Spc. David Broome (US Army photo)
In 2005, Spc. David Broome, a National Guardsman with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s “B” Troop, 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, found himself in Ramadi. When he arrived, Ramadi was a bad place. The Anwar Awakening that brought peace to the region wouldn’t take place for another two years.
Though trained as a human resources specialist, it wasn’t long before he was reassigned as an infantryman. He got some timely on-the-job training and went to work. “My truck commander taught me room clearing, convoy route security and detainee operations,” he told the American Forces Press Service.
After four months patrolling the streets of Ramadi he was badly injured by a roadside bomb that took away a chunk of his thigh and use of his right leg.
What followed was a long rehabilitation process, during which he endured several operations and a lengthy recuperation to get back the use of his leg.
Now, four years later, he is back in Iraq. He deployed with his National Guard unit to Contingency Operating Base Adder, in southern Iraq. “I know this tour is rough on some of the first-timers, but compared to my first tour, this time is cake for me,” he said. (DefenseLink)
Spc. Adder is one of many Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen who have willingly rejoined the battle, knowing the risks and costs of war personally. He is 23 years old, and has experienced more than most of us see in a lifetime.
During visits to wounded warriors over the last few years, I have heard many of his counterparts express a desire to get back, to return to their buddies who are still fighting. Some of them have even lost limbs and submitted requests to deploy again.
These men and women are our future leaders, because they will return home wiser and more experienced in life than the rest of us. As a Soldier once told his father, “This is my generation’s fight.”
And what a generation it is.
Spc. David Broome, a Purple Heart recipient, is our hero of the week.
