Molly Caudery, 2002 - The Year of Living Dangerously

In the summer of 2002, Molly Caudery was a 22-year-old recent college graduate looking for adventure. She had just finished a degree in international relations and was eager to see the world.
When she saw an ad for a volunteer position in Iraq, she jumped at the chance. She had always been fascinated by the Middle East and wanted to learn more about the region. She also believed that she could make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi people.
Molly arrived in Iraq in August 2002, just weeks before the start of the war. She was assigned to work in a refugee camp near the city of Kirkuk. She worked long hours, but she loved it. She felt like she was making a difference in the lives of the people she was helping.
However, as the war intensified, Molly's work became more and more dangerous. She was often harassed and threatened by Iraqi soldiers. She even had to spend a night in jail after being arrested for taking photographs of a military checkpoint.
Despite the danger, Molly refused to give up. She believed that her work was too important to quit. She continued to work in the refugee camp, helping the people who needed her most.
In March 2003, the war in Iraq finally came to an end. Molly was relieved that the war was over, but she was also sad to leave Iraq. She had grown attached to the people she had met and the work she had done.
Molly returned to the United States in April 2003. She was greeted as a hero by her family and friends. She was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for her work in Iraq.
Molly's story is an inspiring example of courage and compassion. She risked her own life to help others, and she made a difference in the lives of many people.
Molly's story is also a reminder of the importance of peace. War is a terrible thing that can cause great suffering. We must all work together to prevent war and to create a more peaceful world.