A Tribute Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Today, I’ve been here for 9 months, my friends from 1st Cav are suddenly gone and the 1000th coalition death has occurred.

Two days ago, a street battle erupted in Baghdad. My Iraqi friend and driver drove right into this battle with gunfire and rockets being fired from Apache gunships exploding in the street right before them. I'd have been there had I not stayed in the hotel to chat with a close friend, my Angel. A verified, first-hand report accounts that a soldier was shot and captured during the battle. He was dragged to a mosque and was almost burned alive but the people in the mosque intervened, rescuing the soldier and detaining the insurgents.

The media had a headline, the 1000th death of coalition forces. They mentioned the street battle. What was untold is that the soldier wounded and saved by the people in the mosque, died today from his wounds. He was the 1000th death the press mentioned. This guy was more than a statistic. My hope is that some or all of you understand what I'm trying to say....

This collection of photos taken over the months is a tribute to the men and women of the coalition forces that have served their countries with honor for a noble cause.

From left to right, top to bottom:
1) A soldier gives direction
2) People from three nations take a moment to pose together
3) An M1A1 Abrams tank rolls into the hotel after a night patrol
4) A military unit cordons off the area following a rocket attack
5) A member of the 1st AD poses on an M109
6) A Blackhawk flys by
7) A Quick Reaction Force gathers during a threat on the hotel
8) Two pairs of Blackhawks make an exit from the Green Zoone
9) Iraqis and a soldier pose in front of the remains of my bombed-out satellite communications shelter
10) A soldier provides cover as his friend is loaded onto a Medivac helicopter
11) Members of the Oregon National Guard recognize a member of TE
12) Members of the 1st Cavalry out of Fort Hood recognize a member of TE

burdallet, mortijo, jrenier, Keitht, nwoehnl, richtersl, davecall, fapmap, kajenn, DancinDeby, bodinux, hojper has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

saparot (1764) 2004-07-11 14:06

For making well, thousand days are not sufficient, to hurt, a day is enough amply !!!

jrenier (762) 2004-07-11 14:22

I'm sure you expected other kind of comments ...
I'm here to comment the picture not the (...) foreign policy of your (...) president ;)

Nice pictures :)
My favorite is the 8.
It would be nice to have it high rez, by the way.

Keitht (1112) 2004-07-11 14:25

Indeed we are learning about the world from this set of pictures and the accompanying notes. As in most conflicts I doubt whether the soldiers have much choice about being there.
The notes in particular are extremely thought provoking. Surely the tribute given is to both 'sides' in this. The injured soldier was protected by the local community although their protection proved to be of no avail. It is far too easy to paint a black and white image of what is happening.
As a piece of photo-journalism I think this is of the very highest standard, but I don't personally feel that awarding points is appropriate for this type of work.
Thanks for the information provided.

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iamxa (2836) 2004-07-12 2:38

Army photos, with people armed, guns, and war toys is not a tribute. I'm sorry. Smiles, tears, faces, trees, people in peace, sad or happy, this is a tribute.

RGatward (19737) 2004-07-12 3:42

I see Aleksender and Walter's point, there's so much controversy about the whole escapade, especially now that even the US security investigation has decided that the whole thing was ill founded, that maybe tribute are not the order of the day. Best stick to your usual neutral reportage, which is fascinating, and this is a very photojournalistic montage.

Gbutler (737) 2004-07-12 7:06

Bill...once again...WOW!

davecall (575) 2004-07-12 7:26

I was and am vehemently opposed to the war and occupation of Iraq. But I think these photos still say something important about the world in which we live so I think they remain relevant. Bill, as one wise man once said, I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it!

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richtersl (3544) 2004-07-12 7:47

I think this a marvelous series of documentary photos. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of what it is like there.

I'm sorry that some have chosen TE to air political views. It would have been better had they not commented at all. I'm sure that there are plenty of newsgroups where they can air their views on foreign policy instead of TE.

Your note is well-written and thought-provoking. I am sorry that you lost someone close to you and I hope that you all come home soon.
--------
I see that those posts to which I was referring earlier are now gone.

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Cat (0) 2004-07-12 8:43

Bill, What can I say? This is an amazing display of your affection for the "everyday" people of your journey. All of the photos are beautifully made and together are breathtaking.

Wonderful work depicting the heart wrenching yet uplifting feelings of a brotherhood only few ever achieve.

Thank you!
God bless and stay safe!

burdallet (0) 2004-07-12 12:04 [Comment]

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fapmap (250) 2004-07-12 15:05 [Comment]

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kajenn (2325) 2004-07-13 22:19

I understand that your collection of images have caused some perhaps predictable reactions, Bill. And I think you do a tremendous job correcting the official dry image of the actions and their consequences in everyday Baghdad. Your note raises the hair at the back of my head and fills my eyes with tears - but this is reality, especially your reality! And your collection of images is reality and adds that human aspect, which is so necessary to get below the obvious standpoints. Having been to Berlin a number of times during the cold war - passing through Checkpoint Charlie - I have no problem seeing American soldiers and tanks. But many react differently and somehow see, just doing so, as a sign of being politically active. The world isn't black or white - it's got all the shades and colors of a TE photo - and looking at just some pixels won't give you the whole image! Keep up your good work man - at all levels - and stay safe!

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Tim (469) 2004-07-20 18:45

Bill,

First, I must admit that I have at times questioned your sanity for being in the hotbed of Baghdad all this time. lol

In all seriousness, I admire your courage. I must say that you have handled the criticisms of the 'small' people with integrity.

As you know, my son Phil is there as well. In fact he tried to email you but his email bounced back.

I appreciate your photos and the Tribute to these individuals. Could that possibly be our own Cateye in your #11 & 12 photos?

God's best to you,

Tim

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stranger (720) 2004-07-22 0:38

Hi.
I am really sorry for that soldier ... Beheading people or burning them alive is not defending the country :-(... We are all human ... We seek peace in the new century ... just if people like Mr. G.W.Bush let us ... I am an Iranian Peace Applicant ... I tell you ... we all would be sorry from hearing every mankind is dead ... an american or an Iraqi ... Doesnt Matter at all ... The Main purpose of War was wrong but thnak god & thank all of you brave men & women of colatoin forces that removed Saddam Hussein & sent him to court ... :-) God Bless You All :-)
God Protect You All ...
Shahab.

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JustinAK (115) 2004-07-24 14:41

These are wonderful photos - a lot of emotion, and some very well lined up shots, especially 6 and 8. Unfortunately these only go a little ways in showing the real situation over here. When it is all said and done Iraq and its 25 million people will be free. Thanks for your shots.

DancinDeby (2) 2004-07-28 10:47 [Comment]

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rafid76 (2611) 2006-09-10 2:03 [Comment]

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