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  Through Veterans’ Eyes

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  Through Veterans’ Eyes

  The Iraq and Afghanistan Experience

  LARRY MINEAR

  Foreword by Sen. Richard G. Lugar

  Preface by Bob Patrick

  Director, Veterans History Project, U.S. Library of Congress

  Copyright © 2010 by Larry Minear

  Published in the United States by Potomac Books, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  “The Circle” copyright © 2006 by Sharon Allen; “A Journey Taken with My Son” copyright © 2006 by Myrna Bein; “The Smell of Fresh Paint” copyright © 2006 by Tina Beller; “Alarm Red” copyright © 2006 by Lisa Blackman; “Introduction” copyright © 2006 by Andrew Carroll; “The Hardest Letter to Write” copyright © 2006 by Parker Gyokeres; “Medevac Missions” copyright © 2006 by Ed Hrivnak; “One Small Village” copyright © 2006 by Jared Jones; “To the Fallen” copyright © 2006 by John McCary; “JAG in the Sandbox” copyright © 2006 by Terry Moorer; “Moore Thoughts” copyright © 2006 by James Sosnicky; from OPERATION HOMECOMING, edited by Andrew Carroll. Used by permission of Random House, Inc.

  Excerpts from accounts by Michael Bautista, Matthew Currier Burden, Rusten Currie, Jay Czarga, Lee Kelley, and Stephen Wilbanks reprinted with the permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. from THE BLOG OF WAR: Front-line Dispatches from Sodiers in Iraq and Afghanistan by Matthew Currier Burden. Copyright © 2006 Matthew Currier Burden.

  Excerpts from chapters by Aric Arnold, Dave Bischel, Kelly Dougherty, Ladda Tammy Duckworth, Ben Flanders, Camilo Mejía, Matthew Miller, Mark Mitchell, Tracey Ringo, Ty Simmons, Jon Soltz, and Julius Tulley from IN CONFLICT, © 2006 by Yvonne Latty and used by permission of PoliPointPress.

  Quotations from THE WAR TAPES. Robert May and Steve James, producers, © 2006 SenArt Films and used with permission.

  Quotations from a series of articles in September and October, 2006, “War Stories,” by Joelle Farrell, used by permission of the Concord Monitor.

  “War makes monsters of us all” by Gordie Lachance copyright © 2007 by Warrior Writers, used by permission of Lovella Calica, editor.

  Excerpts from interviews with Abbie Pickett and Jonathan Miller © 2006 by Kingdom County Productions, used by permission of Jay Craven, Producer.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Minear, Larry, 1936-

  Through veterans’ eyes : the Iraq and Afghanistan experience / Larry Minear; foreword by Sen. Richard G. Lugar ; preface by Bob Patrick. — 1st ed.

  p. cm.

  Includes bibliographical references and index.

  ISBN 978-1-59797-486-8 (hardcover : alk. paper) — ISBN 978-1-59797-490-5 (pbk. : alk. paper)

  1. Iraq War, 2003—Personal narratives, American. 2. Iraq War, 2003—Veterans—United States—Biography. 3. Afghan War, 2001—Personal narratives, American. 4. Afghan War, 2001—Veterans—United States—Biography. 5. Soldiers—United States—Biography. 6. Veterans—United States—Biography. I. Title.

  DS79.76.M555 2010

  956.7044’34092273—dc22

  2010014258

  Printed on acid-free paper that meets the American National Standards Institute Z39-48 Standard.

  Potomac Books, Inc.

  22841 Quicksilver Drive

  Dulles, Virginia 20166

  First Edition

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  To those who have suffered and

  sacrificed in the wars in

  Iraq and Afghanistan

  CONTENTS

  Foreword by Sen. Richard G. Lugar

  Preface by Bob Patrick, Director, Veterans History Project, Library of Congress

  Acknowledgments

  Introduction

  Acronyms and Abbreviations

  PART I The Setting

  1 The Global War on Terror

  PART II The Experience

  2 Enlistment and Patriotism

  3 Politics and Professionalism

  4 Coping with Unfamiliarity and Violence

  5 Wrestling with Ethical Issues

  6 Winning Hearts and Minds

  7 Working with Private Contractors

  8 Dealing with the Media and Public Opinion

  PART III Reentry

  9 Reestablishing Normalcy

  10 Accessing Institutional Resources

  11 The Global War on Terror and Earlier Wars

  12 Listening to Veterans

  Notes

  Bibliography

  Index of Veterans

  Index

  About the Author

  FOREWORD

  In 2000, with unanimous support from the United States Congress, President Bill Clinton signed legislation authorizing the Library of Congress to collect, preserve, and make available the personal stories of America’s veterans and civilians. Members of Congress were encouraged to participate in the Veterans History Project because the histories of the average GI, the men and women who carried the burden of protecting our freedom, are sorely lacking. With shelves of information about generals Patton and Eisenhower, admirals Halsey and Spruance, our national history is in desperate need of these kinds of stories, just the sort of stories the Veterans History Project is providing.

  In February 2002, I traveled across Indiana to initiate the Veterans History Project’s documentation of the stories of Hoosier veterans. With more than 500,000 veterans in Indiana, Hoosiers have much to contribute. All of us can benefit from understanding the patriotism, devotion to duty, and willingness to serve a cause greater than self that our veterans continue to demonstrate. I am pleased to see so many young people engaged in conducting the interviews that have made their way into the Project.

  Drawing from my own time in the Navy, I understand the life changing experiences that occur in the military. I vividly remember my time working in the Pentagon briefing Admiral Arleigh Burke. Admiral Burke was a true leader in uncertain times and he taught me the importance of leading well and using the proper tools to accomplish my goals. So many Hoosiers have answered the call to duty throughout our great history, fighting in battles from the Civil War to our current war on terrorism. These brave men and women have a story that should be shared so that future generations can come to understand the many sacrifices made on behalf of freedom.

  Each story shared as part of the Veterans History Project provides a window into the life and service of our veterans. We are able to witness firsthand accounts of veterans who left home to become heroes at critical times throughout our history. The men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan continue a long tradition of American determination and heroism in difficult times, and I am grateful for their m
ilitary service. I have benefited enormously from talking to many Hoosiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, both in the regular military and as members of the National Guard and Reserves.

  Since the beginning of this project, my staff and our many partners across the state, including high schools, Boy Scouts, and other volunteers, have submitted the memories of nearly 9,000 Hoosiers into our national history at the Library of Congress. Our history is much richer for the stories we have and are continuing to collect because it helps us appropriately recognize and appreciate our veterans for all they have done, and all they continue to do, for the United States of America.

  In an era in which Iraq and Afghanistan dominate our national debate, Through Veterans’ Eyes: The Iraq and Afghanistan Experience presents personal reflections on the global war on terror by the men and women engaged in this conflict. I am pleased that Larry Minear has provided a forum for a wider audience to appreciate their reflections. Their selfless service and first-hand knowledge of the situation are valuable additions to our national discussion.

  Richard G. Lugar

  United States Senator

  PREFACE

  During World War II, a seasoned war correspondent reported, “This war must be seen to be believed, but it must be lived to be understood.” This has been the case with any war. The writers, reporters, and chroniclers of our nation’s wars have written extensively about combat, a soldier’s life, and the fog of battle. However, many have been unable to catch the essence or relate an understanding of the human experience of war: What are the remembrances of events by those prosecuting the action or those behind the lines in support? How do soldiers feel deep inside about what they are called upon to do? In the context of an individual’s life experience, what impact did going to war have upon him or her?

  The Library of Congress Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center seeks to add to the understanding of war through the collection of the wartime remembrances of America’s veterans. Veterans from World War I through the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have participated in the Project and provided insight into the human experience of war: its valor, its monotony, and its horror. From the foxhole to the cockpit, from the motor pool to the medical tent, these men and women have offered insight into what those who enter conflict have seen, felt, and been affected by. This is what the U.S. Congress intended when it created the Veterans History Project in 2000.

  The Veterans History Project (VHP), with its tens of thousands of interviews backed by hundreds of thousands of original photographs, memoirs, and personal documents, has matured into a valued resource for scholars, educators, and those seeking inspiration. It has also provided the opportunity for very personal connections among generations in families, schools, and communities. By opening their hearts and giving voice to their memories, veterans have been afforded the chance to tell of experiences, often for the very first time. In the process, these men and women have been elevated in the eyes of those who love them as well as those in their communities who didn’t know that heroes were among them. All of America has been enriched, because these accounts are now preserved forever in the Library of Congress, where they can be accessed and appreciated.

  One goal of the VHP is to allow historians and scholars to tell the story of war through the words of those who were there. As the Project moves into its ninth year, we have been fortunate to see this happening more frequently. We have had researchers use the memories of the American doughboys who fought in the Meuse-Argonne Campaign—one of the most costly and intense battles of all time. Through the VHP collections, scholars have explored the experience of women and African American service members in WWII who fought not only the Axis, but also the perception that they were not capable of serving their country. Scholars have also reviewed the interviews of members of Congress who are Vietnam veterans as a way of determining how that experience affected their later lives of service to the nation. It is becoming clear that personal narrative, particularly being able to hear a voice and see a face as the story is being told, is becoming a source of choice by those professionals writing accounts of momentous historical events.

  Now it is heartening to see someone who has used the voices of today’s brave young men and women who were involved with the global war on terror. In this book, Larry Minear has selected VHP interviews taken from our most recent wartime veterans, those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Their voices and pictures provide insight into the conflicts we have seen every day on our television screens and in our newspapers, but may not clearly understand. They are service members who have earned our respect and our support through commitment to their missions in difficult environments, against a determined enemy, and facing repetitive deployments. Additionally, their experiences bring to the forefront questions of how the United States needs to look at fighting wars in the future, with close examination of such matters as the effect of war on the individual service member, the deployment of Reserve components, and overcoming cultural differences.

  Even with the global war on terror, the first conflict of the twenty-first century, the VHP collections reflect experiences common among America’s veterans of all wars. Pride in service and making a difference. Realization that going to war is a life-changing experience. Frustration in the ranks with policies, plans, and procedures. Importance of a soldier’s ties with family and community. Camaraderie among those who serve together. We see, too, in Through Veterans’ Eyes, that today’s warriors, while facing conflicts in treacherous terrain with new technology and evolving doctrine, share a bond with those wartime veterans who have gone before them—they are serving America with honor while keeping hope and freedom alive in an uncertain world.

  The VHP encourages all of America’s wartime veterans to come forward and tell their stories. It is not only important to their families and friends, but also significant to their country, which needs a constant reminder of the price that must be paid to live with the freedoms we hold so dear.

  Bob Patrick

  Director, Veterans History Project

  American Folklife Center

  U.S. Library of Congress

  January 2009

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Many people have facilitated the research and writing of this book. I am particularly indebted to Bob Patrick, Director of the Veterans History Project in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress and his staff, including Alexa Potter, Tom Wiener, Stephanie Weaver, Rachel Mears, Monica Mohindra, and Steve Winick. Janice Ramseur in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs also provided useful information.

  This book draws on the work of a number of journalists and newsmakers, analysts and editors. I would like to express particular gratitude to Joelle Farrell of the Concord Monitor; Andrew Jacobs, editor of Operation Homecoming; Yvonne Latty, editor of In Conflict; Lovella Calica, editor of Warrior Writers; Matthew Currier Burden, author of The Blog of War; Deborah Scranton, director, and Robert May and Steve James, producers, of The War Tapes; Jay Craven, producer of After the Fog; and Matthew Gutmann and Catherine Lutz, authors of Breaking Ranks. Excerpts from their works are used with their permission, which is gratefully acknowledged.

  I would also like to thank colleagues associated with the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University, including Peter Walker, Antonio Donini, Ian Smillie, Greg Hansen, and Anita Robbins. A special word of appreciation for research assistance goes to Adela Raz, a graduate student who is herself an Afghan national, and for expert editing by Joyce Maxwell. Other family and friends who have been helpful include my wife Beth; my mother Gladys; and also Michael Craig, Gene Dewey, Jason Forrester, Lori Garrison, Barbara Gerlach, Gregory Heilshorn, Crosby Hipes, Jerry Hoganson, Emmy Huffman, Jason Knobloch, Richard Neal, John P. Reeder, Tom Tarantino, and Robert V. L. Wright. I am grateful to the staff of Potomac Books, Inc., including Senior Editor Hilary Claggett, Marketing Manager Claire Noble, and Production Editor Melaina Phipps.
Most of all, I am indebted to the veterans and their families who have shared their experiences and reflections. A special word of thanks as well to the veterans who agreed to have their photographs grace this volume.

  INTRODUCTION

  The first decade of the new millennium will be remembered by Americans as the decade of the global war on terror. The United States responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. by launching military offensives against Afghanistan in October 2001 and Iraq in March 2003. By the end of 2008, almost two million American service personnel had served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan and in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in Iraq. As of January 3, 2009, 38,073 U.S. military personnel had been killed or wounded since the inception of the conflicts.1 The official tally of the costs of the wars was approaching $1 trillion; unofficial estimates put the costs higher still.2

  This book examines the conflicts through the eyes of U.S. military personnel deployed to the Afghanistan and Iraq theaters. The narrative weaves together commentary from interviews and other available sources. The voices of the veterans come from all military services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard), from all branches of the military (Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserves), and from various ranks (including enlisted personnel and commissioned officers). The responsibilities these veterans performed include combat, transport, military police, public information, civic action, and legal affairs. The veterans include career professionals as well as recent inductees, women as well as men, gay men and lesbians as well as straights, foreign nationals on a path to expedited U.S. citizenship as well as American citizens.

  The composite narrative draws extensively on materials in the Veterans History Project in the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Of the more than 70,000 oral histories assembled by the Project, almost 1,200 have been contributed by men and women who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Of these, the author has reviewed some 150. The Veterans History Project, which has prepared a field kit of suggested questions for those conducting interviews, is also the source of the volume’s photographs. Each photo is used with permission and accompanied by an extended caption explaining the circumstances and the importance to the veteran involved. A description of the Project by its director, Bob Patrick, is provided in the Preface.