This Is Our War - Win a Free Copy - Day 8

Click here for a chance to a win a copy of the book on 11/8/07!

The book This Is Our War: A Soldiers' Portfolio: Servicemen's Photographs of Life in Iraq presents 256 photos that GQmagazine 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.

Join us in Veterans.gather.com on Wednesday, November 7th for a live chat! Gather member Spartan will interview GQ Magazine journalist Devin Friedman about the book.

Photo taken by David K. Dismukes, U.S.Army

Southern Iraq

"The first thing the Iraqis did was try to light those oil fields," the photographer says. He took this picture of Specialist Joshua Earl, a military policeman guarding the Rumaila oil fields, while he was escorting a group of journalists reporting on the fires. He says infantry duty (his job in Desert Storm) may be safer than working with reporters, who crave the front lines. "Actually, he says, "that's hat puts you in all the heat."

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

```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Veterans.gather.com is a community for veterans, those actively serving, family and friends to share their perspectives on social, economic, health issues and more. Raise your awareness by reading up to date information from Paralyzed Veterans of America. To join, click here.

Comments: 12

Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. Nov 7, 2007, 4:14pm EST

Excellent exposure here and a great capture of the expression . . . with the background fire being all that's needed to put this into context!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~

reply to this comment

Tina Coruth Nov 7, 2007, 4:17pm EST

I've wondered if it was more difficult to escort journalists. I think soldiers have more than enough to do and worry about. We ask more and more of our military. They handle everything with courage and great skill. If only we could say the same of our politicians. This is another great photo. Thank you.

reply to this comment

Denise B. Nov 7, 2007, 4:40pm EST

nice picture, nice insight

reply to this comment

Veronique AKA Zoe Nov 7, 2007, 4:46pm EST

This is a great photo! I have always felt it would be difficult to escort/babysit journalist. You have this group of people that are all wanting to get as close as possible to get the best shot or story and are not necessarily thinking of their own safety. They leave that to the soldier. Like in most war movies they portray the journalist as wanting the front lines, wanting to get that story of what its like or that perfect shot and then once they are there they realizing that they are in a war not a movie set.

I love writing and journalism, but would never be the kind of journalist to crave the front lines. No, that, I'll leave for the experts.

reply to this comment

Lisa Frost Nov 7, 2007, 5:00pm EST

I think it is great to be able to see a soldier's point of view. This is what they see, and it is something very few can express in words, but pictures say so much more.

reply to this comment

Connie C. Nov 7, 2007, 5:27pm EST

I love being able to see the war through the eyes of the soldiers.

reply to this comment

Dee - Nature Babe! Nov 7, 2007, 6:15pm EST

Connie if only we could see the Revolutionary and civil war views, like we see todays, and WWII.

reply to this comment

Dee - Nature Babe! Nov 7, 2007, 6:16pm EST

I have many pics that my husband and his unit brought back. Wish i could post some.

reply to this comment

Dee - Nature Babe! Nov 7, 2007, 6:17pm EST

Was there for the chat. Very polite gentleman.

reply to this comment

Chasity B. Nov 7, 2007, 9:41pm EST

This is a great shot! It shows what our troops see everyday, upclose. I have wanted to see what they actually see, but I don't think I could join the military and go to Iraq. This photo is a great way of letting Americans know what our troops are doing and seeing, out in the field and on the front lines. I'd love to win a copy of this book, to see all the pictures and read all about what is really happening overseas. I think this is a great way to open up the eyes of those who are not really paying attention to what is going on and it lets families of military personal, see what they are doing, as scary,sad,happy or horried as it may be.

reply to this comment

Karolyn Q. Nov 8, 2007, 7:06am EST

Great photo! It is incredible to see it the way the soldier sees it.

reply to this comment

Ron (in complete sheeple overload) W. Dec 8, 2007, 9:40am 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!

reply to this comment

This Is Our War - Win a Free Copy - Day 8

Comments: 12

Join the Conversation

You might also like

More by Speedy - Support Veterans