The Face of War

I just finished an investigative project with Michael de Yoanna, a reporter with the Colorado Springs Independent. Over the course of two weeks, Michael and I interviewed several soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team now stationed at the Fort Carson Army Post. These soldiers were deployed to one of the most troubled areas of Iraq — the infamous Sunni Triangle. They served in combat outposts there. And they saw action, a lot of it. Their experiences have left deep scars. But you wouldn't know that by looking at them. They are young men, with young men's faces. Only 20-years-old, Alex Orum, pictured at top, was a gunner who received a Certificate of Achievement from the Army after his tour of duty in Iraq. In Michael's story Alex recounts the difficulty he had when he first killed someone. Machine gunner Tyler Jennings, pictured at right, was awarded the Purple Heart after his service in Iraq. His responsibilities included cleaning up the carnage after roadside explosions. Coming home was difficult for both. Alex says life in Iraq was easier than life here at home. Learn how hard it was for these heroes to return home and why: **CLICK HERE**