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Mike Pickrel

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His first day in the field in Iraq, Mike Pickrel learned some valuable lessons. He learned not to drive up to a visible IED, he learned not to return by the same route and he learned not to talk to the locals or give them anything. (4:45)

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You learned the little things that helped you spot IED's. Mike Pickrel tells how he looked for them and how the Surge never really made it to where he was. No more boots on the ground there. He chafed at partnering with former insurgents and was angry when he finally got a chance to engage in a real firefight, but was withdrawn. (6:44)

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His second tour in Iraq was a waste of time to Mike Pickrel. Just sit in the base, pretty much. He has some observations on the enemies we face in these latest wars, on the men he served with who inspired him and on what servicemen need from their leadership and their government. (6:54)

Mike Pomakis

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Mike Pomakis came from a strict Greek family that held fast to the values of the old country. He tried to enlist in the Air Force but that was delayed. He decided on a four year enlistment in the Marines. That ought to cut those apron strings. (6:03)

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He was riding a train on the way to Parris Island when Mike Pomakis noticed that caskets were being unloaded at every stop. What have I done? The first week of boot camp, he thought he was going to die. The second week, he wish he had. Then it got better until he thanked the DI with the wrong verbiage. (Caution: strong language) (7:32)

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After boot camp he received his MOS which was 2531, a radioman. Mike Pomakis then did infantry training and radio school before heading to Vietnam where he was hit with the unique smell of the place when he stepped off the plane. It wasn't long before he spent his first sleepless night in the bush. (7:57)

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Marine radioman Mike Pomakis was operating the radio for a forward observer. After being pinned down by the NVA and the VC for hours in a rice paddy, they got up on top of the dike and called in mortars and air support to break the assault. (8:56)

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It was during Operation Desoto that the forward observer asked radioman Mike Pomakis if he'd like to go on a special reconnaissance patrol with him. They crept quietly into a village that they suspected was occupied by the NVA. It sure was. (9:18)

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Mike Pomakis was at an observation post keeping an eye on Charlie Ridge. He noticed something odd about a large boulder at the base of it. It wasn't a boulder. (4:43)

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Mike Pomakis had smoked marijuana once and it had no effect on him. The second time, he was at a fire base and it must have been better stuff because he was loopy. Of course, they started taking incoming mortar fire. (5:28)