As the Iraq War continues and the election only a few days away, troops from the current altercation in the Middle East visited Temple University to speak of the effects of war on a soldier.
The speech, hosted by Operation Truth, drew a crowd of students interested in the truth behind the war.
“I am here so that I can get a more realistic opinion about the war,” said Temple student Kelly Wall. “Something honest and genuine,” she added.
Temple University hosted three Iraq War veterans including the Founder and Executive Director of Operation Truth Paul Riekhoff, injured veteran Robert Acosta, and Army weapons expert David Chasteen.
Each soldier spoke for about 15 minutes, explaining the human costs that are involved in a war.
Before each soldier spoke, Rieckhoff explained to the audience that these soldiers were not “anti-war” but “pro-truth,” adding, “regardless of who wins the election we [America] are still there in Iraq on November 3.”
Acosta, who fought in Iraq from May 2003 until July 13, 2003, lost his right hand and suffered leg injuries when a grenade detonated in his hand, and he knows the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“It’s tough sleeping at night and I fight with my family members. It’s also hard to drive. I’ve almost crashed my car a couple times because I’m easily startled.”
Pfc. Josh Clough, who fought in the Iraq War, was in attendance to hear what these soldiers had to say. “A soldier will go through hell if he has a true mission,” Clough said. “This makes it so hard.”
Bob Hollawell may be reached at Grungefan5483@aol.com.
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