(KABUL, Afghanistan -) Although his family in Haiti had damage to their house and are now living in a local church, they made it through OK. Many had it a lot worse.

All 10 members of the family next door were killed. It’s not concern for his family that’s pulling him out of Afghanistan, though.

When he gets there, he will be using his language skills, patrolling, delivering food and working with other troops to do what Chouloute says is the most important part of the mission – bringing hope to a shattered people.

“We will show the people of Haiti what the U.S. military, and the U.S. people, are all about,” he said.

“It’s important for me to do this on a couple different fronts,” said Chouloute. “I am helping to show the diversity of the Army, and I will be able to help serve as a bridge between the folks who need help and those who are going there to help. I know the culture, language, area and people.”

The sergeant major said he feels it is imperative that the U.S. shows Haiti how much they care about what has happened to the island nation.

“It makes me sad to see the level of devastation that has hit Haiti,” he said.

“They went for almost 50 years without making any real advances, and in the last year they started to get hope, electricity and hotels.”

He added that the people of Haiti have a lot of faith in the U.S. government, and are counting on America’s support and assistance.

“That’s why it is so important for the U.S. to go there,” he added. “The relationship of the Haitian people with the U.S. is important. If we weren’t there, there would be more hunger and more looting. It would be a lot worse than it is right now.”

This will be Chouloute’s third time going to help in Haiti since he’s been in the Army, and he said he is glad he has the abilities needed to provide assistance.

“I can’t think of a better way to close out my Army career than helping out the country where I was born, while representing the country I love,” he said.]

(Story by Chief Petty Officer Craig P. Strawser, ISAF Joint Command Public Affairs)