Guard reflects on experiences in Iraq

November 17, 2005

As they settle back into their normal lifestyles, several members of the 278th Regimental Combat Team took time last week to chat with the Independent Herald about their experiences in Iraq.

Soldiers from the 278th have been filtering back into Scott County for the last two weeks, following an 18-month period of active duty that included 12 months in Iraq.

The soldiers talked about a variety of topics, from the widespread poverty in Iraq — “I had never seen poverty until I saw Iraq,” Sgt. Tom Tinin said — to the media’s failure to portray the good things happening in Iraq — “People aren’t seeing the good things; we see what they’re doing,” Sgt. Tom Stephens said.

The soldiers also discussed the challenges of being separated from home and family for a year and a half, the quick switch from a soldier in active combat duty back to a normal civilian lifestyle, and the support they received from the local community while they were serving in the Middle East.

One subject each soldier spoke of was the “good things” that are happening in Iraq.

“We are doing a lot of positive things,” CW2 Paul Buttram said.. “We’re building a lot of schools. We’re opening a lot of wells in impoverished places. All you’re seeing on TV is the roadside bombs, people that are blowing themselves up. You don’t see the kids running out there and giving us a thumbs up.”

The soldiers’ stories are presented in a special, four-page section included in this edition of the Independent Herald (see page C1).

newsroom@ihoneida.com

Enjoy the Independent Herald? Have it delivered to your door! Click here for details.