Stryker Brigade News

SBN: As a freelance journalist, what was your primary motivation for visiting Iraq?

MY: I wanted to know the truth and felt like I was not getting it from the news.

SBN: You have traveled extensively throughout the country, but seem to have found a home with Deuce Four in Mosul. Can you explain why?

MY: Yes: Mosul is critical to the success in Iraq, and our forces were fighting some of the most serious battles here. I wanted to see how our forces were doing, and I wanted to see what was happening on the big picture. Were we winning, or losing? I can answer all of these questions now. Our forces are well equipped and morale is high, and definitely are winning in Mosul. When the Iraqi government is sufficiently empowered, the Iraqi people will once again be able to take control of their lives, and we can go home.

SBN: What has been your best day?

MY: That day has not come yet. But it will be the day when I know that we can start pulling out troops because the Iraqis are taking control of their own lives. I have not had any great days in Iraq, except for perhaps Election day in January. Actually, that was an incredible day. I was astonished at the turn out. That was my only fabulous day here. The rest of the days, I wish I were somewhere else. But this is important and we need to see this through.

SBN: What has been your worst day?

MY: The days that I have seen Iraqi children killed have been the worst. Those days bother me more than when I see our own soldiers killed, and those are themselves horrible days. Seeing American soldiers killed or grievously wounded, I just try to put that out of my mind. Children screaming from burns caused by terrorists is most distressing.

SBN: In your experience, what is the disposition of the majority of Iraqis towards Americans?

MY: This depends on the part of the country. In some areas, the put up with us as a temporary inconvenience, but they are happy the Coalition uprooted the old government. In other places, they will kill us if given the chance. But in yet other places, Americans are treated as honored guests, almost as royalty. Such as in the Kurdish areas. It's hard to eat a meal in a restaurant there without a Kurdish man paying the tab. Taxi drivers often refuse to take money. They just say, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. No money please. Bye Bye!" So grateful!

SBN: Are you aware of how important your reporting has become to the families back home, and how has that affected you?

MY: I have become increasingly aware. I have to be careful that the families do not see me as a lifeline, for I am apt to up and move to a different sector. We have a lot troops in harm's way, and not all are in Stryker Brigades.

But knowing that the families read my work has definitely added responsibility to the task.

SBN: What has been your favorite experience observing the Stryker troops interacting with locals Mosul?

MY: That our soldiers are making progress! One of my favorite things to see with soldiers is that they can be in a full-on lethal fight with terrorists, then maybe five or ten minutes later, some Iraqi kid is waving at a soldier and the soldier waves back and smiles. The Iraqi kids are great, and they definitely boost morale. They definitely boost my morale.

SNB: How has your prior military service benefited you in your current assignment?

MY: I know the names of the weapons and all the ranks.

SBN: Have you developed any long-term friendships while you've been there? If so, do you find it difficult to distance yourself from your subject at times?

MY: Yes and yes. This is war and it's important. I am American writing about Americans at war. I do not pretend not to have bias. I am certain that I have made some friendships that will last through the years.

SBN: Will be returning to the States when Deuce Four re-deploys?

MY: For a short time. I need to re-outfit. Much of my gear needs to be revamped, and I want a good meal.

SBN: If so, what are your future plans? Can we look forward to a book based on your experiences with the Stryker Brigade?

MY: You look forward to a book. I will return to Iraq for the elections, and over to Afghanistan.