On this date in 2003, the ground-war in Iraq began in the wee hours of the morning. I crossed the border as a team leader with 2nd Sqd, 1st Plt, B Co, 11th EN BN, TF 2-7INF, 1st BDE, 3ID on the initial invasion. I was the second Engineer from my company to cross the border (my driver crossed the border just before me). I was the TC in my M113 (call sign Bulldog 1-2 Alpha) and the .50cal gunner. I didn't know it at the time, but I would cross that border 3 more times before it was all said and done. It seems like ages ago and yet it seems like yesterday

I'm posting this because this event set in motion the events that changed my life forever, and it is therapeutic to me to post about it.

I'm cross-posting on the General, History and Politics boards.

May be a double post, but my first attempt didn't show up.

I know it's trite these days but thank you for your service. Those of us who have actually served in combat have had experiences that those who haven't can never understand or truly comprehend. Although our experiences are separated by a generation, we share a common bond. I salute you.

Trench55 said:

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You'll have to explain your response to an old guy.

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the 7th INF BN has a Bigass Cotton Bale that they take with them on every deployment, and they always play Johnny Horton's "The Battle of New Orleans" at all their BN formations