TWO STORIES OF AMERICAN VETERANS

In two similar stories accounted by the vets in the Iraqi and Vietnam War they were there in the moment yet, have very different items that they focus on during their commentary. The Iraq incident was recalled by tehgyb following a complaint about one particular incident that happen where two American soldiers died and six were injured. The newspapers made the incident to where journalists added their own twist to the story; much of which was just to promote or protest the war in Iraq. However, according to this soldier the article was completely false in stating that American soldiers spat on and slapped an Iraqi person. According to this soldier, what really happened was that they arrived at their checkpoint that was being used as an outpost for military. The attendant let the soldiers in and then excused himself to go the restroom. From there, everything happened very fast in this soldiers perception. As the soldiers poured into the courtyard to provide military protection, one group was taken into a tent to be briefed. While in the tent, they heard a shot, then a pause and then a long series of shots that came from an AK47 nearby. Lastly, shots were heard as American soldiers responded with a long string of M4 carbines. Then there was nothing but silence. As the troop ran outside to see what happened they found that the Pvt Muhammad Abdullah al-Hadidi was killed instantly but left two soldiers dead and six more injured. Soldiers coming out to see what happened were prepared for a fight but the incident was over. There could be no determination why this Iraqi soldier starting shooting at people; speculation was that a higher funding agent to kill an American soldier approached him. In conclusion, the soldiers recounts the details about the two soldiers who gave their life that day, one only 21 years and the other only 23 years old (A Personal Account From a Veteran of the Conflict in Iraq). A recollection of the Vietnam War vet from his time there includes such vivid imaginary that you almost feel that you are there with him. His name is Albert French and describes the aspects of how dark and rainy it would get and how scary the night was as you tried to get some rest. He describes the landscape around them as how you just prayed to stay alive in the dark. Most soldiers thought about how they were just going to die and waited for it every second of the day. He describes how other cope with the situation by carrying a cross with
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TWO STORIES OF AMERICAN VETERANS

them or a bible to which the author states was just an illusion as they were all going to die there anyway. Mr. French speaks of talking to God a lot during that time period hoping his prayers were being heard long enough for him to get a few hours of sleep. The descriptions by the two men are drastically different (French). Troops from Vietnam and Iraq are like night and day according to those who have been in both places as military intelligence. See the following chart for a comparison.

Comparison between Vietnam War and the War in Iraq

Vietnam The Vietnamese did not know that the Americans were there to help them. Country was totally divided and took out their frustrations on the returning soldiers. Traumatized all over again upon returning from Vietnam Iraq Appreciated by society in Iraq overall Warm reception from the American public due to both the military and society understanding why they are in Iraq. This was not the case in Vietnam. Better attitude from the American public all around but most importantly to be there to support a soldier when they arrive home All are volunteer instead of being drafted More knowledge on PTSD and use precautionary symptoms and only mandate a one year term Interesting to see how women will react to PTSD and that will reflect the numbers New drug addiction on anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants and pain pills soldiers just want to continue meds and not see and talk to a therapist

Troops were drafted Not much knowledge about PTSD

No women allowed in combat

Different kind of drug addiction illegal kind that got them into trouble with the law

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TWO STORIES OF AMERICAN VETERANS

Attacks made generally are made outside of the inner barriers for soldiers. Soldiers who have served in both wars attribute that we should be there and they understand the reason. POW camps were extremely prominent No such thing in Iraq as they do not for human life at all. The army was mostly males soldiers Females are not fighting alongside men in this war. Had to use the Heuy helicopter which Now they have the Black Hawk which, was shot at and crashed frequently although larger is less prone to crashing and if so, protects the soldiers inside the chopper. No such thing as GPS Better technology that allows for better production of troops Never planned a chopper attack Chopper missions are planned out would get up in the morning and be sometimes weeks in advance as flight sent off after a very brief. procedures have become better since first using the Heuy. Soldiers were shot at during every This is not the case in this war mission. soldiers do not have that overwhelming fear as they enter out on a mission. (A Personal Account From a Veteran of the Conflict in Iraq). (Komarow, 2005). There are some major differences as you can see by the chart. According to the vets that have served in both wars, there is definitely a different societal support than during Vietnam as society not only embraces them but their families as well while they are away (Komarow, 2005). References
A Personal Account From a Veteran of the Conflict in Iraq. (n.d.). Retrieved from Hub Pages Web site: http://tehgyo.hubpages.com/hub/iraqstory Page 3 of 4

Vietcong was a tougher more tenacious army as they attacked from within the walls. Previous vets knew they were going to lose the Vietnam war

TWO STORIES OF AMERICAN VETERANS

Alandydy, P. (n.d.). Troops from Ira & Afghanistan Different from Vietnam. Retrieved from Bellenruthnaparstek Web site: http://belleruthnaparstek.com/update-from-belleruth/troops-from-iraq-afghanistan-present-differentchallenges-from-vietnam-vets.html French, A. (n.d.). Reflections on a War. Retrieved from PBS Web site: http://pbs.org/wbh/amex/Vietnam/relfect/french.html Komarow, S. (2005, June 21). USA Today.com - Vietname vets in Iraq see "entirely different war". Retrieved from USA Today Web site: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2005-06-20-iraq-vietnam-vets_x.htm

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