A U.S. Army 418th Civil Affairs Team (Charlie Company) was invited by the tribal Chief (Ugaas) of Issa, Mustafe Maxamed Ibraahim, to attend his wedding celebration September 23, 2010.

Through meetings with tribal elders and advisors, the team learned Issa is one of the major tribes in the Horn of Africa. The Ugaas is the chosen king of the Somali Issa people (approximately 2.5 million reside in Northeast Ethiopia, Southern Djibouti, and Northern Somaliland, as well as a large expatriate population residing in the United States and Western Europe), according to Sergeant Julie Vosilus.

Vosilus, along with other team members, sat in the VIP section at the celebration. There they enjoyed live music and dancers, along with cake and refreshments.

"Being invited was very much an honor. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, as I will probably never attend the wedding celebration of someone who is a king," Vosilus said. "The teams’ personal invitation to this event showcases the strong relationship they have developed with the local population, as well as key leaders."