When Reed first saw The Doctor, this is what he recalled…
You know this guy. When Operation Iraqi Freedom started in 2003 you were deployed to Anbar Province as part of the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Eye Mef). You were heavily involved in the fighting to control Fallujah, and in 2004 participated in both Operation Vigilant Resolve and Operation Phantom Fury.
During these battles you fought room to room through the city against heavily armed insurgents, all the while surrounded by civilians. It was difficult, dangerous, and confusing. Sometimes you didn’t know who you were shooting at. Most of the time, but not always, you thought they were the ones with guns. Often you were relieved when your air support bombed the building they occupied. But it always nagged that you didn’t know who they were or who they were with.
Following Operation Phantom Fury, your unit remained in Fallujah for a short time to help the Army reestablish order. On one of their convoys your line was brought to a halt by some engine trouble in a contractor’s HumVee.
During the pause, an embedded journalist tried to interview you, when up the line an explosion rocked the lead vehicle. An IED had detonated, spraying the forward Stryker with debris. Fortunately no one was hurt. After some tense moments waiting for assault and checking the area for further IEDs you found nothing and continued on your way.
This guy was the journalist who tried to interview you.
