The Explosive Combat in the Iraq Invasion First Wave
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Corporal Wade Spann served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment as an infantryman at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, in 2002. Spann’s first duty in Iraq was to pick up supplies and begin setting up a base for his unit. Upon his unit’s first casualty in Baghdad, Spann noted that “the reality of war quickly struck home.”
During his second tour in Fallujah, Iraq, his unit faced an IED attack by enemy forces. The attack wounded Spann and four others in the unit. Spann was struck in the back of his head by shrapnel, which caused him to lose consciousness. He quickly recuperated and remained in Iraq. Spann’s unit left Iraq in the summer of 2004 but deployed again in March 2005.
His deployment to Al-Ramadi, Iraq, would be his last. In August 2005, Spann declined to extend his service time and made the decision to leave the Marine Corps.
Spann was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which caused him to reevaluate his coping mechanisms. He continues to work on recovering from his service while also reaching out to other Veterans to stay connected and help them live fruitful lives.
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@emmanuelawosusi2365
Жыл бұрын
Great video
@gabrielbrymer133
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service sir.
@austin3873
Жыл бұрын
I think him for his service but he needs to was his face. It’s oily af
PTSD is a nasty master!!!! Ive had her for over 30 years.I finally asked for help....but it was about 2weeks too late. And it destroyed another relationship. Went to jail and finally started getting the help I needed. I an better but I have a long, long way to go!!! Peace Brother from another Mother from Canada!!!
@justinplaysguitar
Жыл бұрын
Keep at it I mess up many relationships and went to jail and psyc ward a couple times. I had a great therapist for a while and saved my life then she retired now I’m kind of lost again but trying to keep it together while getting another therapist
@NathanGraves928
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service. Glad you mustered the courage to seek help. Best of wishes
@snapkrispies5324
Жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that Homie keep up the fight I’m 39 years old it cost me my last two relationships life is hard just be thankful you don’t have a opiate dependency!!!
@bullboo1
Жыл бұрын
It is not easy Bro for me a dog helped and Vietnam combat vet friend. I have gone through 3 dozen plus major operations on my body and have more but I am taking a break from them. I don't have friends as my vet friend moved and I have been told I make people nervous as I am hyper alert and everyone thinks combat vets will snap. I have my family but they sacrificed to much. I never was a drinker, smoker or drug taker so avoid those the same with breaking the law. Still it is a hard task.
@TheStoicGooner1375
Жыл бұрын
I know the struggle all to well myself I hope that things get to a tolerable point. After 15 years I'm slowly recovering myself it's possible but a slow process and not permanent! God speed and God bless for D.C
Hang in there man. You got a lot of people pulling for you out here. You're never alone in this world. My old man had PTSD from WW2 and never got over it. You're taking the right steps to have a good life. God bless.
@nicke1903
Жыл бұрын
I have a friend that his dad was in Vietnam, he was in a bad way afterwards. He would stay drunk, he would get really,really drunk and then thats when Vietnam came to him, one time he wouldn't let my friend and his siblings off the couch he held em at gunpoint, my friend said he had to pee and he wasn't gonna pee on himself, his dad had begun to nod and pass out so he took a chance to get up, it startled his dad and he took a shot at him hitting the wall with a .410. His dad finally came to blows with his trauma one night, he ended up taking his life. It's so sad to here stories where all these men wanted was to help, then end up in a prisoner of their own head's, reminding them of the hell everyday
@larryflint8351
Жыл бұрын
you are in your 70s?
When we were crossing the bridge he described.. My buddy (RIP Robert Rodriguez) and the whole tank crew were killed when the tank fell off that bridge upside down into the Euphrates. I was absolutely convinced in my mind we were doing a training exercise and it was part of the story.
Excellent interview - though the bit about the amount of suicides in his unit was absolutely devastating Congrats on 200k, this is one of the best channels on YT and absolutely deserves it.
@americanveteranscenter
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@AChunkyDog
Жыл бұрын
@Meme Memeson I remember thinking being edgy was cool.
@AChunkyDog
Жыл бұрын
@Meme Memeson I'm only seeing one clown here.
@dustin5590
Жыл бұрын
22 veterans kill themselves every day on average
Young man you worth helping! Keep on working through your experiences. We the American people need young men like you. Sending much love and respect your way and your fellow friends.
@jacobthayer236
Жыл бұрын
@@woowah32 oh yeah he definitely comes across as a fake. No emotion in his voice.... *sarcasm*
I remember all of this stuff. I was in a tank during the March to Baghdad
Thank you for sharing this moment of your life and your service 🇺🇸❤️
Excellent retelling of this story. Time has shown, in my opinion, that Iraq was a mistake but much like my war in Southeast Asia that doesn’t detract from the bravery of the men and women who prosecuted that war. I always enjoy listening to combat veterans’ stories.
@TheBartowBoy
Жыл бұрын
You are correct, I am a flag waving American, But the Cheney Bush jr war totally unnecessary; it opened the door for ISIS in my opinion
@Blackhawks87
Жыл бұрын
Right? I can't stand it when I'll voice my opposition for the Iraq war and people assume that means I have no respect for the Soldiers, sailors, Marines, or airmen. I have all the respect in the world for those who serve, however I don't respect politicians sending young men and women to die just to fill their own pockets, to get reelected, or whatever the reason may be. Thank you for your service!
Thanks for getting help. Took me 10 years to accept it. Didn't go through anything like you did, but crossing that line is a death to all we loved and knew. Stay focused.
@l.b.7543
Жыл бұрын
I still remember that myself.
@jenniferthill7024
Жыл бұрын
glad you sought help... it's not easy.
My sister was in Iraq in the early 2000s. She was a combat medic and on the striker unit searching for IEDs. She had really bad PTSD when she came home and she passed away before her 30th birthday. The few stories she did tell me, I cant imagine the mental war that ensues. Have tried to find footage of her on tour with no luck.
@patriciablue2739
Жыл бұрын
Blessings to you
Thanks for your service and your story so people have a idea of what it was like. RIP all who died serving our country during war and peace.
@josephking6515
Жыл бұрын
How about RIP to all the Iraqi civilians these #WarCriminals murdered during their illegal invasion. _Shouldn't bring kids to a gunfight_ said the heroic Apache gunner as he murdered news photographers and then the people with children in their van who went to help them. Wow, what pathetic heroes.
@Siddich
Жыл бұрын
phew. yeah, thanks and thanks for finding and destroying those weapons of mass destruction, saddam had…
@dondonovan2778
Жыл бұрын
Iraq was using chemical weapons in 84 and 86
@Siddich
Жыл бұрын
@@dondonovan2778 that is of course a reason to attack em 20 years later...
@nourrashid8739
Жыл бұрын
@@dondonovan2778 And you used nuclear weapons. Nation of absolute murderers and hypocrites.
This is the equivalent of the Hoffmann Vietnam vet interview,so raw and honest,my hat goes off to you sir for your brilliant view on service,my condolences for the people you lost. Listening to your story is lifting a weight off everyone’s shoulders,I hope you are at peace
Amazing account. So honest and matter of fact. Thank you so much for sharing your story, It's so important for so many reasons that we have every willing first hand account. You're a brave American and i'm proud and honored to be your countryman.
Gut wrenching. Prayers for this Marine and all those that served.
This Marines story speaks to me in ways that only anther Marine could understand. I served from '85 to '89 as a 2531 field radio operator and didn't get recalled to active duty because I had two kids with one on the way and it ate me alive! What this Marine said spoke to me in so many ways, to be a trained warrior and not be able to do your task you were trained to do has really bothered me over all these years. His is one of the best stories that I've been able to 100% connect to, I wasn't a war monger but, my training didn't get used and it has always bothered me to an extent that I have thankfully been able to fight back mentally. Just barely at first though, this should be shown to the masses. Or maybe that's just my take from having been on a similar path as a Marine and not getting to fight amongst my brothers for one another. Either way, great video!
@formerparatrooper
Жыл бұрын
I agree with you. I had all the training and never got deployed, it has always been a frustration with me. One of the Chief's in our unit found a way to get in on some of this but I was already too old and too worn out.
@markjordan1765
Жыл бұрын
I was a 2531 too 1988 to 1994. Semper FI
@formerparatrooper
Жыл бұрын
@@markjordan1765 I was in the 11th SFGP from late 79 to mid 86, all peace time but Reagan was president and it was all great.
@tommychew6544
Жыл бұрын
@@markjordan1765 It was amazing the Corps was such using really old radio equipment then. We had an Army radio operator that had switched over and joined the Marines stop by our shop one day, he was in motor-T, that said he didn't recognize anything we were using! We were using mostly PRC-77's then along with other gear including 292 antennas' that he had never seen before. After almost 40 years I have forgotten most of the gear by a number we used, I believe it was an H-250 handset we were using. I didn't see my first PRC-107 that crossed the VHF/UHF Spectrem till about '88. I liked that radio because during a CAX exercise I could setup an extra RT while on radio watch and listen to the loose traffic coming from the Army guys. We were under orders to not mess with them though, a few years before me some guys had taken over an Army radio hill over using the same things, we had been trained about at Comm School not what to on the radio and left them hanging for a couple of days!
@markjordan1765
Жыл бұрын
@@tommychew6544 Wow you are 100 percent right on the radio gear. In 1989 I was sent to sat com school to learn how to use the PSC-3 SAT-COM radio. That thing was huge with the KY-57 crypto and kick 13 to load the KY-57. Force recon needed a SAT-COM operator, so I worked with those guys a lot in Camp Pendleton. We also use Mucks. Semper FI brother.
Thank you for sharing your story. We appreciate your service immensely.
Wade I appreciate your willingness to talk about those moments inspite of the pain they bring. I hope we might get to see you again sometime up here in Mountain country 💜
Thank You so much for your service My Dear American Brother, I wanted to be an American Hero or born in USA like You.😊😇🥰😍🤗❤🤍💙💪👍
@safaqi01
Жыл бұрын
Lol where are you from
@sandranatali1260
Жыл бұрын
We refer to American heroes, as those who gave their lives fighting for our Country. All WW2 armed forces refer to Heroes as those who gave their lives for their Country.
@newsnowmilitia1147
Жыл бұрын
I love that
It doesn’t, “sound bad at a young age like that”. I had enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1998- I was 20 then. On 9/11 I was working nights and got a call from my wife (who was at work), telling me to turn on any channel, at about 1000 CDT. As soon as I saw it I called into work, threw on my uniform, and went directly to my unit, ready to go. They looked at me like I was a retard. March ‘03 we rolled right through that berm…. 1/2 of our BN with 101st, 1/2 with 1 MEF.
Well done.. I'm a kiwi (New zealand). I appreciate that this came up.. All hero's need to tell their stories , for themselves and their brothers who can't.. Kia kaha..
Thank you for your service and your story. Will be praying for you by name, Wade.
I was in 1/4 Wpns co and it’s crazy to hear someone from 5th Marines talk about their story when I was there at the same time, just a few miles down the road. I had almost 3 years in at that time but just like him our boots came from school of infantry straight to Kuwait and served three combat deployment before their four years were up.
@alligatorwithwifi6111
Жыл бұрын
Interesting how many ended up in the same areas. My uncle in the Louisiana National Guard ended up there as an "88mike" if I got that correct. Always wondered how national guard got there but can't find a direct answer.
@jeremyperala839
Жыл бұрын
I was in F 2/5. Wasn't too far away from you guys. Semper Fidelis
Thank you for your service, and all your marines
Thank you Sir, for all that you have done for our country and what you continue to do for our veterans. You are the definition of a hero.
Thank you from Australia 🇦🇺 brothers in arms my American friends
Hang in there brother, I've never served, I couldn't imagine that amount stress. I hope you fight the good fight and everyday is better for you. Thank you Sir for your service.
A tough modest, honest young Marine, just like his brothers of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam. Semper Fi, I wish you nothing but the best for your future. 🍺🍺🍺🍺!
Awesome stories. Thanks to all our Veterans. God Bless
God Bless you brother. All Americans are proud and thankful for your service and sacrifices.
thank you very much for sharing your stories with us. i wish you the best. stay strong.
Wow, thankyou for doing the interview.
What a guy and what he's been through. I am so glad you did work on yourself and came through. But every day can be a challenge..i know that...but just know people love you , and are proud of you- not just for your service , not just for reaching out for help then helping others who are in need , but just because you are what we all are or have been- a regular person facing difficult circumstances. Thank you for your service and keep fighting- if for no other reason than because it helps others
Thank you so much for all that you poured out for our country and for the less fortunate.
Regardless of how absolutely screwed up our country is right now, imagine where we would be or if we would still be a country without men like this. Thank you for your service my fellow Virginian!
You are an incredible man and hero. I am living with MS and hearing you is an encouragement.
Thank you for baring your soul and telling your story. I wish you all the best.
Thanks for sharing brother, know it's not easy
I have MS for 14 years. The Shapiro Center for Multiple Sclerosis at The Mpls. Clinic of Neurology in Golden Valley, MN ......Dr. Calkwood is the best in the WORLD!!!
Semper Fidelis brother. I also have lost brothers to suicide. My faith in God is what has carried me through. Fair winds, and following seas. I pray for healing on your MS.
Truly grateful for sharing this story, so much value here for the veterans of all generations. The further investment of mental health will truly service the veteran community
Once again I am humbled and totally in debt to this veteran and all veterans for their total commitment to defending our country and their brothers and sisters in arms. Thank you is so inadequate but that is all I have to offer. God bless and comfort them all.
I worked with a coworker on the C-17 program who told me a story of his time in the Army stationed on the DMZ in Korea. He said his CO instructed him to shoot anyone crossing a certain line. Well an old man came across the line and my coworker stopped him with his rifle. He said he spent three months in the brig, while I suppose the beurocrats tried to figure how much cash to give to North Korea. I could tell that incident still bothered him even ten years after the fact. Good going US modis operandi.
Thank you for your service
Wow! Truly moving words. Thank you to all who bravely serve.
Thank you for your service. You have a great positive outlook.
@maverick744
Жыл бұрын
I received the same text as you saying I won a prize.did you?
You got balls man… appreciate everything you and your comrades have done. One life on this earth, you did good.
I would totally have a long lunch with this gentleman. there's obviously so much more to this man than his war story. Impressive. #ptsd #ms #veterans
Pay it Forward, A lesson all should learn. God Bless you Marine !
Much respect, sir.
Love you and thank you
He's definitely a bright guy. I enjoyed hearing his story.
What an absolute badass. Thank you sir, for your service.
You mentioned palisade and Special Forces, my grandson was a Green Beret at the time, pretty sure he was there with you. He's now retired! Now working to help people!
God bless you Sir and Thank you
Semper fidelis, brother. God bless.
Peace and Well Being to you Sir.
Thank you for Everything my friend. ❤
Absolutely amazing testimony of his experiences. I wish this patriot the best. Thank you for everything.
Thank you for your service Marine!
Thank you for your service, nothing but respect♥️🇺🇲
@nourrashid8739
Жыл бұрын
Respect for invading a nation that had nothing to do with 9/11 and killing hundreds of thousands of innocents.
Hang in there, Cpl.Spang! We LOVE YOU, brother!
Love the channel
God bless you, man. Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for your service. God works in mysterious ways, and it is awesome to see stories like this.
Thank you for your service. Sorry our country lied to you to get it though. Looks like another generation is about to go through the same exact same thing.
@breeshteam
Жыл бұрын
Ehh somewhat False. Enlistments are low. Nobody wants to go no matter how much the sign on bonus is .
Thank you for your service sir to our country
Thank you for your service!! God bless you!! ✝️🇺🇲✝️
God bless you brother.
Thanks for sharing, I have Ben through alit of similar shit, anyway thanks dude.!
Keep up the fight bro.
God bless you Sir and may you find well deserved peace
Marine your my freaking hero. Thank you for everything you and you fellow marines did for me and all the other Americans that Iam sure don't mind me speaking for them! Semper fi!
@sgddfgfghfgh
Жыл бұрын
What did they do for you again?
🏆🏆🏆✌️🇺🇲🙏 🎖️🎖️🎖️⭐⭐⭐ Thank you for sharing
very good
7:23 welcome to sedar City! Oh you need a cigar I hand him one he gets mad melts like the witch from wizard of Oz
SEMPER FI, ALL YOUVE DONE I TIP MY HAT TO YOU EVERY DAY
Very kinetic place....
Kinetic
May God bless you Sir. and Thank you for my freedom.
Semper Fi!
I know you glossed over what are a thousand individual living nightmares. Breaks my heart knowing someone I likely share blood with has gone through so much pain. I hope heaven awaits you.
We lost so many men due to "hajji armour" a solider asked Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld that question in Iraq, "Why do we soldiers have to dig through local landfills for pieces of scrap metal and compromised ballistic glass to up-armor our vehicles? and why we didn't have bulletproof vests and other things some didn't have...he said "We go to war with the Army we have not the Army we want" which pissed a lot of guys off because we did not have to go to war at all and it was not a time issue...a lot of people didn't know this, but they brought Captain Steele,company commander in the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment during the Battle of Mogadishu (1993) in Somalia during Operation Gothic Serpent, which resulted in the now famous book and film Black Hawk Down, commanding a rifle company in the 75th Ranger Regiment as part of Task Force Ranger. Now Colonel Steele advising for tactics he learned in Mogadishu, and just like General "Bill" Garrison, who commanded United States forces during Operation Gothic Serpent, He was told no when he pressed really hard they had to have armored vehicles or there would be a great loss of life, Which is what General Garrison was told by Les Aspin when he asked, he also wanted a Spectre gunship, to high profile. but this was war and he was so disappointed he was brought there for that reason, and he had failed soldier's.this is an untold story unless you were in earshot of this conversation(PSYOP) or 1N7...just flat-out sad...my mother retired USAF R&D now D.O.D R&D at Rock Island Arsenal, would in 2005 started taking in the Humvees to be fitted with amour. NBC News 2004:Frantically, the Army tries to armor Humvees...They should have listened to the 1 guy in that TAC in 2003.
Men like you Sir are why I am proud to be an American.
Semper Fidelis!
Hug to you son.
My guy, Roy Masters put together a PTSD meditation with 100% success rate.
I joined the corps at 19. I was joining no matter what. 9/11 enhanced that decision. That was 2002. Now I have a 19 year old nephew he’s a solid kid and raised right by his parents. He joined the army to be an engineer. I struggle thinking about him patrolling Iraq like we did.
Dude is so brave
Very positive move! "Not having alcohol in your life"
This marine optimizes the true greatness of America.
Truly beautiful ending
Pretending to surrender then attacking was a common theme with Iraqi soldiers till we refused to let them surrender.
You must find your way back, once your center is moved!!! You are the only one who can!!! Just commenting.
Semper Fi
One day at a time
Meanwhile, I was back home collecting Desert Storm baseball cards. I enlisted later that year, 1991.
Check out the Veterans Healing Farm out of Hendersonville NC. It’s a great non profit and they do a lot for vets. They give thousands of pounds of fresh produce to veterans. They offer tons of workshops for veterans like clay sculpting. Suicide prevention and training classes. Writing workshops and a lot more. Thanks!
🙏🕊️
He said 'hostages' then quickly corrected himself. The Iraqis documented enormous counts of atrocities against the civilian population by American soldiers and mercenary groups like Blackwater.
That'd town is. Fluse