Guard Members Talk About Iraq

This week marks the five year anniversary of the war in Iraq. A group of North Dakota sold...  More »

This week marks the five year anniversary of the war in Iraq. A group of North Dakota soldiers were one of the first units to enter the country. Brad Feldman talks with some members of North Dakota National Guards 9-5-7 to see what they have to say about their time in country and how they see it has changed. Their mission, gain control of the country. The 9-5-7 Multi Role Bridge Company rolled into Iraq with a lot of questions. (Sgt. 1st Class Chris Dietz/ ND National Guard) It was just a tense moment before we went into Iraq. The unknowns of going into Iraq, not knowing what was going on, where things are at. On their way to Baghdad, many of the soldiers expereinced something for the first time. (Sgt. Tyler Ktytor/ ND National Guard) Never being to a third world country or seeing how they live. You know the realization of seeing they do not live like we do. In Baghdad, the unit helped rebuild the city. Everything from schools, to the water supply and electricity. (Sgt. Tyler Ktytor/ ND National Guard) You know everything from the living conditions of the people that is where a lot of the big changes have come from our effforts. Looking back on their time in Iraq, they remember some of the good they did. (Staff Sgt. Heather Jacobson/ ND National Guard) They do they get to know they recognize you and there were maybe four or five of them that would always recognize me and say hi and be really friendly. (Sgt. 1st Class Chris Dietz) I had an Iraqi Individual once we were stopped along the roadside fueling one time come up to me. The gentlemen gave me a hug and thanked us for what we were going. It made it feel worthwhile what we were doing. Four years after coming home, these soldiers know the changes they were able to make are still making a difference to the people living in the country. Brad Feldman KX News Each of the three soldiers said they know the troops serving in Iraq are benefiting from the time the 9-5-7 spent in the country. The soldiers living conditions is just one example of the improvements made from the beginning of the war.  « Less