This is my personal blog. All opinions are my own and do not represent anyone else.
I served in the Army as an enlisted infantryman, twice in Iraq. I left the Army in 2006 and went to school for Middle East Studies. After finishing school in 2011, I decided to rejoin the Army.
After a very long year(+) in TRADOC, I’m learning to ride horses at The Great Place.
I started this blog in the summer of 2011 while attending graduate school in London. The original intent was to use it as a space to collect interesting things surrounding my thesis research. It has since evolved and continues to do so.
Why is it called ‘Carrying the Gun?’ While working on my dissertation on Iraqi military perspectives during the Iran-Iraq War, I came across this excerpt from a radio address by Saddam Hussein:
From Baghdad Domestic Radio Service, 29 January 1983, FBIS: Daily Reports, 31 January 1983: ‘Our modern man is developed and is completely different from the one who existed before. Our modern Iraqi is more enduring, more precise, more energetic, and better prepared to meet responsibility. The base of the revolution’s faithful men has expanded and covers all Iraq. The base of reserve of leaders – both in civilian and military life – has increased. …It is all the Iraqis who have now passed the tests and who have sincerely and certainly proved to be loyal through their sacrifices by carrying the gun in defense of Iraq and in building Iraq in an exemplary manner.”
Email: dgomez (at) me (dot) com
Twitter: @dongomezjr
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I look forward to reading some posts.
I’m enjoying your blog. Concise, well written, informally informative. Keep it up.
Love it don…keep writing…maybe someday we can collaborate….
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Sounds like Saddam was talking about the New Baathist Man. The same speech could have been given by Robespierre, Marx or Stalin.
You are spot on.
Insightful and well written. Look forward to reading more.
I just came across your writings but one thing that really caught my eye was your “header” artwork. Just fabulous.
Great Blog. I’m a designer and Artist. Where did you get the image on your Header from, it’s very nice? I would be interested in checking out the Artist.
Sorry – I thought I had already replied to this.
The artist’s name is Roger Blum. Click the ‘Header’ link at the top for more info.
thanks Don I will….
Thanks for stopping by my blog and the follow!! I know I’m a little late getting to it sorry bout that!!
I also wanted to say that this is a very interesting perspective on the war. I find stories like the ones you tell very interesting! Thanks for the awesome read!!
Merci pour le fait d’ajouter!!! d–0.o–b