The good and the bad, the love and the loss, the fear of failure and the people I would do anything for till my dying breath. My war story is all of the above, an epic tragedy with a happy ending, of sorts. But ultimately it’s a tale of optimism, about what people do for each other, and the journey that made me a better man. Despite — and because of — the costs. To publish these pictures and to tell this tale at War Stories and Free Beer is a cathartic and yet wholly uncomfortable experience. But I believe there’s value in bringing people together, in sharing experiences from wars that are defining a generation right now. So I hope you’ll come out and hear my story — and a bunch more. Bring questions, the beer’s on us.
Jason- I have never met you but feel like I’m a better person for having just learned about you. Looking forward to this event on Sept 6th and the challenge on Oct 27th. Thank you from all of us who you have given an opportunity to learn more about and improve ourselves through your work.
that’s awesome. When I was in Combat Arms the technology just wasnt there to carry a personal camera. They were way to big and bulky. Were you big into photography before you went in or just have a natural eye and find the opportunity?
Commodore – I didn’t take most of these photos, just a few of them, and I really didn’t get into taking photos until after I got out in 2008. The ones I did take in Iraq were more atmospherics than anything else. But it’s pretty much the norm for guys to have cameras on them nowadays. Part of the job for us was to gather intel, so if you’re on an objective or something like that, you can’t (and don’t always want to) bring everything back with you to base. Think: an explosives cache. But pictures document where you were, and what you did.
Cant wait for SF Beer/War stories, Scavenger, cadre reunion, and not sure if I’m excited for Trek or nervous… I think excited.
Go Bucks. Thank you for your service.
This is great! I have so many friends who still are green beret who inspire me every day! I may not be strong enough to do a GORUCK challenge yet, but this is the inspiration I needed. If I survived the military, and I can run marathons I should be able to do this right? Attending the NYC War Stories and Free Beer 9/6!
P.S. I love Java! He must meet Maggie Mae, my wonderful chocolate lab!
Looks like a couple of buildings in Baghdad on Highfa street. If they are I was there in 2006.
Yami: the Challenge is all mental. You sound like you are more than strong enough to do it, mentally and physically. Don’t waste time questioning yourself; just sign up and come out and do it. I guarantee you’ll learn even more about yourself and what you are truly capable of than you ever imagined.
That goes for anyone else that reads this too…
I, like most GORUCK fans, have the utmost respect for any military personnel, especially the Special Operations community. Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
Jason,
Recently stumbled upon your little corner of the web. From what I can tell you seem to have done some great FID work here.
And I must say that picture of you and your buddies at Bragg- Phase III pre Robin right?- brought back a flood of memories. A generation before. You, but some things never change. Thank you my brother. When you run a challenge out west I’m all in. Been a while, but my guess is this old meat sack can hump bricks around town with you all still.
Class 2-83, the last hard class 😉
Jon, Thank you! I finally signed up and will be doing the NYC challenge, June 7th! I am beyond excited and nervous too (but that is always a good sign for me. If I wasn’t nervous before a PT Test or going to the range, or tests test etc, then I didn’t perform as well, so the nerves are welcomed). Looking forward to more learnings and putting my mind to the test! I can do this!