from my family for almost a year. I will say: No one would just like that type of separation, and especially when you lived so close to the people you are leaving behind. But I just accepted it as I was going to serve a greater cause.

Congoboston: Without meaning to ask you about any thing you feel to be “undisclosed” stuffs… I want to talk more about your personal experience. What was your everyday's occupation while in Iraq? How did you spend your time in barracks, besides going out there in combat zone?

Willy: Yes, Franklin. Here one nice picture of my experience: From early morning till about 5:00 pm, I spent time with comrades, fixing vehicles that have been most of the times damaged in combats. After work, I could squeeze in my schedule, a workout time at the gym, for about an hour-and-half or maybe two hours. After taking a shower, I could enjoy watching a movie on our portable DVD players or play a game on our PS2 or XBox until lights go out at 11:00pm. This is only on a normal routine day, when there is no major tasks to do.

Congoboston: Many young people often dream to serve in the military; yet, they get scared when it comes to make a decision. What’s your view about making a decision and going to serve?

Willy: It's been a really good experience for me, so far, especially the deployment trip to Iraq. I would say that before you serve in the army, you have to know what you really desire to do, and what you can get out of the military. So the best think to do for any young person who aspires to this call is to get more information in order to shape up his decision: You know, do your research about “serving in the army”, ask questions to your local Army Recruiter, and tell him exactly what that you want.

Congoboston: I see you are attending here a Christmas party with your Boston’s friends and family…. Did you miss these moments? How do you feel about been back here?

Willy: Oh Yeah, it feels great! I really missed these moments too. You know, we left for Iraq on December 10th of year 2004. That was the first Christmas I've spent away from my sisters and my family since we've been here in Boston. It definitely feels great to spend time again with all my sisters, cousins, and friends like you. I'm really enjoying it … and thanks to Angel for inviting me. See by doing so, you are reconnecting memories in my mind. I’m really so thankful to all of you and to Congoboston’s staff for having me here.

Congoboston: It’s our most pleasure to have you Sir! [Saluting him as do soldiers] Now, what are your plans as far as education, profession… Does the Army offer you acceptable options to accomplish your own dreams? Can you share a little bit about it?

Willy: When I move from this point in the Army, I would like to finish up with my education. I have a few options in mind and I just have to put them in place since the army is going to pay for it. I really want to take fully advantage of this opportunity, among other things. My education will be pretty much determinant of what my profession is going to be. Also by being in the army, I've already learned and acquired a bunch of skills that I can presently use in the civilian society. Just to say, in other words, that the Army can educate and better citizens.

Congoboston: We got informed lately about several Congolese-born Army guys from the state of Connecticut who just returned from duty… And families and friends have been offering moments of prayer for them in local churches. Tell me, have you ever met with anybody from your community offering you that type of good wishes and prayers up until now?

Willy: Not within the Congolese community, no that I know…. but there is a church I used to go to, here in Boston, which offered prayers before I left for Iraq.

Congoboston: Now as Congoboston is talking about, trust me Willy… You will see more people now paying attention to you, guys...Because we are right here and right now, trying to lead a new and encouraging trend in our people in our communities in USA.  The mission of the network is to inform, help network initiatives and to positively empower our own. Now, more readers will know that people like you do exist in our midst. I personally value who you are as a US combatant, protecting all of us while partying here at home. Having that said: We want to take time to salute all the men and women in uniforms in Iraq at this time; We salute your courage and support you.

Willy: Thank you… Thank you to all of you. I’m really flattered by this spot light on me.

Congoboston: OK, let give it a little shift here…The DR Congo is now moving towards a peaceful and democratic regime, after a decade of suffering and chaos. Based on your personal experience, what are your comments about the “peace process” in Congo?

Willy: We can only be hopeful when there is now something that is being done to improve Peace, Freedom and the conditions of millions of lives in the DR Congo; but once again, one has to wait, while scrutinizing carefully to make sure if this is actually happening.

Congoboston: As you took pride in defending a National Cause during the war, (It can be in any country) what's your message to citizens about how serious is the war, and how it does affect lives of future generations or families?

Willy: I can't say much at this point than just to ask everyone not to take Freedom for granted.

Congoboston: To conclude this interview, which I appreciate much, I see online some type of personal web-journals designed by militaries, and showing pictures and tales of personal experience in combat. I found that really interesting to read… Any comment about your community website Congoboston.com, so far. Will a website like this help you to get plugged while in deployment away from your family?

Willy: Certainly, I mean this website will actually put anyone (not only me) I mean all of us wherever we are in contact with our family members and many more people from our community. And I tell you what? It feels always good to know that you are plugged in to your community (which in turn knows what you are doing…) and It's just a blissful thought to know that your community is behind you.

Congoboston: I thank you so very much, Willy, for taking your time to give us such “exclusive” and very “atypical” interview. We are certainly all delighted of your accomplishments in the Army, and to have you again back within a community that represents your strength and your origins.

This is one among reasons why we always believe, day after day, that we do not waste our time, working and building the concept of Congoboston. Our Staff is proud for meeting with you in this house “Christmas party”; You see, and once more, we took the luxury in getting our readers informed about very rare models of courage, self-esteem and pride in our people. I’m talking about young people who have made up their mind to take care of business when the call is here, and  who can also enjoy life in time of rejoicing.

To our readers, I’m glad everyone is now discovering through this tale that it just takes courage for citizens to aim higher and to defend a National Cause; to defend Peace, Freedom and Democracy for all.

Again thank you so very much, [in French I will say: Mes respects mon commandant!], Willy, and God Bless you, Sir!


On Dec. 24th Christmas Eve, in Lynn Mass


By Franklin Katunda

Chief-editor of Congoboston.com


© Congoboston.com, December 24th 2005