Al-Qa'im Iraq 2007
I figured my first couple of post will be my time as an Rifleman in the Marine Corps 2006-2010. During that time I've took 1000's of pictures. I had no idea of any concepts and techniques relating to photography. Being a complete amateur, I just captured anything that looking interesting. Ranging from day to day living on base, to the images of violence and poverty of a modern war zone(don’t worry, everything I post here is PG). Below are some of my favorite shots during my first deployment to Al-Qa'im Iraq circa 2007.
This was my first shot with a digital camera in Iraq. Before this, it was all disposable cameras. We're conducting house to house searches and questioning locals.
The plane ride over to Kuwait, I'm about 19
Fuch you!
Post sucks. Hours and hours of just standing around keeping guard. A necessary evil
The Anal Penetrator
Sunset over the Euphrates River
Iraqi Army personnel returning from leave in Baghdad.
Breaking Bread with the Iraqi Army. Around this time my squad for moved to guard the only bridge crossing the Euphrates River. We lived and worked closely with Iraqi Army, and was my first time being immersed in a culture different from my own.
We stuck outside base one day to swim. I mean, how many chances are you gonna get to say you've been swimming in the Euphrates?
We got caught and had to fill sandbags for the next week, but it was worth it.
Weapon Disassembly and Reassemble fun.
After we left the Euphrates river, we went back to non-stop patrolling. We easily completed hundreds of dismounted foot patrols throughout the course of the deployment.
Two worlds collide
Day in the life of a Rifleman circa 2007.
A lovely view from post.
This day was over 110 degrees. It is by far, the hottest weather I've ever been in.
Standard, Pre-patrol picture before exiting the wire.
These next two photos captures the frustration and confusion when questioning the local population.
Got Milk
LPOP (Listening Post Observation Post)
Sunset Checkpoint
I can remember correctly, a Iraqi Police Officer got wounded some how. I snapped a quick picture of everyone rushing over.
On a rooftop, waiting for EOD to detonate an IED.
Brown and I ready for another patrol.
Little Ones
This is my favorite picture I've ever taken. It Reminds me of the Afghan Girl from National Geographic.
Spy!
VA compensation?
Ready.
Sisters
He shall remain nameless, shot and killed somebody's dog. So we found a stray puppy and tried to make make amends.
Stepping off for a night raid on a suspected Insurgent house.
PFC.Cho
The WOP.
Success.
Post.
Another Successful Raid.
Buttcrack.
The Killing Fields
Selfie
Taking a break from the heat, the lighting was perfect and added a dramatic effect. The next few shots have a totality different atmosphere than all the other photos I took during that time.
Ya boy.
Weight Watchers. USMC edition.
Night Patrol.
Worlds most Interesting I.P
Country Boys.
Cursed
Today was a good day.
Leaving the friends I've made behind to continue the fight. I wished them the best of luck and still hope they're safe.
Going home.
Back in Kuwait.
Once I returned home, I ditched the Olympus stylus 720 sw and purchased a Nikon D40 DSLR. From there I began to experiment with angles, lighting, shutter speeds, etc……
