Posted on Dec 15, 2016
CPT Aaron Kletzing
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Like many units, mine in Iraq had lots of local elders and tribal sheiks who actively helped us better understand the area, including the enemies operating there, etc. A few of those sheiks ended up getting killed by Al-Aqeda or some group like the Madhi Army. I think about that sometimes and wonder whether it was worth it for them to make that sacrifice. Did your unit experience anything similar?
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Responses: 11
Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
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My Interpreter told me stories of his monthly visits from Shindand AB to Herat when he went to take care of his family and personal business. His life there was like a scene from a movie complete with threats, chasing him through marketplaces, hiding from those pursuing him. At one point he had to jump into a cab and beg the driver to get him out of the area as another car chased them while shooting at them. They managed to get to an ANA checkpoint, at which point the other car sped away. Over the last few years since he managed to get a Visa to the US, he still has to move his family around in Afghanistan to ensure their safety.

So while he was never harmed, he sure did make some impressive escapes.
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LTC Greg Henning
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We had several Iraqis working in the embassy in Baghdad that lived on constant fear of being killed because they were assisting us. One person was robbed on the way into the Green Zone. It was hard to separate criminal activity from your everyday acts of terrorism. There was a lot of pay backs going on
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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Many died attempting to hurt our unit!
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