Interviewing a War Veteran - Essay Example

Interview with a War Veteran This interview was conducted to gauge the effects of War and its impact on any person. For this reason, we interviewed Mr. Peter Wildbanks who is of 39 years and currently runs his departmental store in Benton, Mississippi. He is a cousin of my friend, Ian, and I conducted this interview on Skype. Peter served in 71st Cavalry regiment but before going to Iraq, all the drafted soldiers were given a special training in which Peter passed the tests with an above average score. Furthermore, he was drafted as a soldier in the U.S army and went to Iraq in 2004. He came back recently and now runs the store that was previously operated by his father. Peter received his draft when he was 30 years old and still struggling to become a teacher in local schools. Since, this was not producing fruitful results so he decided to go on to serving his nation in that way. He strongly believes that this was Fate and that he was really nervous when he reported at the mentioned area in the draft letter (Peter refuses to give exact names, places and dates) as many able bodied people were assembled there. The first day was a general introduction to everything, most importantly understanding the ideology of going to Iraq. The second day however left everyone in cramps and aching limbs. “The only thing that let me through was the belief that this is for the greater good.” Says Peter as he had to do an extra mile since he wasn’t that tough. He does not remember his instructors clearly; all he remembers are the tenor of their voices. It was at night in the training centre when the delegated places of the soldiers were announced, Peter was assigned to go to Mosul and there he joined the 71st Cavalry regiment. “It was November when we landed there, the hot gust of wind and stench welcomed us and I realized that the training was justified for being that tough.” says Peter. Not long before we had pitched a camp that they were ambushed. They were surrounded by all sides by the militant groups, the government police and their army. “The first night is clear as a crystal, the firing squad, the lightening sky, air raids, squealing men and pain, a lot of pain.” Since Peter was a drafted soldier so he was let out after a year, before that he remained at the camp and took part in planning ambushes. He was good at spying, so he assisted in planting coups too. And there he experienced being a prisoner. Peter says, “I was held captive for some hours because a riot broke out between the people of different Iraqi sects and there I showed them my Mississippi spirit.” Peter was sent to combats as his fellow soldiers fell, the fight in the beginning was the toughest because they were being opposed by many as US army was also trying to strike peace-pacts with the over-thrown government. However, when matters grew worse, air raids were called for, which was the most effective one in conquering the enemy. “Life got a new meaning when I became a soldier; every act was an act of purpose and service.” says Peter. Though they seldom enjoyed because most of the time they were on duty. Apart from that, the food they usually got was below average as all of them were more used to hygienic and healthy food but resources were scarce because of the ongoing battle. The soldiers were provided with food and other essential supplies from the Headquarters but with the enemy at their heels, they had to be extra cautious. Entertainment was scarce but once in a while a fellow soldier used to sing songs of love and nobody mentioned songs of war. Once or twice, Peter tried to keep a diary but it got lost when they were moving from Mosul to Baghdad. “Never was a very religious person, but the tomb of Jonah was a historical place in Mosul and before I was transferred to Baghdad, I visited there. My stomach tingled with awe at the tomb which was elaborately decorated with enamel colors and what not. Before I could cross all the steps leading to the tomb, a lolling head, dismembered from it body came thudding forward and that was the end of my adventure.” Explained Peter in a nostalgic voice. Peter’s service ended after 8 years and he was one of the first soldiers to go back to America. Peter says that he made friends while in service but some of them died and with the rest of them he has maintained contact through social media networks but he has avoided joining any veteran organization. According to Peter, he wanted to spend more time with his parents now as they are now old and they are the ones who demand his attention after his nation. After Peter came back to America he did a diploma in Management from the Open University, UK. He did this primarily because he thought that teaching is not his forte and he must now resume running the family departmental store. Peter has been affected by the War in more positive ways like he realizes that his time here is now lesser than before and that he must focus on developing himself and become a role model for the younger generation. He says that all American should realize that what blessing is to live a safe life that they are living right now and Peter says in the end that he has become more patriotic after coming back from the War.” I thanked Peter for all his time and energy in sharing his memories with me and personally I also felt that it was great to talk to a veteran as they aroused patriotism in me and that I had certain duties towards my country as well. Though my opinion is that serving the army is not the only way through which one can serve their country. Another thing that I developed while talking to Peter was the respect that I had not realized before. Towards the end, I fully appreciated his efforts and that these soldiers and especially veterans should be given more benefits because they have gone through hell while protecting us and the US. Reference Mr. Peter Wildbanks. Currently running his family departmental store. Read More