Behind The Conex

A 22-year Army veteran opens up about his deployments in Somalia and Iraq, joined by three of us who served alongside him in Iraq. Together we share stories of our time in combat, the daily realities of deployment, and the deep brotherhood that was forged in those years. This candid conversation honors the sacrifice, courage, and lasting bonds and pays tribute to a great leader.

Jim is an Iraq War veteran that served as a tanker in Ramadi, Iraq from 2007-2008. He refects on his time in the service and focuses on his 15 month tour, explaining the gritty details of being a platoon leader in the Iraq theater of operations.

Walter was a Vietnam era veteran that served as air defense in Chicago during the Cold War. He served his adopted country because of what he grew up through during his childhood in Ukraine. Walter draws the contrast between life under communist rule and life in a constitutional republic.

A retired Naval officer talks about his nearly 22 year career as an aviation structural mechanic. He recounts his time aboard ship on multiple cruises and his tour in Iraq at Camp TQ and Al Asad Air Base.

A Purple Heart recipient who served in Iraq talks about his time in the Army serving in a mechanized infantry unit operating in Sadr City, Iraq.

An Iraq War veteran, and purple heart recipient gives his account of his time serving in the U.S. Army in the Military Police Corps.

A Navy Veteran gives talks about his time in service during the Iraq war.

Vern Eding, a Vietnam veteran, recounts his time in the United States Army from the time he was drafted to his separation from the military.