Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans

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Josh Ray Person

Operation Iraqi Freedom | 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

They thought it was over. In 2003 the men of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion stormed into Iraq during the initial assault. They returned home triumphant, mission accomplished. But then the word came that there would be an emergency redeployment. Saddam may be gone but the job was not finished and they were going to Fallujah. Part 3 of 3. (Caution: strong language) (32:56)
Josh Waite

Operation Iraqi Freedom | 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

He had been in college for two years but 9/11 changed his outlook. Josh Waite felt the need to do something and the Marine Corps seemed to be an excellent way. Though boot camp was hard, he felt a little relief that it wasn't as intense as some things he'd read about it. (Caution: strong language) (4:49)
After all his initial training, new Marine Josh Waite was assigned to the 2nd LAR, Light Armored Reconnaissance. He had no idea what they were but the vehicles looked pretty cool. His first roommate was a dud but the second was OK except for the dip spit. (4:41)
It was HOT in the desert. Josh Waite remembers the sweltering heat as the Marines prepped for their drive into Iraq. When they got into Fallujah, his squad leader began to falter as they got into real action. This could be a real problem. (6:53)
The first job was to drive all around Fallujah, making a series of feints so the insurgents would be confused about the coming influx of American troops. Marine Josh Waite was his squad's Designated Marksman but he was becoming frustrated because it looked like leadership was not interested in using his talents. (5:45)
There was a lot of indirect fire in Fallujah. Josh Waite remembers a lot of mortar fire and rocket attacks. He was puzzled because he thought the Marines were being too timid, not enough pursuit and engagement. IED's were plentiful but they all missed him. (5:33)
Coming home was strange, trying to adjust from a combat zone to the tranquility of the US. Josh Waite began to get antsy and organized a road trip with a buddy. He wanted to shake it up a little and he wound up having a life changing experience. (5:04)
The second deployment to Iraq was spent in the town of Rawa. Josh Waite describes how the previous unit was lax in it's stewardship of the area and what the Marines did to correct that. They moved right into the center of town and began a door to door census, rounding up insurgents. (4:38)
It had been determined that the insurgents were moving stuff around at night on the river. As Marines fanned out in a search of the area, Josh Waite's squad made a find on an island that was eye opening. It probably stopped a suicide attack on their base. (Caution: strong language) (7:55)
Returning home the second time was even more difficult. Josh Waite's wife had been undergoing a difficult pregnancy and he did not make it home in time to help her make it through. It made him think twice about reenlisting. (6:04)