Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
3:34 | It is one thing to be in years of college and training, but when Tony Kimbrough finally got orders to deploy overseas things got quite serious.
Keywords : deployment orders National Guard
Tony Kimbrough was tasked with setting up an antenna in Zana Khan which should have been a straightforward assignment, until a Humvee broke down at the worst possible time.
Tony Kimbrough had a tough time growing up, between foster care and moving between states. After 9/11, he found himself joining the South Carolina National Guard while attending the Citadel where he trained in Military intelligence.
Training at one of the most prestigious military schools, the Citadel, was a bit of a challenge for Tony Kimbrough, and despite a slip-up in front of a renowned General, he made it through.
In late 2006 Tony Kimbrough arrived in Afghanistan to assist in training of the Afghan Police forces. He recalls his first impressions when he was boots-on-the-ground, down to what was being served for food that evening.
Tony Kimbrough's mission in Afghanistan was to serve in the embedded training teams in Afghan villages. They were to train up their local police forces so that they could better defend against the Taliban. This involved developing relationships with all sorts of people in the community, but the looming fear of the Taliban made things difficult.
On Tony Kimbrough's first mission, he recalls a few mistakes they made on their way to Waghaz. On their way back, they broke one of the biggest rules and took the same route back which led to them hitting an IED.
Tony Kimbrough reflects on some of the training he received and how it helped him deal with the toughest parts of the war.
Before going on R&R, Tony Kimbrough ran into an old friend from training. Upon his return, things had gotten quite chilly in the mountains of Aghanistan.
One of the more memorable events of his tour was when the 82nd Airborne required support in the rescue of Korean Missionaries in Afghanistan. Tony Kimbrough recalls the planning, intelligence, and execution of their return to safety.
Tony Kimbrough recalls one small-world event while on an overwatch assignment.
Tony Kimbrough gives his thoughts on some of the misconceptions about small-arms in war movies, as well as the harm faced by fellow servicemen by a multitude of weaponry.
It wouldn't feel like home without a dog, but one dog in particular made it a little more complicated for Tony Kimbrough and the others to keep other dogs around.
It was by narrow chance Tony Kimbrough avoided getting hit on his way out of country. Luckily, he was able to make his way back to the world, but being back is a battle unto itself.
Tony Kimbrough, CEO of the Veterans Empowerment Organization, talks about his nonprofit organization and their mission to help rebuild the lives of veterans. You can find more information about getting involved at www.VEOHero.org
