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Student soldier speaks out
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Most students at Boise State have an opinion about the war in Iraq. I wonder what context young people have to form those opinions. Our age demographic was very aware of the Vietnam War because the draft affected them directly. The following is a portion of an interview with Boise State student Doug Price, who is a member of the Idaho National Guard, and served two tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I ask you to consider his perspective.
SM: What was it like in Iraq?
DP: We were in a country where they literally don’t have anything … it was hot and dry and it smelled . it was terrible, but after a while, you just get used to it. It becomes another home. Except you can’t just go out back and play because there is always someone trying to kill you … constantly.
SM: Did you worry about being killed?
DP: All you can think of is “God, am I going to die?” “What’s going to happen to the family at home?” Then a couple weeks go by and you realize “I gotta get my head on” because if you don’t . you are going to get killed or seriously injured.
SM: What were the people of Iraq like?
DP: People over there are so much different than what’s portrayed on TV. They’re so friendly and so giving . they’re a very loving people.
SM: Was it hard to take a human life, or to see dead people on a regular basis?
DP: It becomes so frequent that you naturally become desensitized. It’s sad to see someone dying. It doesn’t matter who it is, even if the guy was trying to kill you just seconds before . it’s not easy to know that you have to take a life to save your own, but it almost becomes second nature. It makes you wonder, “Will I be labeled a murderer because of something someone else does?” You worry what’s going to happen to you when you come home.
SM: Do soldiers discuss politics?
DP: There is discussion of why we’re here, what we’re doing and if we’re making a difference . but what you do that day tells you you’re making a difference. The troops up in Baghdad are getting their supplies that day, so you know you’re doing something good . you just have to protect your own.
SM: Do you feel like the work you did in Iraq made a difference?
DP: I was over there when the last surge happened and it made a huge difference, but I think at this point we’ve given the Iraqis every chance to get on their feet. I believe the money should be going to taking care of our troops and taking care of things at home . we’re over there now just being targets. We have to get out of there progressively because I think it’s time for them to do their own thing. That may never happen . it might just go back to the way it was – civil war all the time – but what can you do?
SM: Have your views on the war changed from when you got deployed in the war until now?
DP: I still believe in the rebuilding and taking care of the poor. We’re making the right moves in some aspects – getting the Iraqis back on their feet and taking over. The majority of the people I’ve run into in this country say it’s all about the money, oil and politics, and I’ve seen that. You hear politicians on talk shows and reading the newspaper and you’re wondering, “Why are we over there now? . Do soldiers even matter to these people?” They sit at home making all these stupid decisions . the politicians are really screwing things up. Every soldier, their life is on the line for the decisions they make – not the politicians; they don’t have to go through what we go through every day.
SM: Who are you voting for in the next election?
DP: I’m voting for Obama because I think he has the right mindset . I’m not too much of a Clinton fan, I never have been . I respect McCain as a vet and what he’s gone through but I have some worries about his side of things.
SM: What’s it been like for you since you’ve been home?
DP: It’s been such a hard battle. I’ve given up on the VA system; I don’t care about it anymore because it doesn’t feel they care about you . I’m a human being, I’m not a number . if you hear of a soldier being killed, thank them. They died protecting your freedom. I get told, “You’re not fighting for my freedom,” but people at home can sleep peacefully at night because of soldiers, policeman and fireman . you should thank those looking out for your safety . All we ask for is a little compassion. I’m proud to serve my country.
SHANNON MORGAN
Assistant Opinion Editor
