Knox Nunnally

In January 2003, I deployed for the first time to Iraq with the Marines. I was a junior officer responsible for a 28 man light armored reconnaissance platoon. My unit and I participated in the removal of Saddam Hussein from power in 2003 and were one of the first to cross into Iraq during the actual invasion. After this first deployment I returned twice more to Iraq in both 2004 and 2005 to assist with the rebuilding of the country. One week into my second deployment, I was fragged with shrapnel from enemy mortar fire in the city of Fallujah.

Through these three successive deployments I was able to see the relationship and trust between the Iraqi people and the United States dramatically shift for the better. This was not done by the bullet or air strike but rather through the mortar and brick of a new school, the hum of a new water pump in a small village, and by the inoculation shot provided to a sick child at a mobile medical clinic. It was done by everyday Iraqis seeing American serviceman repeatedly risking their lives to improve their situations. Seeing and reaping the benefits of such American aid work the Iraqi people turned their back against the insurgents. It is how I am convinced we defeated the insurgency in Iraq and will eventually defeat the insurgency in Afghanistan.

I have been on the frontlines. I have seen the smiles and felt the appreciation of the Iraqi people. Like others suffering in hard times, they just wanted to succeed, not just survive. I think it’s our duty to help the American public understand the important role aid plays in the security of our soldiers and the United States.

-Knox Nunnally