Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans

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Joe Diomede

Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) | Combat Logistics Regiment 15

It was their worst day in Afghanistan. Joe Diomede's Motor T unit was in a convoy when a truck up front hit a mine. Another truck moved up to help and it hit a mine. Then his truck got hit. Before it was over, at least nine trucks were disabled. (5:53)
It was a big convoy with over a hundred local Afghan national fuel trucks along with Marine tactical vehicles. As soon as they set out, torrential rains began and everything slowed to a crawl. Joe Diomede remembers the boredom of being stuck in one place for days at a time. This was interrupted more than once by attacks, including one that crippled his vehicle. (7:37)
It was genius. Joe Diomede remembers how a wrecker operator fixed a truck with an MRE bag in Afghanistan, and it worked. When he returned to the states, it took a little time to get used to garrison rules again after living in the field. When he got out of the Corps, it took a few tries but he found his post-service calling. (7:38)
A reunion with guys from his unit was very special to Joe Diomede. They were all a little heavier but it was like he'd just left them yesterday. He sought out counseling a few times, especially after the suicide of their beloved Corpsman, who'd gone off on a second deployment. (Caution: strong language.) (4:07)
Joe Estores

WWII | Civilian

Growing up in Hawaii, Joe Estores remembers the day of the Pearl Harbor attack and the effect it had on his life. (6:20)
Joe Estores remembers how life in Hawaii changed after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. He describes making the decision to enlist and travelling to the mainland for his training. (8:59)
Joe Estores remembers training in aircraft and his experiences at Ft. Rucker. After his training completed, he drove back across the country and was able to spend some time with his family before deploying to Korea. (3:28)
Flying for the Korean Military Advisory Group, Joe Estores was assigned to patrol along the DMZ. He spent most of his time in and out of Seoul, bringing supplies and pay to the men across the DMZ, a good experience for a new pilot. (4:19)
After his deployment to Korea, Joe Estores came back to the States and spent time stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. On his next assignment abroad, he got to experience the Cold War through his patrol of the East & West German border. (4:06)
Joe Estores recalls his time in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. From dealing with insurgents to evacuating the wounded, he had many harrowing experiences. (7:01)