Maj. Alex J. Durr, a 45-year-old combat artist from the Marine Corps’ Historical Division, recently put the finishing touches on a painted mural of Iraqi Brig. Gen. Khodeiri Obeid Abbas Al Janadi, Fallujah’s former Deputy Chief of Police, who was gunned down by insurgents June 19. Durr was commissioned to do the piece by Col. Larry Nicholson, RCT-5’s commander, to honor a “Son of Fallujah” who was killed protecting the city and people he loved.
The mural was painted on a concrete barrier and will be placed along a main route through the heart of the city. It will be on permanent display to honor the native FallujanÂ’s sacrifice for his city and his country.
“I’ve done portraits, but nothing ever this big,” said Durr, from Fort Worth, Texas. “It’s pretty satisfying that this will be put to use immediately. To think this guy lost his life for his country— it’s pretty humbling,” he added. “That’s gone through my head a couple times.”
The nearly six-foot tall concrete barrier features a portrait of Khodeiri in the full uniform of an Iraqi Police officer, with the epaulettes of an Iraqi brigadier general. The inscription above him, written in Arabic, reads, “Son of Falluah.” Next to his face is written, “hero” and “martyr.” Below him is his full name and the date he was slain.
Durr’s involvement in the project was happenstance. Durr knows that this work will never be in a museum, but will be on display for more than 200,000 Fallujans. It will preserve Iraqi history – Fallujan history – for all to remember one of their own men who stood up for their pride against terrorists.
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“What an amazing opportunity to have a piece of his work displayed so publicly,” Nicholson said. “I told him, ‘Not only are you recording history. You’re making it.’”
Lt. Col. Frank Charlonis, RCT-5Â’s Police Implementation officer, said the portrait is satisfying to all those who knew and worked with Khodeiri. He worked hand-in-hand with him since January to grow and train FallujahÂ’s police force.
“He was one of the ‘Sons of Falluah,’” said 40-year-old Charlonis, from Charlotte, N.C. “His death has really affected the city. It had a big affect on the police.”
Charlonis said the mural will serve to honor one of the city’s leaders, who saw Iraqis through tough times. “It will serve as an inspiration to the police,” he said. “It will always be there to remind them of what it means to be an Iraqi and from Fallujah.”
“This is for a good cause,” Durr said. “Maybe it will help them to understand their struggle against terrorism. It’s part of the team effort. I’m lucky enough to do something I enjoy doing.”