Army veteran learns the real thing is much different

James and Jenn got married after meeting in New Jersey.

“I was in the Army, active duty in the First Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas, for five years. I did two tours over in Iraq as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle weapons specialist.

“I saw plenty of action. Lots of bad stuff when you’re on patrols doing house raids. Training is good and all. It teaches you how to do things, systematically. But it’s much different running through a house with another soldier who you know is not going to shoot you during training versus running through a house with someone else who has an AK who is trying to shoot you.”

What was the worst situation you were in?
“I got blown up. It was the usual, a convoy IED. It knocked the vehicle far enough that it jarred out my left shoulder. They had to reconstruct it. Nothing too bad, comparatively. I had surgery about three years ago. I’ll let you know when the recovery time is over.”

— James