3rd Place Military Combat Experience
15 x 7
LOSS
I deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2007-2008). I was a licensed clinical social worker, attached to the101st Airborne Division as the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Behavioral Health Officer (BHO) (Roughly 3-4,000 individuals). In Iraq it was Soldier first, Officer second and social worker third. Something required of us all was to form at the back of the clinic every time an emergency showed up, to be litter bearers. This instance, the emergency was an American Soldier KIA. After I met with deceased soldier’s Commander, I witnessed one of the LT’s bent down picking up something in the rocks at the back of the clinic. I went over and immediately knew what it was. As I mentioned, the Soldier had been KIA and blown up, it was pieces of flesh. I did not believe she should be doing this horrid task alone, so I began assisting her, it was the right choice to make, but the situation still haunts me.