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Christina Cross

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After returning to college after airborne school, Christina Cross prepared herself physically and mentally for the prospect of heading off to war. More training at Fort Polk and Fort Benning got her ready for her deployment to Ramadi, Iraq. (5:34)

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First arriving in Iraq, Christina Cross and her battalion had to adjust to life in the desert. She was tasked with working with the Iraqis to improve the local schools which had suffered from the war. Her experiences with the Iraqi people were also memorable. (8:31)

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Being a female soldier in Iraq allowed Christina Cross to be very influential especially among the women & children that they came in contact with. By learning what Iraqi women were good at, they were able to create a Women's Business Center that let the women sew, knit and create products that they were later able to sell at the bazaar. (5:20)

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Christina Cross remembers some of the close calls she had while stationed in Ramadi, Iraq. Remaining alert during civilian interactions and while moving through new areas was essential for them to stay safe. (5:36)

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Dealing with IEDs was a constant threat in Iraq that Christina Cross had to deal with as a Humvee driver. Figuring out how to best navigate situations with these devices took time to learn. (3:52)

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Christina Cross remembers her last few weeks in Ramadi and the difficulties that came from transitioning away from the meaningful work she felt she was doing. Making relationships with the Iraqi children made it hard to leave. (5:57)

Chuck Officer

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Chuck Officer recalls his early life growing up in a military family and his relationship with his father who had a long history of military service. (5:24)

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Chuck Officer remembers his motivations growing up wanting to serve his country. A pride for his country drove his desire to want to serve and protect the values he had learned growing up. (4:29)

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Chuck Officer remembers how his collegiate experience differed from the traditional route due to his military involvement. His first time at training taught him many things he had not gained from civilian life. (6:16)

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Chuck Officer remembers going through inspections during his Marine training. One particularly fiery company commander gave his squad trouble, a lesson they never forgot. (3:49)