Iraq 20 years later: 3 vets reflect on the war they fought | Nightline

Twenty years after they were first deployed to Iraq, three Marines speak candidly about their experiences and the lasting toll of the war.
WATCH NIGHTLINE EPISODES:
abc.go.com/shows/nightline
ALSO AVAILABLE ON HULU: hulu.tv/2wSmSrZ
#nightline #veterans #iraq

[@AlmaDrid-Satchitananda]

The fact that around 400,000 Iraqis lost their lives is the telling factor. The vast majority innocent civilians all of sudden caught up in a situation from which they had no control.

[@societyreborn33]

Easily over 1 million dead

[@Kingishumble]

This is why the Mexican people doesn’t want the US military on their territory

[@alexandrasymeon5893]

No, it was over 1 million innocent civilians, most of them women and children.

[@NeoFreshair]

1 million children died from economic sanctions alone after Kuwait invasion!! And the US administration using same sanctions against Cuba, Venezuela, Sudan, Yemen, North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan under Taliban, and now Russia!!! Why? To change regimes and replace them with puppet regimes!!

[@mihaelbitola3812]

More than 90% of the victims were civilians, and about 30% of the victims were children. And they killed more than 1 milion people in Iraq.

[@ReasonNotFightFlight]

I was on a plane about a week ago and some old fella sitting beside me started telling me how stupid the invasion of Iraq had been and how beautiful the country was when his military unit went in. I couldn't figure out why he was telling me this but now I see it was anniversary time. "There are no winners in war, only widows and orphans."

[@secrets.295]

There are winners. America stole hundreds of billions of dollars worth of oil. In Afghanistan, American military base was located next to the biggest poppy field in the world. Go figure.

[@jonkennedy6595]

Exactly can we chat please

[@matthewtonkovich8709]

He just wanted somebody to hear his recall. Thank you for listening to him

[@muntajibkhan4986]

And widows start masturbating.

[@mrb2643]

Yall want sympathy? We want justice in this world or the next

[@mustafamohammed8758]

"The wars will end and the leaders will shake hands, and that old woman will remain waiting for her martyred son, and that girl will wait for her beloved husband, and the children will wait for their heroic father, I do not know who sold the homeland but I know who paid the price" - Mahmoud Darwish

[@thefriendlypsychopath3894]

Who killed them?

[@markstewart4501]

Capitalism has no "moral" code or identity. It will buy and sell children for any and all horrors. We push some capitalism into "black markets", but we do that SOCIALLY. Society DOES and CAN decide how we choose to treat each other...Currently, the USA in one of the countries that chooses to use mass death and mass fear to get what it wants. Cheaper oil prices. Cheap exploitative labor. Dumb toxic chemicals into drinking water in foreign lands, because its cheaper. It's not 'who' sold the homeland, it's 'what' WE sold the homeland for. This is called GREED.

[@Alan_Masters21]

@@thefriendlypsychopath3894 in the context of Mahmoud Darwish, the Israelis

[@emeyeare]

Wow

[@RUSure-jm9rp]

You’re still lying to yourselves. You went there for the business of oil, your friends and the people of Iraq died because some people wanted their oil and used you as a tool to get control of it.

[@josefadams647]

That US Colonel is full of it. He is saying what his masters want him. You think he’s gonna say that the war wasn’t legit being active in the military?! A career man? 😂

[@elanguevara1]

Everyone has a choice. God will judge him accordingly!

[@Vampybattie]

True 😂

[@Jay-jb2vr]

Political Correctness goes a long way

[@pepperachu]

The way he smiled when he answered, "love" was creepy

[@EckRD]

At that time( 2002-2008), a lot of people were ready to volunteer during high school and out for blood. Like me.

[@Oceansta]

Imagine what the Iraqis went through if you think it was that bad for the aggressors.

[@usernameanon3111]

They don’t care. They view us middle easterns as subhumans so what’s the problem if 400k subhumans living in a desert die but god forbid one of our soldiers can’t sleep at night because of the Atrocities they committed 😥

[@BigKnecht]

These evil, whining self pitying demons don't care about their victims. Only about themselves.

[@secrets.295]

​@@BigKnechtExactly. I am so sick with Americans and how they always play victim even though they were the devil.

[@dertypderhalt]

​@@BigKnechttalking about americans?

[@user-td2jw9ze2c]

​@@dertypderhalti think so

[@tacklengrapple6891]

There’s always context left out when talking about the US military volunteers of the early 00’s. Most of their early childhood was the super patriotic Reagan/GI Joe 80’s or Gulf War era. Then in high school or middle school the WW2 media explosion of the late 90’s kicks off with ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and a million movies, video games, shows and books building up military service, patriotism, and the sacrifices of ‘the Greatest Generation’ come out and permeate the culture. Then a couple years later 9/11 happens when they’re either college age or near the end of high school. Of course many of them joined up, seemingly oblivious to what had been learned by the Vietnam generation the hard way. I was twenty when 9/11 happened, and seriously considered joining when I was in college at the time. However, I had been such a military history nerd, had read everything from ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ to Vietnam era books like ‘Dispatches’ since I was very young that I just didn’t bite the bait. I already knew about the Pentagon Papers, and what my government was capable of sacrificing for economic interests and unreachable political goals. Everything I’ve seen play out in Afghanistan and Iraq since then tells me I made the right decision. This generation of soldiers was used for political and monetary gain by elites in the political and industrial power class, at the costs of thousands of lives, both US and Iraqi, and none of the people responsible for the decisions ever faced any consequences. Amazing…

[@captainpawpawchannel]

So true. Itwould not have happened if USA was a real democracy

[@XBKLYN]

Truth......and the irony today is when the Cheney family says they want to save you from MAGA you know you've sunk to the lowest level possible.

[@LetGo0007]

Thank you for the brief history about the movies, videos games, and military celebrities/characters. That is important context 🙏

[@J.Wick.]

This is a perfect description of that time, and it's media. Excellent fill in of extremely important context.

[@markstewart4501]

You forgot to mention 80% of Americans identified as "Christian". For the dullards, this means it WAS NOT the other religious groups or the the atheist choosing the U.S. leadership. Christians sold their souls to Capitalism in the 80's. The irony that an actor from hollywood convinced those now fox news watching folks.

[@zimhoungz3438]

Who’s going to tell the story of the innocent people they killed and terrorized?

[@realnapster1522]

Not US media. They never tell American public about their war crimes abroad 😢

[@realnapster1522]

It’s funny how Americans are now calling Putin a war criminal. Hypocrisy should have some limits. 😂

[@ela5746]

Yeah, there are hundreds of thousands of stories missing in these interviews coming out. Like the one of Samar Hassan, whose innocent parents were shot and killed by US troops in front of her as a 5 year old, and of her 11 year old brother who was also shot but survived and was left paralysed. The photo of her covered in blood immediately after the incident many would be familiar with as it has become one of the most influential historical photos of all time. Although it is overwhelming to think that her story exists not only in the hundreds of thousands of deaths which her parents were part of but in the millions of Iraqis who were witnesses, relatives, friends of these people. Iraqis were, as you said, terrorised on a scale that completely eclipses the couple thousand casualties of the Coalition. Of course every death is a tragedy and America rightfully feels great loss and pain from this war, but it feels absurd to completely ignore the further horrors which largely make up the real story of the Iraq War.

[@secrets.295]

It always amazes me that Americans always see themselves as victims even though they are the monster 😂

[@tabo01]

@@secrets.295 And then we make movies about how we are victims. Priceless.

[@christonngoveni8438]

Captain Johnson saying the war was worth it just to keep his position in the Military. Look at his mouth and eyes, full of horror and terror, i wish him a good state of mind.

[@catherinealexander6705]

No he said it was worth it because of the way Hussain abused his people. Husan cast is on people while drinking in his religious. Don't forget the facts

[@916Pashok]

Colonel now

[@MB-rq4ss]

Captain Johnson is a Soulless human being. No regrets after freeing the people of Irak from a tirant by humiliating then and killing then on the order of Liar and war criminal Bush.

[@zacharydavidvbangura9873]

I hope he repent.

[@etheu9sby292]

Or he might believe it.

[@corneliusrupert7354]

"WAR is a RACKET. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives." - Two Time Medal of Honor Recipient USMC Major General Smedley Butler (1935)

[@soledieairvideos5974]

What a man! It’s sand that it took him so many years carrying out the empire’s bidding but I’m glad that he eventually learned the truth and used the rest of his years to fight against it.

[@Jack-oz4bf]

Thank you for posting this and I say this as a Marine.

[@jayklink851]

If you were to buy $10,000 in stock of America's top five defense contractors on September 10th, 2001;15 years later, that initial 10k investment, after dividends, would be worth $100,0000. There is an article explaining somewhere out there out there. On a side note, my uncle participated in the invasions; not as infantrymen, but in a support role, he was there for 18 months straight. When he retired, he was in parts and acquisitions for a Forward support Company. And according to him, they would buy thousands of screw drivers (in bulk) for $70 a piece. A civilian, however, could by those same screwdrivers, with the exact same model number, at Walmart for $8.

[@rickycrawford9807]

@@jayklink851 my father deployed twice to iraq once to dismantle the Iraqi army and once to fight the foreign fighters who's sole purpose was to kill Americans the way the budget works is what you don't use you lose growing up on military bases we were buying vehicles almost every week just fill up the motor pool and they would sit there for years warehouses upon warehouses upon weapons and gear that just got moved around and was never issued anywhere it's amazing how money works in a war and in a military budget I remember listening in while soldiers complained about their brothers being killed because of inadequate vehicles and how the politicians put the MRAP truck on hold for years we spend billions of dollars but it's never in the interest of our troops or the citizens alot of men would be alive today and a lot more would have all their limbs it's infuriating

[@peni1641]

Ik someone who served in Iraq, they said it was just business & confirmed they something in the opium poppy fields, but they didn't have jurisdiction to get involved.

[@GoldenBloodyBeared]

what about the media's role in all of this? a bit of self reflection never hurts

[@fluxcapacitor1621]

Republicans are to blame.

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Absolutely!

[@IceAxe1940]

​@@fluxcapacitor1621 Oh piss off both Democrats and Republicans have blood on their hands, your daddy Biden was very supportive of this war so was Hitleray.

[@realnapster1522]

Media, politicians, public. All of those people who went ahead with this war crime.

[@revj7397]

LOL nobody reflects their own mistake

[@MightyTiki]

War is a terrible human experience that no one should have to experience, regardless if you wear a uniform or just an innocent bystander. I hope all that were involved in Iraq: combatants, insurgents, civilians, and anyone who experienced this horrific event are able to find some comfort and peace. Great story ABC.

[@cashewnuttel9054]

But sometimes countries get what they want via war. Also, why become a soldier if you can't handle it. A soldier is paid to follow orders, if those orders involves killing 10 pregnant women you do it because that is your job.

[@feeedom]

For US and EU its business.for their life

[@feeedom]

@Joe Mama but it happen ad real that EU aand US need war for their economy, and interest. They can product weapon and sell it to the other country.

[@meself349]

Georgie Bush never had to worry about finding equanimity again after the horrors of a war that he created but got to watch at a same distance along with the rest of his family. Apparently being a bona fide war criminal who invaded another country for no legitimate reason never seemed to have weighed too heavily on his conscience. Enjoying his retirement now playing golf and painting his stupid paintings.

[@FaceFcuk]

Bush and Blair should be in prison

[@h.b.7104]

Proud of the Iraqi people for resisting the illegal invasion of their country. They are the heroes.

[@felizamarro1508]

They are the true victims. The rich countries really need to change their narrative.

[@catherinealexander6705]

Too bad Hassan invited the United States to invade him for gassing his people

[@cashewnuttel9054]

@@felizamarro1508 I will say this every time I see comments like this: they won't. The only way to make them change their ways is if they get invaded, defeated, and surrender on their soil.

[@claudiaclaudia936]

@@cashewnuttel9054 never fold never bend =W

[@WJWeber]

I’d do it again

[@samnous2002]

The two reasons for the invasion did not include "removing a dictator and freeing his people," especially because it was the US that had helped Saddam to power to begin with. The two reasons were that Saddam was linked to Al-Qaeda and that he had weapons of mass destruction. Both of them were false allegations. Just like the Vietnam war before it and the Afghanistan war after it, the US lost that war.

[@brentdavidson1]

truth and adds to the lack of accountability the US media has held to political leaders

[@nothere4089]

the real reasons were to remove saddam. as iraq was a threat to Israel and the Saudis. in addition to open the iraq oil to international markets and bring them back to the petrodollar rather than the iraqis trying to sell the oil under the petroeuro to dodge sanctions.

[@bipslone8880]

@@brentdavidson1 How about the people that signed up for this illegal war..... all these people seem to lack of accountability

[@secrets.295]

Removing a dictator? U really think this is the reason? If that's the case then go and remove Kim Jogn Un and Xi Jin Ping. But no, America is a coward. They only bully weak nations. Whether Saddam is a dictator or not that is none of America's business. The real reason is because Israhell wants Saddam out. Saddam is a threat to Israhell and they don't like it so they created the 9/11 when it's obvious that they are the ones responsible for the attack. And now Israhell wants Iran out.

[@adewilson132]

@@bipslone8880keep crying.

[@miriamwells35]

My grandfather was suicidal starting about 20 years after his service in WW2 fighting the Japanese in SE Asia and then as part of occupation forces there for several years, going into Nagasaki shortly after bomb was dropped there. What disturbed him more than the war itself were the business deals being made both before and after the war.

[@supermanny865]

It's sad that the captain doesn't regret the Iraq invasion. How does he sleep at night knowing he and his colleagues killed a million innocent people

[@916Pashok]

Colonel

[@catherinealexander6705]

He doesn't regret it because he knows it had to be done. Hassan was having us seeing pictures of dogs with little bandanas being ghast with cyanide gas to scare USA. He killed five thousand of his own his own blood. I wouldn't regret it either. Getting rid of a madman that's going to kill off his own people wow he's trying to kill versus regret no-brainer.

[@cashewnuttel9054]

A lot of people just don't have any conscience, like Himmler or Mao Zedong.

[@derrindouglas1936]

@@916Pashok you mean NZI

[@Tony-mq5yo]

He must be brained washed. Too much TV

[@jay_blade2819]

You could tell that marine colonel was wanting to tell the truth, but swore to never tell the truth.

[@user-vc5qk9tg7u]

with the amount of profits made, i too would lie my a55 off.

[@jay_blade2819]

@@user-vc5qk9tg7u money may seem good but at the end of the day you still will have guilty conscience especially when you lost friends over someone’s greed.

[@secrets.295]

The temptations of blood money was too hard to resist for him

[@adelinod.5568]

@@secrets.295 How much money does a US Marines Colonel make?

[@ElenaMZapata]

“If at the end of a war story you feel uplifted, or if you feel that some small bit of rectitude has been salvaged from the larger waste, then you have been made the victim of a very old and terrible lie.” Tim O'Brien

[@RUSure-jm9rp]

You’re still lying to yourselves. You went there for the business of oil, your friends and the people of Iraq died because some people wanted their oil and used you as a tool to get control of it.

[@victoriaw4137]

a beautifully raw segment, thank you for putting so much thoughtfulness into how to tell the story of such a difficult experience

[@nothere4089]

this is a bot account. probably run by the state department.

[@bipslone8880]

More difficult than the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraq civilians killed in this illegal war?

[@leolee5907]

So basically for every 100 U.S soldiers that died 4000 civilians was killed 😢😢😢😢 and in the end nobody won our troops were left traumatized with little to no help when they returned and Iraq was destroyed and yet to recover. No more wars #WorldPeace☮️ #PeaceOnEarth☮️

[@ashifabedin]

no mass weapons....just oil

[@tomedwards6354]

There were indeed WMDs. Millennials, the personification of evil. From provoking their classmates to shoot up the school to provoking the nation into Godless Wokeness.

[@mattyjay1711]

no creativity, just another unoriginal statement.

[@RobertK1993]

Got there ahead of China

[@anticoomer]

Not even about the oil. Literally all for Israel

[@realnapster1522]

It’s funny how Americans are now calling Putin a war criminal. Hypocrisy should have some limits. 😂

[@marc2638]

I was there 19 years ago in April. Spent 17 months in Iraq and like that marine put it, I've been in the deep end ever since. I did a total of 6 deployments 3 of which were in the middle east. Nothings been the same nothing ever will be the same that's just the way it is now. One thing I try not to do is stop and look back, I a get lost.

[@thebronzetoo]

Keep your chin up, brother. Keep the faith and keep looking forward.

[@thebronzetoo]

@@TR8jhlo He had more than 17 months of service, dumb fk. Learn how to read.

[@emeyeare]

Brother God knows what’s in ur heart and ur intentions. We all make mistakes, if you’re truly sorry for ur mistakes He will forgive you…u wanted to help, maybe u were tricked by the ones starting the wars…they will pay for all of what they’ve done, in Iraq and to the vets who have to suffer for the experience…those ppl who sacrificed all that to make their pockets fatter

[@roberthernandez1141]

Appreciate u brother

[@alfonsoramirez367]

I been thinking off joining the marine corps

[@battlechaser9]

I can't believe it's been 20 years. Its funny how a few images brings so much memories back. I remember 9-11 and how I wanted vengeance. I remember when we were in Kuwait waiting to crossover. MOPP 2 for almost a month, that sandstorm, the confusion getting to the objectives, the people hurt, the elation that we were in Baghdad, the audacity of driving around Baghdad with a soft humvee with no doors, the shots coming from nowhere, the RPGs, the IEDs, going back, different RoEs, uncertain missions, making and losing friends, coming home, finding out about the lie, the betrayal, the detachments. There's always a question in my mind being in multiple OIF and OEF deployments, what was the point?

[@claudiaclaudia936]

WAR GAMES=DESERT TRAINING

[@GweGwe-lu9ob]

All lies. The war on terror is a lie. 4,000 American soldiers died and millions of dollars and innocents for what nothing. They didn’t knock down the twin towers we all know who did.

[@John-ct9zs]

When you were there, did it ever occur to you that you are seeking vengeance on the wrong people? Iraq didn't attack America on 9-11. Most of the hijackers were Saudis, but we didn't go attack them, oh wait that's right they are our customers/partners in OIL.

[@Berm_Blaster]

Regardless, thank you for your sacrifice and service. One question, what was it like being in that massive sandstorm? I can't imagine.

[@Benshafran]

when Iraq entered Kuwait, America became angry and sent troops, at this time Russia entered Ukraine, and America was powerless, why? now you have an equal opponent militarily, that's why america is afraid to interfere. LoL

[@neelysipes7793]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@sendittobrandon2012]

It’s crazy I just turned 24 I’m almost done with college. And I’ve been seriously considering joining doing my part while I’m still young and able too. But that guy literally said “I felt like I sold my body”

[@sartajaziz5930]

Take my advice and don't. Just trust me.

[@tts1551]

hey brother, please, don't do it.. you'll be fighting wars that are not yours

[@soldieron9965]

Don’t do it, unless you’re going to get a profesión out of it. Or you wanna be in the rear with the gear, lol, Don’t just be canon fodder.

[@johncelis2746]

As an Army Vet just got out the Military 4 months ago. I highly advise you to not join the military. Its not worth dealing with leaders that don’t give 2 shits about you. Please pursue your civilian dreams brotha

[@RamSoulja86]

I'm currently serving. YES, the military can take you places and COULD give you a jumpstart in life, but at what COST. I never agreed with going into Iraq as a response for 9/11. Funny thing is I felt that way as a teen in HS. I joined the Army in 2004 as a means to support myself because I believed that no one was going to or able to support me. There are good AND bad people in and around the military. So if you do join, be smart about your choices and remember that PEOPLE are the reason the military gets the black eyes it gets. PEOPLE!

[@ferminchapa6254]

I went to Iraq In 04-05, I needed to hear this.

[@Nnnnnnnnnn2001]

What does this mean

[@ahmedelnoshokaty4002]

Proud of the resisting Iraqi people against the illegal invasion

[@ReneMacias1978]

So you're proud of the insurgents who killed over 100 thousand Iraqi civilians with IED's and suicide bombs? 🖕

[@nothere4089]

@@ReneMacias1978 as you american scum say, "collateral damage., our deepest thoughts and prayers." also, nice figure of 100k, cia give it to you. ahahah yankee rat

[@ialokinnefah]

Do you think it would feel bizarre watching Russian soldiers being interviewed 20 years from now saying "It was worth it" when being asked about invading Ukraine? Yes? Watching all those veteran interviews coming out recently is exactly how it feels for much of the world today.

[@pocu321]

Actually....interview veterans of the Soviet-Afghan war....

[@anthonyrez7000]

its like if russia took over canada or mexico and put warheads and military bases on your doorstep. What would you do if you were russia? You have to protect your people, america and the UN has gone too far.

[@stormysky5177]

Let me borrow from James Bond movie dialogue, "....Think on your sins", the US and NATO. On this Ukraine Russia war, If you have not pushed the red line, none of this would have happen. Let me remind all this self righteous American, when the Soviet deployed missiles in Cuba so close to the American soil, WTF did you American threatened to do?

[@AHappyCub]

As much as i dislike the current conflict in Ukraine, the majority of the blame belongs to the US and its puppets for pressuring Russia while acting innocent to the world, people forget that NATO is a military alliance to counter the USSR, now USSR was generally neutral at first, but the moment West Germany became part of it, USSR formed the Warsaw pact, and the fact that NATO still exist AND expanding to this day understandably worries Russia, especially how exposed their heartland is historically. I also would like to emphasize that there is no such thing as right or wrong in diplomacy and relations between nations, and it is completely different to relations between 2 or more people

[@user-bs6bs1fq6i]

They won't be alive yo hice any interviews

[@Soulessdeeds]

I haft to wonder how much of that officers answer about the war is due to him still being in uniform vs becoming a veteran. I have to think inside he might have a different answer. When I deployed to Iraq for the first ever rotation in. I also thought we were there to help and do good. And after I left I knew they hated our guts. All of my uncles x2 stories who served in the Marines during Vietnam. Their stories range hard in my mind. I did 3 tours in Iraq with the first two being hard tours, allot of funerals. The 3rd was my last as I was injured. After how Iraq ended. I honestly don't feel any of it was worth the lives of my friends. I feel like their lives were thrown away in another pointless war we should have never been in. Afghanistan was just Vietnam 3 at this point. And now people want to throw our nations kids into another war over seas. Maybe 2 wars at the same time. Its just insane how ok we are with this in the US these days.

[@exelsuremovers8889]

you are a fucked up human being if you only care about how the war took the lives of just your friends. how about the innocent Iraqis, or the country you destroyed? you deserve the injury and your friends deserve the death. I pray your friends' deaths was under painful circumstances. you imperialist swine

[@soledieairvideos5974]

Yeah it makes me so angry that people are trying to push into a war with China. Why can’t we just mind our own affairs here at home?

[@c2ccontracting47]

''And now people want to throw our nations kids into another war over seas.'' Thankfully there's no chance US troops will fight Russians in Ukraine, if that's what you mean.

[@secrets.295]

It's unbelievable how ignorant u are even after serving. Saddam was ruthless because he had to be. The Kurds hated him back then, now they are crying for him to come back from the dead. That is something u Americans will never understand because life is so easy for u. U live in your own little bubble with your privileged lifestyle. U don't have a problem so u create problems. America invaded Iraq, killing millions, forever destroying Iraq's economy, stealing hundreds of billions of oil revenue and then only to replace Saddam with somebody 50x worse. Its not enough that you create problems at home, you have to create problems in other countries as well. And here you are feeling sorry about young privileged Americans who are about to be drafted. How about showing some sympathy about the millions of lives lost that you participated in.

[@saadx7724]

It wasnt worth the lives of your friends? The people who voluntarily joined, of course not. But what about the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi lives lost, and the millions of lives ruined, people who had no choice in the matter, do they hold any value?

[@michaeltudda8462]

I remember this specific gentleman Mr. Smith. I was not in the war, but I remember this scene. I am Navy Veteran, Semper Fi.

[@mcboyz1173]

His daughter is beautiful and looks like her father. Thank you sir for giving your time and life on behalf of the country we live.

[@classicjonesy]

I live a world away from both USA and Iraq but I'm in tears watching this.. RIP Edwards /salute

[@logank444]

As a Navy Veteran you suffer not just from combat but the loss of identity when you get home. I loved the Navy and when I became a civilian it took years to recover. I know combat just intensifies that feeling of loneliness and isolation. I've known a few guys who have committed suicide.

[@secrets.295]

Those committed suicide are the punishment for them after committing war crimes over an unjust war

[@logank444]

@@secrets.295 But we serviced in Japan on the ocean, never seen combat or fought in war

[@rael5469]

"I loved the Navy and when I became a civilian it took years to recover." What??? Why ???

[@rael5469]

@@logank444 " But we serviced in Japan on the ocean, never seen combat or fought in war" Then what is all the mental anguish about? ...for crying out loud.

[@logank444]

@@rael5469 I honestly don't know, veterans of every branch have high suicides rates like really high. I believe it's the loss of identity and the loss of your group. You become so close to people, more than friends or family. You have the best and worst days of your life with these people. Then when you're done it's over in a blink. The military doesn't give you the skills to be a civilian and in America a civilian life is really very lonely

[@coastcity7029]

It's terribly sad, and a national disgrace, that these vets felt abandoned and so misunderstood when they returned home. Our country faced the same mental health issues when troops came back from the Vietnam War. I've worked with many Vietnam veterans, and it's disturbing how similar their experiences and sentiments are to these men's.

[@onedey-2229]

That is karma, God never sleep.

[@secrets.295]

Who gives an F over these soldiers? These are the faces of murderers and r*pists. F them. Millions of Iraqis died in these soldiers hands. To hell with them. Lol.

[@Chatterbox-94]

Iraq was my generation’s Vietnam. I’ll always look at it that way. Soldiers die from suicide not just because of PTSD. But because they weren’t greeted with respect, only judgement, and disagreement.

[@bipslone8880]

Screw all of these war criminals..... hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraq civilians dead.... blood on their hands.... don't ever try and pass the buck..... If you were involved in the Iraq war, you are a war crimininal.

[@secrets.295]

​@@Chatterbox-94Soldiers are treated like angels in America with everybody saying "thank you for your services" when they are worse than the devil themselves.

[@BaNDA-0]

युद्ध से कभी किसी का भला नहीं हुआ और न आगे होगा सबसे ज्यादा क्षति आम लोगों की होती है जो मर गए या विस्थापन का दंश झेलते हैं

[@bigkushyindustriesllc5710]

It sure benefitted the US economy following the Great Depression

[@FirstLast-db1uf]

@@bigkushyindustriesllc5710 gawd bless Murica

[@johanvoellner1849]

I also have a lot of empathy for that kid, god bless him.

[@bipslone8880]

More difficult than the hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraq civilians killed in this illegal war? F every American involved in this illigal war

[@PenelopePitstop888]

So much love and respect for those who went through this war and hope these veterans can heal.

[@bipslone8880]

BS..... war criminals

[@secrets.295]

Why should u give an F over a few thousand soldiers? You should be sad over the millions of Children who died, left orphaned and left hungry thanx to this proxy war.

[@PenelopePitstop888]

@@secrets.295 how was the war in Iraq a proxy war? And it's people like you who think they can dictate how someone else feels or thinks who is the danger to all.

[@ismailibrahim9308]

@@PenelopePitstop888 the US invaded Iraq because sadam was dictator right then why the could'nt do the same to Russia and Putin, u cowards just targeting weak countries bulshit

[@secrets.295]

​@@PenelopePitstop888It was a proxy war because the US is only going to war for Isra-hell. Just look at their daily newspaper back in the early 2000s. Their headlines are always, who should we go to war with next? Should we go to war with Iraq or Iran? If we go to war with them will America back us? Ever since you people created the state of Isra-hel the middle east has been a living hell and to this day you are still giving billions to Isra-hel every single year so that they an kil" more people. And btw, I have been to Iraq during the height of the war as a non American humanitarian worker. American soldiers are EVIL. I saw one incident where a young girl was r@#$ by multiple soldiers at a back alley. It was traumatizing and I will never forget it. I am not telling you how to think, I am telling you I am disgusted that you showed sympathy to the vets who are war criminals, while showing zero sympathy towards the civilians.

[@sonnyanaya1877]

It’s crazy it’s been 14 years since I returned from afghan. I always think about my deployment but watching this video makes it feel like it was yesterday.

[@secrets.295]

You are a murderer. I hope u have a miserable life

[@CommonSenses101]

No single politicians are held accountable for this unjustified war. So many Iraqi citizens, soldiers and Americans soldiers died based on a fat lie. 😢

[@Propain4eva]

A message to Americans: Always question your government. Never let them have full control. Be grateful you have that freedom

[@BamaFanUSMC]

1sgt your daughter is beautiful and she's doing something for her community and that started all from you......RIP

[@SeanSalas]

“Probably some of the Iraqis wonder why we are force feeding them this system meanwhile back home our system it self is broken.”

[@HighwayLand]

My Grandpa was a Marine back in Korea, and I always looked up to him for what he did for our Country. I wanted to be like him, I almost joined the Marines right out of high school back in 1999, but my Grandpa told me that if I stayed home that he would cover all my college expenses. I never did join the Marines, instead I did two years Pensacola Christian College and two years at Rogue Community College, and here I am 20 years later as a Paramedic in Medford, Oregon. My Grandpa saved my life, his actions kept me out of harm's way. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this .

[@michaeldalton8374]

What did he do for your country in Korea? Nothing but more death for profit was accomplished there.

[@coachprescott72]

Powerful video

[@patrick4662]

This is so beautiful… and so tragic

[@Massomvlog]

They have killed millions of children... And they are still free... How injustice!!!

[@lcmlcm2460]

I’m blown away by the suicide rate and homelessness percentage. Kinda pisses me off

[@suckthis1152]

When people murder women and children they sold their soul to the devil and then he calls for it

[@fluxcapacitor1621]

Failed Republican policies in action.

[@tyronegreen6165]

Thank you............

[@moriah1394]

“No identity” that is what real ptsd does to a person.I hope we start caring about young children and adults with cPTSD and not “just” military casualties (also not assume all veterans were subjected to war nor in same way). The non active military in this video are still being brave speaking up and out now. Thank you.

[@gbb82]

I can’t believe it’s been 20 years already, 18 for me because I went there in 2005.

[@TheBellroc]

All for corrupt George bush

[@lilyaefjsfke7805]

It's been 18 for my father, he went there mid 2005.

[@whatsmikedoin]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice

[@secrets.295]

​@@whatsmikedoin For killing and r*ping people all over a war that was based on lies to begin with. What is there to thank?

[@equityjustice2695]

Really? 😕😒 Thanks for what? They are war criminals

[@AA-zs7jw]

US soldiers died for nothing. Iraqi people defended their land and they're the true heroes.

[@gamecraze3905]

The insurgents? Hell no! 95% of civilian deaths were because of them. The World isn’t black and white, especially when it comes to conflicts

[@gailcarey3597]

Thank you to all our veterans who left the comforts and support of home, missed birthdays, holidays, births and passings, and worked in intolerable situations under extraordinary stress; not the stress civilians claim to suffer. I apologize that when you returned we were oblivious to what the real world outside of our bubble is like. For those who make ignorant comments about your service you just have to consider the source. Maybe they will institute the Draft, again, and they’ll get it. All that aside, I pray for you and cannot imagine our country without you. We are far from what we could be as a nation, but it’s the one we have.

[@snock26]

all for oil

[@Rarediel]

thanks for what? What did we gain?

[@FancySeeingYouHere]

I love reading all these comments from people who have never seen war, never taken indirect or been in a firefight.

[@fuffoon]

I was so happy to be retiring when this was getting thick. I had no belief in the mission and used my time invested to follow my conscience. WMD my as.

[@RoadWarrior-lo9vt]

1st Sergeant Smith would be incredibly proud of his daughter. She is impressive.

[@user-vr9no9be4t]

my father served in iraq, British special forces. i've never met the man but the stories i was told. are crazy to me but yet he is also a inspo for me to enlist.

[@Tripod9648]

“Tho he still plays his guitar, the tone is different.” One of the most depressing quotes i’ll heard in a while…

[@Matice21]

Imagine going to war with your friends hoping to find these weapons of mass destruction and leave with the guilt of killing innocent civilians and coming home without your friends

[@MatthewNislein]

Col giving that answer trying to get promoted to Brigadier General 😂

[@j.a.3138]

Colonel

[@nndo6953]

yeah it is tough, i remember iraq and afghanistan almost everyday.

[@timwilson8247]

I graduated high school in may 03 so I remember watching Iraq war on tv my senior year of high school. I became a Marine sep 23rd 2003, then I deployed to Iraq in feb 2004. I was able to go to colllege and then medical school here in Birmingham..Iraq will always be part of me and who I am

[@michaeltudda8462]

Semper Fi, and thank you all (US Navy 88-92)

[@timwilson8247]

@@michaeltudda8462 Semper Fi to you my friend and thank you for your service

[@blacksilver9542]

Would ve been better to serve in McDonalds then invade other countries and kill their people

[@abdmuhaiminulislam8944]

What you did in Iraq, does God let you sleep at night??

[@goblue2155]

Imperialist

[@RamSoulja86]

Sooooooo for all the people commenting and expressing disdain against the US military, REMEMBER that the military ITSELF didn't make this decision to go to war with Iraq. You ALL know who started this. That man is still around if you believe he should be held accountable for his actions. Hell, I would NOT be the least bit surprised if you all voted for the guy!

[@pocu321]

""One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line." President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998. "If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program." President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998. "Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face." Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998. "He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983." Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998 "[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs." Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others Oct. 9, 1998. "Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process." Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998. He had a precedential cheering section...All of them are criminal.

[@fiv3passion968]

And who you think the military is working for? 🤡

[@ReneMacias1978]

The sad thing is they did vote for him. Or more specifically the aparatus that represents the deep/security state.

[@ReneMacias1978]

​@FIV3 Passion We work for the people of the United States through their elected representatives. We swore an oath to that. Not our fault our politicians are corrupt fools protected by a bought and paid for media industrial complex.

[@jmanj3917]

10:00 It was in the high twenties per day when I was retired from the military in 2015.

[@omarmaldonado9994]

All these vets with a guilty conscious

[@jnucleo]

Smedley Butler was the marine that had the courage to tell the truth of the wars he fought for. But the one the Marines never like to discuss.

[@armybeef68]

You know what, I'll do it for you, This is his military career, "Military career Spanish-American War Philippine-American War (On garrison duty with little to do, Butler turned to alcohol to relieve the boredom. He once became drunk and was temporarily relieved of command after an unspecified incident in his room) Boxer Rebellion Banana Wars (Butler participated in a series of occupations, "police actions" and interventions by the United States in Central America and the Caribbean, later called the Banana Wars because their goal was to protect American commercial interests in the region, particularly those of the United Fruit Company) Honduras Central America Veracruz Haiti I don't see any real war listed, and when I do, World War I This is what I read, "During World War I Butler was, to his disappointment, not assigned to a combat command on the Western Front. He made several requests for a posting in France, writing letters to his personal friend, Wendell Cushing Neville. While Butler's superiors considered him brave and brilliant, they described him as "unreliable" So you're quoting someone you know nothing about.

[@ReneMacias1978]

That's General Butler to you sir. The man who wrote; War is a racket..

[@lastpme]

I went to college with Colonel Terry Johnson…glad I came across this video.

[@BibleSamurai]

im glad i watched this

[@filthywings353]

I’ve seen enough “soldiers reflect” videos for one lifetime. Where is the video “ ABC editors reflect on the Iraq War?” Where is the video “Phil Donahue reflects on his firing from MSNBC for criticizing Bush”? Where is the video “How Knight Ridder tried to war about Iraq”?

[@zzulm]

Yes they promoted this war they have to be held accountable too.

[@FabledCity]

Watched this from my hotel room in Baghdad while visiting the city exactly 20 years later. These stories were touching, these all seem like great dudes who fulfilled a commitment they knew to be right and just, Saddam was a nightmare who in his past had used chemical weapons but the invasion was not justified then nor justifiable in hindsight now. Iraq is just now finally pulling itself out of this mess. And the war isn't totally over as about 2500 Americans are still here. It needs to be ok to both support these men and their valor while also condemning the war and its motives. This was the lesson we were supposed to have learned from Vietnam.

[@giampaolomannucci8281]

the only lessons the US learnt from Vietnam is how to make the war more lucrative and the troops less rebellious

[@nothere4089]

the chemical weapons were supplied by the US you clown. and they were used against the Iranians. and the us and the soviets both supported iraq at the time of the ir-iq was because they both wanted to stop the spread of shi'ite islam.

[@sagapoetic8990]

Iraq is hardly pulling itself out of this mess. FYI, our government initially supported Saddam -- we backed him at the expense of the UK-backed al Qassim and then we armed Saddam against Iran. Oops?

[@lazylad8544]

My daughter served in basra. She wasnt the same when she came home. Rip to ALL those who lost there lives.

[@touemma2399]

How could you say you are so proud for ye profession

[@mohammedashiq4749]

the newyork times video of the same was more clear that this ...the soldiers here suffer not just from the war but they actually found out they hit the wrong houses and targets and eliminated them...because they did as they were told...Sad part is they only got the time to heal themselves and not the victims...i hope some of them were true soldiers who did/do someting for the victims.

[@joelsolotv7960]

My hero is Spc. Clark Bco. 440th captains driver. We didn’t even get a chance to shoot back. He slowed down and drove near the shoulder of the road. Detonating a IED. December 5th 2003

[@GordieGoes]

I was over there in 2003 also.

[@Chatterbox-94]

It’s still hard to believe it’s been 20 years. I wish I understood the true reality of the Iraq war when I was a kid. Now at 28 I know that the war was 90% lies 10% truth.

[@funny573ff]

The worse part for a veteran is fighting for the man next to you, knowing you fought for Washington politics for nothing.

[@vietimports]

never forget these guys werent even drafted, they joined willingly lmao

[@tundrawomansays694]

Defacto, they’re economic conscripts. When there are no jobs, no future where you live your options are severely limited. And the recruiters are relentless.

[@raven4475]

As Mrs Reagan would say..... " Just say NO "

[@HughJass-jv2lt]

@@raven4475 HELL to the NAW! 😜

[@etheu9sby292]

​@@tundrawomansays694 most are working and middle class who join. I joined a decade after the fact and the vast majority of us joined because we wanted to fight.

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

@@tundrawomansays694 Right, it's not like anyone could think overthrowing the most brutal dictator of the 21st century so people could elect their own government or stopping the precursors of ISIS from car bombing public markets in Iraq was actually a noble cause. It's not like anyone could have joined out of patriotism after the Afghan War, a war which 85% of Americans approved of. They must have been doing it for the money.

[@vanmush]

20 years for me next year, feels like a lifetime ago now…….

[@thebilldozer7970]

The loss of identity is real. Life ended for most of us when we finally got back "home."

[@luisrivera3056]

This country needs to do more for its soldiers, too often they are uprooted away from their families and deployed to other parts of the world without even giving a damn about the 2 or 3 month old child they recently had and now have to leave.. our military shouldnt take more from its soldiers than it gives!

[@secrets.295]

Blah3. Americans are always the victim. Its amazing how they always portray themselves as a victim even though they are the monster.

[@Sewellrandal]

Peace to the people of Iraq, they endured imperialist hell for hegemony & their God given resources.

[@Veyronp87]

the pause before the colonel answered is all you need to know. he knows it was a war in vain but he can't say that because he's still active.

[@alx.8721]

9:54 - this. This is the question I’ve had for the last 12 years. Everyday there’s a battle within, I’m on my 3rd marriage/family being over, bouts of homelessness, addiction, BS

[@maddexxx847]

It’s so obvious the colonel is saying it was worth it because he is still in. Ask him again after he retires. He probably can’t face the fact that his whole careerand the best years of his life were spent doing pointless work. Everyone who died over there died in vain.

[@ZebraKatzWhereItsAt]

Thank the troops for ... wait .... wait a minute... thank them for SECURING OIL FIELDS, thank you so much guys, really protected and served those dead iraqi women and children. Really good job.

[@mthokozisimpanza34]

There's a reason they want the men young and desperate so they never question instructions. I feel sorry for the marines but they were also willing pawns.

[@tomedwards6354]

Thank 'em for what exactly? A woke and godless country?? I'll bet it's cause most of 'em did it for their own freedom. Where's our freedom, you bums???

[@greenbeanz5914]

How do you invade a country, murder hundreds of thousands of civilians and call yourself a hero? All of them are terrorists and all of them should be in prison.

[@catherinealexander6705]

@@greenbeanz5914 about the same way you fly a couple airplanes into two or three other places. There are very few heroes in wars. I don't understand international politics anymore than most anybody else does. They chose to fly a plane into us. They chose not to give up Osama bin laden. They chose not to cooperate. Hussain poison five thousand of his own people. Why didn't his own people kill him?

[@mthokozisimpanza34]

@@greenbeanz5914 that's the truth bro. Passionately killing people just because your boss told you to do so is despicable.

[@eze4life100]

Respectfully Colonel, Thats a FOS answer to the reason why the call to action is there. The reality that exist is an awakening that we are in the position to stand and fight anything that comes to harm our fellow man. That is what it means to be a Soldier. Love is only the symptom of WHO WE ARE..

[@Ben-cl2co]

Does anyone know what the numbers are after wars like ww2 and vietnam?

[@tojoheriniainatsimalay5448]

imagine reporting an invasion and only focusing on the invaders' "pain" and "emotion"

[@moengele7560]

This people are evil…

[@j.a.3138]

tell your people to have their own shows then? what's stopping them

[@almontherobaid6492]

@@j.a.3138Mabey cuz they don’t have the luxury to complain on tv they’re trying to survive day and night.

[@djoldsoulkid3407]

I think PTSD runs in a family if not treated my father was in the navy and every time I ask for stories he gets mad at me my mother says everytime she force him out his sleep to do something he jumps up screaming “I’m ready let’s roll.” And I do the same thing but without the quote

[@kianabrash]

That Poo pond in Afghanistan when a explosive devise would explode poop everywhere. When the wind changed directions and it hit the DFAC, the meal was OVER. 😅 SO MANY burn pits. I did Mortuary Affairs over there and it aas awful. I'm glad I was able to bring our brothers ans sisters home with all their things.❤

[@patrickrk44]

Idk why the media focuses on the negative. I enjoyed it. And the second deployment.

[@delvaldog2869]

I’d to see a video of the reporters reporting the war and what they thought

[@71518]

04:37 And that's how the Empire wants to hold the rest of the world.

[@catherinealexander6705]

Barbara most of us in the United States would be just as happy to stop supporting the rest of the world while their leaders have every damn thing and their people are starving to death. We would like to see those starving people overthrow their own leaving monarchies and solve their own problems. But nobody asked us. Do you want to worry about empires you might want to look at the Soviet Union and see if they'll treat you better. North Korea does not have very many lights or water but it looks like the leaders of the country or eating all right...

[@derrindouglas1936]

@@catherinealexander6705 the usa fcking installed Saddam...... then when that pro usa regime changed the usa didn't like it.... the usa supported Guatemala genocide, POL POT was supported by usa...... think about that! think. This is the same usa that hasn't changed while russia did. Modern russia has killed far less civilians than usa has in 21st century.....

[@realnapster1522]

It’s funny how Americans are now calling Putin a war criminal. Hypocrisy should have some limits. 😂

[@fabiofernandes9122]

@@realnapster1522 he is a war criminal.

[@deborah4998]

I will never forget desert shield/desert storm veterans and their families, no matter what I love you all and will always pray for you and support you. I will never forget.❤🙏🇺🇸💯

[@tabo01]

Desert Storm, worked, because you had a POTUS, Burh41, who set out clearly defined, limited objectives, and had the foresight to leave when done, and leave Saddam in place.

[@moriah1394]

“Going back in harms way” is NOT always LOVE ..no matter what the career military guy in this video claims; it is a sign of ptsd and/or other mental health issues (mental health eroded by conditions).

[@javiereguia1195]

After the murderous invasion and destruction the officer uniform still won't admit it was literally dead wrong.

[@schawnettarobinson8584]

PTSD is serious.

[@allencollins6031]

It sucks.

[@user-vc5qk9tg7u]

not as much as dead Irakis.

[@secrets.295]

PTSD is karma for the vets

[@gunnarpoe929]

Good job

[@MiFobz]

03/04 22 MEU I MEF Still broken.

[@zigniingiz]

20 years later after sudamn hussan but he was eventually captured 9 months after the war was started no mass weapons of mass destruction . I do think that after all this we know and knew before that war isnt always the answer

[@Badpoison1]

I was really bitter with the Marines for a long time, but looking back, everything played out, for me, for the best. Or at least I have to tell myself that.

[@timwilson8247]

I was bitter with the Marines too but looking back because of the Marines I was able to educate myself and go to college and then medical school. Some days are rough,even lately because youtube is showing me all the time in the news videos like this one and I get reminded of those who didn't make it home but you just have to get going. Semper Fidelis

[@supermanny865]

Everything didn't play out for the 1 million innocent people who died in Iraq

[@catherinealexander6705]

@@timwilson8247 you did the best you could at the time and the defense of your nation. You deserve any opportunity you have been able to obtain as a result of your sacrifice at the time. In Indian country we respect our warriors. We can disagree with the government

[@greenbeanz5914]

How do you invade a country, murder hundreds of thousands of civilians and call yourself a hero? All of them are terrorists and all of them should be in prison.

[@catherinealexander6705]

@@greenbeanz5914 pretty easy sitting behind a keyboard trying to make somebody feel good for saving my life my country is live. Nobody asked you people not to like selling us oil don't sell. Especially now we can all work from home 70% of jobs can be done from home. We don't really need all this oil. With make cotton clothing we don't have to have oil base clothing. We could acquire the national but then you got a you'd have to sell it to the Russians and you'd have to sell it to the Chinese and then eventually they would get big enough to just come take it. So maybe I'll just be happy you got a pretty good deal you got some oil fields you got some money you're living the high-life. You don't like us don't do business with us. Don't come here for your medical don't come here for your college degrees. Just stay over there we can all be happy