This Is Our War - Win a Free Copy - Day 6

Click here to win a book on 11/6/07!

The book This Is Our War: A Soldiers' Portfolio: Servicemen's Photographs of Life in Iraq presents 256 photos that GQ collected from American servicemen and women, in order to tell the story of America's Iraq experience with their pictures in their own voices. This is a candid soldier's-eye view of war. It's the conflict the way they see it: apolitically, intimately, with honesty and humor and courage. This is a snapshot of history in the making.

Through Veterans Day, ten articles will be posted to veterans.gather.com, each with a picture from the book included. Gather will randomly select one member from each of these articles to receive a copy of This Is Our War. All you have to do is show your support for our soldiers by leaving a comment for the picture posted.

Photo taken by Andrea Benjamin, Fort Carson, Colorado

Staff Sergeant Benjamin gathers his four children before him on the day of his departure for Iraq. "We had only been in Fort Carson a little while," he says, "so I was nervous about leaving my wife and kids there. They didn't know anybody."

Excerpted from THIS IS OUR WAR (Artisan Books) Copyright by The Conde Nast Publications, Inc. Photograph copyright Andrea Benjamin.

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Comments: 12

Chasity B. Nov 5, 2007, 10:53am EST

This is a great family photo. I can understand why he wanted to take the picture. If my family was new on an army base and did not know anyone, I would be worried about leaving them, also. I would be worried about leaving them period, to go to Iraq. He has a beautiful family. My prayers go out to him and his family. I hope his family has settled in, on their new base and that he is doing fine and is ok, in Iraq. I am praying for his safe return. God Bless this soilder and his family.

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HEIDI F. Nov 5, 2007, 11:05am EST

that's a great family photo. i wondered whether he was coming home or getting ready to leave when i saw it.

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Beverly M. Nov 5, 2007, 4:49pm EST

Staff Sergeant Benjamin is a true hero, not only to his family, but also to those of us in America who appreciate his dedication, his time and his service. I am personally very grateful for him and for his dear family, whom, although they have to endure endless stress, living in a new place with no friends while their father and husband are away, still stand tall with him and smile the great American Smile. Thank you Staff Sergeant, and thanks to your loved ones, who are also heroes. May God Bless them and you during your tour in Iraq. Please return safely.

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Connie C. Nov 5, 2007, 5:24pm EST

It must be really hard to leave your family to go so far away. I hope that the military familes support each other.

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Denise B. Nov 6, 2007, 12:16pm EST

lovely photo

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Veronique AKA Zoe Nov 6, 2007, 5:46pm EST

I can't imagine how difficult it would be to leave your family, much less in that situation. You can tell from the photo that no one was happy about him leaving, but it was a great idea for them to take it. To bad mom couldn't have been in it too.

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Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. Nov 6, 2007, 7:21pm EST

Families, like the soldiers themselves are making huge sacrifices. The strength in this shot is the strength radiated by a family that will be consumed with worry for a long time, dreading mail and knocks on the door, even phone calls. Stressed beyond belief to those who have never experienced this, they will adapt, live with it and fit in . . . even excell and continue, despite all that they endure, to try their best to live normal lives and, frankly, they will. This photo is very appropriate. Everyone in it is serving their country.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~

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Tina Coruth Nov 7, 2007, 10:13am EST

Beautiful children whose smiles would be broader, I'm sure, if Dad was returning rather than leaving.

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Dee - Nature Babe! Nov 7, 2007, 7:20pm EST

we have done what this family did but here in Germany. So glad he had taken this pciture. We spend all the time that we can with our soldier.

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Karolyn Q. Nov 8, 2007, 7:01am EST

A beautiful family photo.

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Susan *. Nov 9, 2007, 8:15pm EST

this is a fantastic photo...it shows all too well WHY we should honor all our vets...they are doing it for our future...the kids! God bless!

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Ron (in complete sheeple overload) W. Dec 8, 2007, 9:41am EST

On a mission, can't talk now, Trying to give fifty points (at least) to all my connections for Christmas, or whatever:

Ten unsolicited points from the world's worst connection. Merry whatever you celebrate!

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This Is Our War - Win a Free Copy - Day 6

Comments: 12

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