A GRAPHIC NOVEL BY THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER

AND THE BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY

A GRAPHIC NOVEL BY THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER
A GRAPHIC NOVEL
PRODUCED BY
THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER
PREPARED BY
RTI INTERNATIONAL
THE DOCS TEAM
Printed in the United States of America. First printing April 2010.
AUTHORS
Heidi Kraft
Russ Peeler
Jerry Larson
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Carrie Borst
PROJECT MANAGERS
Jerry Larson
Laurel Hourani
ARTISTS
Shari Lambert (Illustrator)
Daniel Wiggins,
Dao Nguyen,
and
Diane Philyaw (Colorists)
E. Andrew Jessup
(Letterer)
DEDICATION
This story is dedicated to all Navy Corpsmenpast, present, and
futurewho stand in harms way and selessly honor their vow to
care for those wounded during combat, either in body or spirit.
AUTHORS NOTE
The Docs is the story of four Navy Corpsmen deployed to Iraq. While some events
in the novel are specic to Operation Iraqi Freedom, this graphic novel is not
intended to depict any specic time period or conict. Rather, it represents a
more general view of military life within a combat zone. The intent is to highlight
challenges faced by Corpsmen in all wars. The commitment of Corpsmen to
meeting these challenges is, like the story itself, timeless.
CONTENTS
Part 1: Saying
Goodbye
page 9
Part 3: Outside
the Wire
page 57
Part 4: The Price
of Freedom
page 99
Part 2: Settling In
page 33
CONTENTS
Part 6: Voices
of Support
page 163
Part 8: Epilogue
page 185
Resources
page 199
Part 5: Lives in
the Balance
page 135
Part 7: Returning
Home
page 175
8
9
PART 1
Saying
Goodbye
10 10
Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base, California
Mission: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Man,
here we go
again -- back to
the sandbox.
Yeah,
Groundhog
Day.
11
HM3 Jason Banks
USN, Kilo Company,
Marine Infantry Battalion
Age: 19
Shell
Like that.
OK.
See you
soon.
Ill call
her as much
as I can.
You can
wait with the other
family members over
at that open hangar.
I think they have some
chairs set up. Ill be
there as soon
as I can.
How long
will you be,
Jason?
Let me grab
one of my bridal
magazines so Ill
have something
to read while
I wait.
Dont know.
Could take a while.
they have to get
all these guys
checked in.
your mother
sent you one of her
care packages. Shes
so sweet. I dont know
where she finds
the energy.
Im worried.
Without Dad, theres
no one back home
to help her out while
shes getting her
treatments.
Yeah, shes great.
Always taking care of
somebody. I dont know how
she does it, especially
now with her chemo
going on.
12
...Man,
do not bring
up the damned
scorpions again.
I hate those
things!
Hey, bring on
the insurgents, but
keep the scorpions
away. Theyre nasty! Wait
till you find one in
your boot.
Hey, Doc.
You new around
here?
Yeah,
name is
Banks.
Dont let those
guys worry you. Its not
so bad. Besides, you take
good care of us and well
take good care of you.
Hey, do
you see anybody
wearing Cracker
Jacks around here?
So, why
the navy? why
not the marine
corps?
Mississippi.
I knew
it! Im from
Alabama.
what,
doc, did you
want to wear
the cracker
jacks?
So, why the
Navy then?
My
grandfather
was a corpsman
with a Marine unit in
Korea. Wanted to
serve my country
and be a sailor
like he was.
Well, Doc, youre
getting your chance. Just
do whatever we do, always,
and keep your head on a swivel.
Im Everett, John
Everett. First trip
to the desert,
Doc?
Yep.
So, Doc,
where you
from?
Dude,
youre a U.S.
Marine. You cant
be afraid of a
little bug.
13
sorry
for the wait,
Amanda.
Stay
safe and
come home
soon.
Dont worry.
Ill be fine. You
worry about getting
this wedding planned.
Ill be ready to go
when I get back. Ive
got to get on the bus
now. Ill be in touch
as soon as
I can.
I love you.
I love
you, too.
Kilo Company,
Load UP!
Hey,
here they
come.
14
HN Derek Jackson
USN, Charlie Company,
Marine Infantry Battalion
Age: 19
Youre
OK.
Dang,
Doc. We
going too
slow for
you?
LAST ONE.
Damn, Doc. It
doesnt even look
like you worked
up a sweat.
Thats
cause Dawg
heres a
beast!
Dawg?!
CHARLIE COMPANY, LINE UP!
THESE SEA BAGS NEED TO BE ON THE
TRUCKS YESTERDAY.
15
Holy shit!
darrell?! What
are you doing
here?
Shipping
out, just
like you!
Charlie
Company,
baby.
What?!
Who you callin
squid, jarhead? You
mean you and Lisa
got married?
Yep, right after high school.
Its been great, actually.
We had A baby three
months ago.
You?
A Dad? Wow,
thats awesome.
Congratulations.
The
Marines?
Whats up with
that?
Man, I havent seen
you in forever. No one
has called me Dawg
in a long time.
Hey man. It
was this or end
up in a gang. Couldnt
do that to Lisa. What
about you, you
crazy squid?
16
Come on over
here. Youve got to
see my boy and say
hello to Lisa. She
wont believe it.
Lisa,
look who I
ran into.
Oh
my god!
Derek? Hi, Lisa.
DAWG, if you can take
care of a whole company
of Marines, you can
hold a baby.
I dont
know, man,
hes so
little.
Yeah,
Derek, its
fine.
17
Yeah, You
Know How My
Parents Are.
Pops Would Have
Come But Mom
Couldnt Take it.
So He Stayed
Home With
Her.
Ill leave
you all alone.
See you on
the bus.
Save
me a
seat!
Charlie Company.
load up!
Darrell Jr.
Heck, I wanted to
name him after you
but Lisa wouldnt go
for the name
DAWG.
You
here by
yourself?
Whats his
name?
18
Yeah, good
as I can be. Man,
think how big hell
be when I get
back.
You OK?
I know, Darrell.
But youll have access
to the net over there.
Lisa can send you pictures.
Maybe she could even
set up a webcam.
Hey, a friend of
mine back on base is in
I.T. Hes a computer wiz.
Ill get him to hook
you up. He could
do it easy.
Thanks.
Youre the
man, Dawg.
No way. Lisa can
email and stuff but
she doesnt know
that much about
computers.
19
HM2 Erica Mendez
USN, HQ Company, Marine
Infantry Battalion
Age: 22
OK,
thats it. Any
questions?
hm2, whos
Miller?
Hes a friend.
A doc in Echo
Company.
Hes en route from Germany. I know
that a lot of you know Miller and are
worried about him. Ive asked for an
update and will let you know as
soon as I hear something
from Bethesda.
If theres
nothing else, were
done here, so go
home. See you all
at 2100.
Yes, sir. I
was wondering if you
have any update on Petty
Officer Millers
condition?
20
What
happened? Damn,
sorry.
How
so?
Master
Chief, check
and see if there
are any updates
on Miller.
wilco, sir.
Good to get them
news as soon as we
have it, so their heads
can get back in
the game.
You think
that Mendez
is OK?
Shell be
fine. Shes solid.
just hits a little
closer to home
for her.
She and Miller went
through school together.
Plus, Mendez took shrapnel
from an RPG herself
during her first pump.
hell
make it.
RPG hit
close to their
barracks. Miller
took some shrapnel
to the neck. Hes
alive but thats
all we know.
21
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Mendez
is hit!
22
thanks
for taking
the day off
today.
What do you
expect? Our last run on
the beach together for
seven months.
Lets go long.
At least 10. Want to
burn off some of
this stress.
So, hows
the shoulder
feeling?
Still stiff.
Hurts a little
but the orthopod
says that it will
take quite a while
for that to
go away.
Do me
a favor would you?
Keep your head down
this time.
Yes, Sergeant.
How far do
you want to go
today?
23
Im worried
about you, once
you get there.
Why?
What do
you mean? I
sleep fine.
No, you dont,
Erica. Every time youve
stayed at my place since
you were told you were
deploying, youve been
up at 0200.
Howd
you know
that?
You cant just
take care of your
Marines over there.
Youve got to look
out for yourself,
too.
I will, I
promise. You
dont need to
worry, Ill
be fine.
The stress. Its
happening already.
The closer you get to
leaving, the less
you sleep.
Last time
was different.
Im fine, really. Come
on, lets go. Gonna
be dark soon.
See, thats
exactly what Im
talking about. It took
you over a year to get
past them when you
came back last time.
Now theyre back
again.
Im OK.
Bad dreams,
thats all.
You really think
I dont notice when
you try to tiptoe out
of the room?
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, Naval Air Station, Florida
Mission: Support Construction Projects in Central Iraq
24
25
HM1 John Wallace,
USN Reserve, Naval Mobile
Construction Battalion,
Alpha Company
Age: 38
Hey, doc, Are
the records and
supplies all
set?
I think so, sir. Things are pretty
settled at the store. Its a little
harder on the family this time. The
kids are older and can under-
stand where Im going.
But theyll be OK.
Yes, sir.
Almost
squared
away.
Excellent.
What about you?
Are you ready
to go back?
Well, for what
its worth, Im grateful
to have you with us. With so
many guys getting out after we
came back the last time, I can
really use your experience.
If you dont
mind me asking,
whyd you Re-up? After
the mortar attack on our
battalion during the last
deployment...8 dead and 40
casualties...a family man like
you couldve said enough is
enough and walked away.
But you didnt. Why not?
Actually, thats
exactly why I did
stay...FAMILY. It
may sound funny,
but you guys,
My bees, Are
my family,
too.
Oh, and
John, say
hello to
Lindsay
for me.
Well, like
I said, Im glad
that you did. Now,
finish up so you can
get out of here and
spend some time
at home. Ill see
you in the
morning.
26
Later...
Im glad
you came by.
Im not sure the
numbers are
working out.
Hey, Tom, hows
the inventory coming
along? You get it
finished up?
Great!
Love you. see
you in a little
while.
OK...see
you about 6:00.
The kids cant
wait for you to get
here. They have a
little surprise
for you.
Lets get
busy. Lindsay
and the kids are
waiting for me
at home.
let me
have a look.
I cant head off
to the other side
of the world with-
out this being
straight.
Hi, honey. Just wanted to
let you know I dropped by the
store real quick to check
on things one last time...
then Ill be right
home.
27
2030
Hi, honey.
Im on
my...
Sorry, I
got caught up
at the store. The
inventory was all
screwed up...
Where
the hell are
you?
{CLICK}
28
Im sorry,
honey. I lost
track of
time.
You lost track of
time?! What do you mean,
You lost track of time? John...
How could you do that? Its your
last night before you
leave for Iraq!
I dont know,
Lindsay. I didnt mean
to...I was trying to
get the inventory
straightened
out.
You could
have let Tom
handle that.
Tom?
Come on...
youve got to
be kidding. I tried.
Hes a hard worker
but we only hired him
a few months ago
and its slow
going.
29
Lindsay, I told you Im
sorry. I was just trying
to make sure that the
store is OK while
Im gone.
What about
our kids?
Thats enough!
Youve made your
point! I cant believe
that youre giving me
grief about this. Its
your fathers
store.
Well, you should
have thought of that
earlier. Youve missed
the kids. Theyre already
asleep. They spent the
whole day making those
signs and baking
you a cake.
What does
that have to do with
anything?
Look, I loved
my EMT job but
gave that up so
we could run the
store for your
father when
he retired.
Im not
saying that
Im not happy.
Just that I gave up
something to take
it over. And now that we
did, I have to make sure
that its done right.
Thats all I was doing
tonight, making
sure that things
are done
right.
What?
Youve never
said anything
about being
unhappy running
the store.
30
Thats just great.
Why dont you tell that to
our kids? Oh, thats right, you
cant. They went to bed already...
without seeing their dad the
night before he heads off
to a warzone.
Thats right,
Lindsay; Im the
one heading off
to a warzone.
Doesnt that
count for
something?!
Of course it
does...but do you
think that youre the
only one thats affected?
Do you know how many
birthdays, school plays
and recitals youll miss?
Not to mention the bad
dreams, the doctor
appointments...
homework?
I need to
get some air.
Im going to walk
the dog.
You have no idea
how much Ill miss
those things.
31
Well,
Charlie...I
really messed
this one up, huh?
Not the way I
expected my last
night at home to
go. You mad at
me, too?
Me too.
I love
you.
Im sorry.
I love you,
too. Come in.
Youll have time to
talk to the kids in
the morning.
32
33
PART 2
Settling In
Marine Infantry Battalion, FOB, Western Iraq
34
Oh yeah.
Home sweet
home.
Doesnt
look so sweet
to me.
35
BANKSCrimson Tide
Must make it
interesting around
your house during Iron
Bowl weekend.
Oh yeah. Dad cant
stand it that Auburns
won it so many times
lately. What about
you, Banks? Whats
your team?
Mississippi
State Bulldogs,
baby!
Your dad
a Bulldogs
fan, too?
Thats how
I started liking
them. My dad had
Bulldogs stuff all
over the house. He and
mom had season tickets
for football and didnt
miss a game for
about 10 years
in a row.
Damn,
sorry.
No way. Ive
been an Auburn fan as
long as I can remember.
Drives my dad nuts. He
graduated from Alabama.
Thats all I ever hear,
Crimson Tide, Crimson
Tide...
Everett,
I figured you for
an Alabama fan
for sure.
Its OK.
But Id
rather not
talk about
it.
Come on.
Im getting hungry,
lets head over
to chow.
...until last
fall when
he passed
away.
Oh yeah,
he was the
biggest.
36
Damn, youre
killing me.
When we get back, you can
come with me to visit my
mom and have Sunday
dinner with us.
Deal. If I
dont starve
to death over
here first!
I tell you what,
I wish my mom were
here to cook me some
decent food.
What I wouldnt give
for my moms pork chops
and fried potatoes!
My moms Sunday
dinner, thats what I
miss. baked ham, butter
beans, mashed potatoes
and gravy, homemade
pecan pie.
37
JACKSONCarry My Letter
Damn, Dawg, You
beast. Do you have
every weight in the room
on that bar? Thats
like 450 pounds.
Nah, just
405.
38
Yeah, Darrell,
feels like old times.
So, how are things
back home? You heard
from Lisa? Hows
Darrell Jr?
Thats not the
half of it. Lisa took a
pregnancy test. Looks
like Im going to be
a dad again.
No kidding?!!
thats awesome!
Congratulations!
I dont know,
Dawg. To tell you
the truth, it scares
the shit out of me. Hell,
having one kid scared
the shit out of me.
But now two?
You
know, Dawg,
I just cant
believe it.
I mean, we
hadnt seen each
other in what, almost
two years? And now,
here were bunking
together in
Iraq.
The thing is
that Im missing
it all. Hell, hell
probably be
walking before I
get back.
YEAH, I GOT A
LETTER FROM HER
TODAY. ITS ONLY BEEN
THREE WEEKS SINCE I
LEFT AND HE CAN SIT
UP BY HIMSELF
ALREADY.
39
Hey, Darrell,
speaking of my
parents, Ive been
thinking. Would you
hold my letter
for me?
Sure,
DEREK.
Well, like
I said, I think its
awesome. What could be
better than being a dad? I
cant wait to be one some
day. Gonna be just
like my dad.
Yeah, Dawg,
your pops is
the man.
Do you know
that through all four
years of high school, he
never missed a football
game? If I was playing, he
was there. Even if he had to
work the midnight shift
to make up for it.
And your
mom sat in
the car in the
parking lot
cause she was
too nervous
to watch!
Your old man
was in the Navy,
wasnt he? He was
a corpsman in
Nam, right?
To this day, he
still eyes the exits
every time he sits down
in a restaurant. Funny
thing is, he thinks that
I dont notice.
Yeah, two tours.
I guess thats why I
signed up. He didnt talk
about it very often but
I guess it sunk in.
40
MENDEZReturn Downrange
Ahh,
another day
in paradise.
Oh, yeah.
Was it this
hot the
last time?
What a dump.
Everything is
brown.
Hey, Mendez,
brings back a few
memories, huh?
41
Morning,
Master Chief. Good Morning.
Go Grab a seat. the
brief with LT Williams
will start in a few
minutes.
Listen up, everyone...Before
Lt Williams gets started, I want
to let you know that we just got word
from Bethesda. Petty Officer Millers
going to be okay. Hes being moved
to Navy Medical Center San Diego
and is expected to make
a full recovery.
Sir,
Ill go.
OK, Mendez.
Stop by my office
afterwards and we can
go over details.
First, weve got a
lot of unpacking to do
Here at the B.A.S. I want
everyone back here at
1300 to get started.
Any questions?
Tomorrow
theres a convoy
heading to BAGhDAD.
Grunts need another
doc. Do I have a
volunteer?
yeah!
42
I feel good, sir.
Getting hit last time was
bad luck. Completely random.
I cant worry about it. Going
back outside the wire is
a part of my job.
IM fine.
Thanks for volunteering,
Petty Officer Mendez. I know what
happened on your last deployment
and I want to check in with you,
make sure youre good
to go for this.
Understood,
Master Chief. Ill catch
up with him before the convoy
rolls. Make sure hes
squared away.
Take some
time this afternoon.
The others can handle
unpacking.
Actually, sir, Id
prefer to go help
out. Better to
keep busy.
Fair enough.
Report to the
staging area,
0400.
YEs, sir.
Good to go.
Just wanted to
be sure.
Theres a second
doc coming from
Charlie Company.
HN Derek Jackson.
Supposed to be
solid but is very
green. Youre
going to have
to keep an
eye on him.
43
Alpha Company, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, Dam FOB, Western Iraq
Well, gentlemen,
this is home for the
foreseeable future.
44
WALLACELingering Memories
Wilco,
Sergeant. Lets
go, Bees. You
heard him.
SEABEES!
GET YOUR GEAR
STASHED AND MUSTER
OUT HERE IN TEN
MIKES.
Yeah...Man,
its just like it was
yesterday.
Great to
be back, huh,
WALLACE?
Several years ago . . .
45
I
n
c
o
m
i
n
g
!
46
Wallace, the
mess hall took a
direct hit!
IVE GOT
TO GET OVER
THERE nOW!
hIT
T
HE
dECK!
47 47
48
Oh my
god.
Somebody
help me!
Where
the f--- is
the doc?
Agghh..
Shit!
Im hit!
CORPSMAN
UP!
49
Fletcher!
Shit, Wallace,
youve got to help
fletcher!
CORPSMAN UP!
hes
gone.
50 50
Wallace.
Wallace. Hey
Wallace!
You OK,
man?
What?
Yeah, Im OK.
Just thinking
about our last
deployment. No
problem.
Yep,
its right
here.
dont
leave me,
Doc...
Get word
to the surgical
company. Were inbound
with 3...one most likely
urgent surgical. Is
the ambulance
out front?
Damn, I
really thought
that I had put all that
behind me and one convoy
brings it all back like
it was yesterday.
There
were so
many...
I felt
so f---ing
helpless.
So many
I couldnt
save...
51
Hey,
wallace, they
should have us
working on the
elevators, not the
turbine. There must
be a thousand
stairs.
Maybe, but I
dont think Ill ever
get used to this smell.
Its like a million
rotten eggs.
Nah, that
was only about
300. Youll get
used to it.
52
The next day...
Oh, for Petes
sake. Did you get
a splinter in your
finger, little
fella?
Oww! Shit!
Cut my damned
finger. Hey,
Doc, you got a
band-aid?
No, man,
it really
hurts.
Youve
gotta be
kidding me,
Adkins.
Thanks,
Doc.
You were very brave,
but Im not kissing your
boo boo for you,
too.
53
Later...
whats up with this
heat? Everybody told
me it would be cooler
up here. Im not
feelin it!
No shit! I think
this country gets
hotter every time
I come back.
How many
times have you been
over here?
how old
are you?
This is my
third tour. Second
for Brown and
Isaac.
SHIT. My sons almost
as old as you guys.
Hes gonna be 18 in
a few months.
Damn,
Gramps! How
old are
you?
Sad thing is, Adkins
is the youngest of the
three of us. Im 38 and
Freedman turns 40
next month.
Ooh-rah.
Dude, are Depends
standard issue in
the Seabees?
20
20
36
22
54
A little downtime...
Time to
call it or well
miss chow. Next
basket wins.
Dont even
think about
bringing that
junk in here,
Wallace.
What are
you going to do? You
play defense like my
grandma.
Well
see about
that! Bring
it then.
55
I told you
not to bring
that stuff into
my house!
DOc, I gotta meet your
grandma. she must have
serious game.
Yeah, Yeah,
Yeah.
RIGHT.
What?
crap!
56
57
PART 3
Outside
the Wire
BANKSOn Patrol
58
Thats one
lucky f---er!
But, right as
I squeeze off the
round, damned if he doesnt
drop his f---ing AK and bend
down to pick it up. The round
grazes the top of his head.
I actually saw his
hair fly up!
So, Im set up on
the fourth floor, watching
the intersection, and I see this
a--hole turkey peeking around the
corner of the building. I have the
crosshairs right on his fore-
head and Im getting ready
to lay him down.
Dude, he
must have
pissed his
pants!
Oh hell
yeah!
He f---ing freaked.
Ive never seen anyone
move so fast in my life! Son
of a bItch was out of sight before
I could chamber another round.
59
looks
like an
ied.
what the hell
happened?
60
Doc, dont
let me lose my
leg! You cant let
me lose my leg!
Please!
try to
stay calm. were
gonna get you out
of here as soon as
we can. helos
on the way.
stay still,
PEARCE. Got to
get this bleeding
stopped.
Corpsman up!
its clear,
doc. Get in
there!
WILCO,
CORPORAL!
61
Youre
gonna be
OK, rice.
your
ankles broken,
drake. not
too bad.
Dont worry
about me, Doc. I
heard you talking to
Pearce. He gonna
be alright?
his legs
pretty bad. hes
stable, but we gotta
get him outta here.
helos inbound.
62
The next day at the FOB...
Thanks, man.
But I feel really bad
about pearces leg. Got him
stabilized but no way hes
keeping it. Way too
much damage.
Man, Im
exhausted...Feels
like half the battalion
came through here
today...all of em with
the same nasty crud
thats going
around.
clinic duty
must seem pretty
dull compared to the
shit you dealt with
yesterday. that was
great work.
Alright,
Everett. Youre
good to go. It was a
pretty nasty blister so
you need to keep the
bandage clean...dont
want to let it get
infected.
its almost
1900, we need to
hump it over if were
going to make
mail call.
Actually,
hes doing alright.
hes an instructor at
SOI. Hell, he even
runs 5Ks with his
bionic legs.
Damn.
Hey, doc. Dont
carry that around with
you. you did all you can do.
At least hes alive, thanks
to you. Hell figure out
how to deal with it.
a buddy
of mine lost
both legs and an
arm to an IED a
while back.
63
Hey, Everett!
Whos it from,
your momma?
Nah, Spears,
actually its from
your momma.
Lewis, Bruce...
Jones, Tommy...
Everett, John...
Spears,
dude, you just
got served.
Cool. Mine
actually is from
my mom. Shes telling
me all about my great
aunts gallbladder
operation. I mean
all about it.
Banks,
Jason...
Sweet!
Its from
Amanda. My fiance.
We got engaged
right before I
shipped out.
Shes
good. A little
lonely but handling
things pretty well.
shes even picked
out her bridesmaid
dresses and
the tuxes.
So, how
are things
with your
fiance?
64
hell, it
doesnt matter
to me as long as
it makes her
happy.
Dude, enjoy
it now while you
can. Wait till you get
married. thats when
the shit starts.
speARS, Im sorry
man. You want to
talk to someone
about it?
Hey, arent you supposed
to pick out the
tuxes?
Sure. Im
gonna wait
til I get back
to my rack to
finish this.
No, Doc.
Im fine.
Just blowing
off some
steam.
Well, if you
change your mind,
let me know. Dont
let it build up.
I need to
keep an eye on him
and check back in a
few days to see
how hes doing.
She got a
f---ing DUI the
other night and is gonna
lose her drivers license
for sure. Then she wont even
be able to drive. How are my
kids going to get to school?
Out partying
with her friends
every night,
leaving the kids
with my mom.
Man, my wifes lost her mind
back home. Shes burning up
the credit cards! Shes
spending like a sailor
on shore leave.
No
offense,
Doc.
Its
bullshit!
Banks,
You Ready
to go?
Later...
65
Grandpa Jack,
sometimes I
dont know how
you did it.
66
MENDEZ and JACKSONConvoy to Baghdad
67
So, you
good?
Yeah, guess
so. Little edgy,
but Im OK. I must have
reviewed things in my
head a thousand times.
Think well see any
bad shit?
Maybe. Dont worry. Trust
your training and your
instincts and youll do fine.
But, most important -- listen
to your Marines. They
know the drill.
Hi, Im
Mendez. Erica
Mendez. Ill be
on this convoy
with you.
Good to
meet you, HM2.
what can I do
for you?
Lt Williams
asked me to
check in to make
sure that youre
good to go.
Checking
up on the new
guy, huh?
Yeah,
guess
so.
Hey, I
understand. Id
be checking up
on me, too.
are you HN
Jackson?
Thats
Me.
Roger.
68
Convoy
Move Out!
69
Later...
Heads up,
Thomas. Abandoned
vehicle on your 2.
Steer clear.
Wilco,
Sergeant.
70
71 71
F---!!! What
was that?
72
Sgt Longs
Humvees hit.
Its on fire!
Alright,
Marines, youre
cleared hot.
Dismount and
secure the area
NOW! Move!
Reed! What
do you see up
there?
73
Roger.
Whats up out
there? Where and
how many?
Wax em!
Looks like about 10
of em at 6 oclock.
Small arms
only.
74
Shit! I want
them suppressed and
I want it done now. Weve
got wounded back there.
Mendez! Wait for
my signal.
Yeah, thats
right!!! Run, you
chickenshits!
Corpsman
UP!
Wilco.
75
Wilco.
Go, Mendez!
Jackson,
Ive got this one.
Go check on the
others! Start with
the thigh wound --
right there!
Corpsman
UP!
76
{GASP!}
{Wheeze...}
Ive got it!
Dont worry
about me!
Corporal,
you will not die
on me. do you
understand!?
Jackson,
how are you
doing??!!
Shit!
stay with me,
corporal!
77
Affirmative.
Under control.
helo's inbound
in two mikes.
Jackson,
you OK?
Dammit, I told you corporal,
you are not f---ing dying
on me. Not today. Do you
understand me?
lost the
pulse! How long
till the MEDEVAC
gets here?
About
ten mikes
out.
78
Damn, am I
glad to see you guys.
Hes alive. But his pulse
is thready. He has a
sucking chest wound
with Shrapnel under
his Left arm.
79
Well done,
Jackson. You can
be proud of
yourself.
Doc, is
he gonna be
alright?
Thanks,
Doc. You did
good.
Think so.
Just have to
get him out
of here.
Thanks. now if I can
just get my damned hands
to quit shaking. They were
fine while everything
was going on,
but now...
Cant
get them to
stop.
I know what
you mean. mine do
the same thing.
WALLACEA Helping Hand
80
Im looking
for two volunteers.
Youll be escorted
by a couple of squads
of Marines. Wallace,
youll need to go
along as well.
Any takers?
OK, Listen up. We just received
a mission from HQ. 50 clicks
To the North, a bridge along
a main supply route is
starting to become
unstable.
Master Chiefs
taking a team up there
to check it out and
report back to HQ so
they can develop
a repair plan.
Wow, you
guys must be
sick of sitting
at this dam.
OK, Martin and
Webster, youve got
it. Stay behind after
the briefing and Ill give
you the details.
You, too, Wallace.
Ill go.
Ill go.
Ill go.
Ill go.
81
The next day 0730...
Phoenix Actual,
this is Phoenix Victor
One. Patrol of friendlies
turned off the MSR and the
lead vehicle hit a mine. Two
wounded personnel down
inside the minefield. EOD
is on site. Over.
Phoenix Victor
One, this is Phoenix
Actual...See if
Wallace can help
them out. Over.
82
We?
Sure. You didnt
think I was going to
let you have all the fun
of walking out into a
minefield, did you?
Thanks. I can use
the extra hands out
there. When we get there,
mind if I take the one
on the right -- Dawkins,
and you take the leg
wound -- Fleming?
How
bad are
they?
The big
guys Dawkins.
Im more worried
about him. I see that
hes breathing but
he hasnt moved
much since the
explosion.
I agree.
We need to
get to him
soon.
What
about the
second
guy?
Have a look.
The one on the left,
Fleming, looks like he
has shrapnel wounds to
his right thigh. Significant
bleeding, but I dont think
its life threatening
assuming we can get
out there soon.
Hello, Im
HM1 Wallace.
Whats the
situation?
Good to meet you,
HM1. Im Banks,
HM3 Banks.
Weve got
two Marines down
in what looks like a hot
minefield. They wont let
me go in until EOD
clears a path.
83
OK...
Im good
here.
ok, Banks.
Its clear within 5
feet all around. You
can put the stretcher
on any side. But dont
go outside of
that.
Roger that.
Ive got to take
this stretcher.
When we get there,
can you find me a
clear spot to
set it up?
OK, Docs...
Listen carefully.
Whatever you do, follow
exactly where I go. You
step where I step and
nowhere else. Do that,
and everythingll be
fine. Got it?
follow me,
wallace.
No
problem.
84
wallace, Youre
clear in a 5-foot
radius but stay close.
Ill lead you out when
youre ready.
Doc,
help me.
Oh God, Doc.
It hurts.
Please.
Fleming, right?
Listen... Look at me...
Right here...Look at me...
Stay still...Im giving you
something for the pain.
It wont take long to
start working.
OK, Doc.
Doc...
whats gonna
happen to
me?
Wow, Doc.
Its starting to
work already.
Good. Ive
got to get the
bleeding stopped
some so I can get
you out of here. The
MEDEVAC is on the way.
Whaaaat!?
What happened?
Gotta get out
of here!
Dawkins,
stay still. Ill
get you out of here
as soon as I can. Ive
got to stabilize your
head and neck first.
What??!!
Gotta get
out of
here!
Hold up,
Dawkins. Its
me, Banks. Ive
got you.
85
u
m
m
p
h
!
Damn!
Stay put,
Fleming.
Hang on,
Banks! Im
coming!
Dawkins,
its me, Banks!
Lay back down!
Youre gonna
get us both
blown up!
Gotta
get outta
here now!
Fleming, you
should be fine...
but dont plan on
dancing for
a while.
Gotta
get out
of here!
No, Doc!
Wait! Let
me clear
the way!
Thanks,
Doc.
86
Gotta get him
strapped down.
Help!
Calm down.
Its OK. Just
lie down and well
get you out
of here.
Outta
here! Got
to get out
of here!
87
Ill get an
IV started here
while you check
out Dawkins
for TBI.
Yeah,
looks like
he got his bell
rung pretty
good.
OK, marine.
Can you tell
me your
name?
Ill tell
you one thing,
Doc. Youre one crazy
mother. You could have
gotten your ass
blown up.
Its not
my ass I
was worried
about.
Huh?
...Um...Dawkins
...terrence
Dawkins.
Can you
tell me what
happened?
Alright, tell
me what you
remember.
Riding in
convoy...Headed to...???
...damn, Doc, thats about it...
riding in the convoy...dont
even remember where
we were headed.
Its OK.
No clue,
doc.
88
Hey, HM1
Wallace. Just
curious...whyd you
do it? Werent you
afraid youd hit
a mine?
Banks...
to tell you
the truth, I never
even thought
about it...didnt
have time.
Well,
whatever
the reason...Im
glad you guys
happened by
...thanks.
No
problem.
See you
around.
mount
up!
89
BANKSSomething in Common
Hey, you
hear the good
news? Flemings
legs looking good...
hell be back to
the unit in a week
or two.
Awesome.
That should
make him
happy.
How
so?
Hes always said that if
he got hit, he wouldnt
wanna be sent home.
Would wanna stay here
with us...finish
the tour.
Im the
same way. It may
sound strange,
but if I was going
home, Id feel like
I was abandoning
all the guys in
the unit.
Man, I thought
I was the only
one who felt
that way.
My moms
cancer. Every time
I hear that shes doing
OK, Im relieved. not
just because shes not
getting worse, but also
because I dont have
to leave you guys.
What do you
mean?
90
Messed
up, isnt
it?
Yeah, I guess...
but I still worry about
her. Somebody needs to
take care of her and my
brother just isnt good
at that stuff.
But, hey,
thats enough
about me.
Yeah, youd think that
Id do anything to get
out of here and back
to my family...but it
just wouldnt be
right.
Maybe it
helps her by
keeping her
mind off the
chemo.
Her markers are good.
But I dont think shes
giving herself the
attention she
needs.
Oh, yeah,
I forgot.
you dont like
to talk
about it.
Well,
sometimes
it isnt bad,
I guess.
No shit.
Hey, what
about Dawkins?
How bad was his
head injury?
Ever since I
got my deployment
notice, shes focused on
that. Where am I? Am I OK?
How long until I come home?
Its like its her way of
coping with it all.
Hes stable
but its still
pretty serious.
Hes on his way
to Germany...
So,
your moms
doing OK?
91
BANKSFirst Kill
OK, Marines,
dismount. The buildings
we have to clear are
dead ahead. Stay focused!
Like you heard in the
briefing, this is a very
hot area.
SHIT!
AMBUSH!
TAKE COVER!
92
Small arms
fire coming from
third floor windows.
timmons, put some
heat on the third
floor windows --
1 Oclock!
Wilco,
Sergeant!
RPG!!
second floor
Balcony --
10 oclock!
INCOMING!!!
GET
DOWN,
DOC!
93
Holy shit,
dOC! That was
close!
Wilco,
Sergeant!
timmons,
get more
suppressing
fire up
there now!
Cpl everett!
Take spears and
Banks and secure
our left flank.
winters!
You, Lewis and
peterson cover the
right! We dont want
these bastards
flanking us.
94
OK, boys,
stay frosty. No
surprises, OK?
cpl everett. Listen...
Its quiet back toward
the convoy. Must be
over. Lets head back.
Nobodys coming
this way.
Negative,
spears.
Not yet.
Shhhh.
Whats that?
Roger
that.
95
FIRE!
96
Doc.
Hey, Doc!
Banks! You in
there?!
Roger.
Alright.
Theres spears.
Hes signaling
us back to the
convoy. Lets go.
Yeah.
Im good.
Well done,
boys. spears, get
back over and see
whats up with the
convoy.
OK.
Good
work, Doc.
97 97
Later, back at the FOB...
I guess
so. its just...
you know.
I dont know, john...
Its just I never shot
anyone before. I mean,
I knew that it was
probably gonna
happen, but, man...
I dont know.
Hey, dont
let it get to you.
You did what you had
to do, nothing more.
Hey, jason. You
OK? You havent
really said a word
since everything
hit the fan.
98
99
PART 4
The Price of
Freedom
100
BANKSCordon and Knock
Were heading into
Haifa for a cordon and
knock. Oscar Mike at
0600 so I want everybody
in full battle rattle
and ready to roll
by 0530.
Kickin
down doors
in Haifa.
Ooh-rah!!
Shit! Not Haifa!
I hate going in there. I
dont want to get my ass
shot off in Haifa!
Come on,
winters,
embrace
the suck.
101
0600...
welcome
to Purple Heart
Boulevard.
roger,
corporal.
Alright,
Marines, dismount.
Weve got 6 houses to
clear in this block.
Stay sharp.
no answer.
Break it in.
damn,
thats a hell
of an arsenal
-- radio it in.
BANKS,
COME WITH ME.
LETS CHECK
UPSTAIRS.
102
Doc,
your 6!
Hold on,
Doc!
103
Thanks,
man.
Brownbag Two One,
this is Brownbag Two One
Actual. Be advised, we have
one hostile down on the
second floor. Repeat, one
hostile down on the
second floor.
No problem,
doc. you ok?
Ill call it in.
Later, back at the FOB...
104
...then the
door blasts open
and hes right Behind
Doc...ready to pull
the trigger.
You must
have thought that
you were wrestling one
of those alligators
back in Mississippi,
Doc!
No way I
was letting that
arm go...
ooh-rah,
Doc.
Yeah,
right...
That dudes
lucky I ended it
quick. Doc was
getting ready to
go medieval
on him.
Im like, Oh hell no...
this is not good. But then,
Doc pulls some serious ninja
shit. He grabs the dudes arm and
yanks him down, and they end
up on the floor wrestling
for the weapon.
105
JACKSONA Tough Decision
106
Who you kidding,
Hughes? No way an ugly
mother f---er like you
has a WIFE who looks
like that!
Hughes, Jackson,
Eyes left! Angry
crowd ahead.
Jenkins -- stay
alert on
that .50.
Wilco,
Corporal!
Whats in
his hand?!! Watch
him, Jenkins!
in the
green at
10 oclock.
Ohh, thats
cold!! Come
on, Jackson, you
gonna let him
talk to me
that way?
107
Man,
could be
an ied!
Jenkins!
HEs Gonna
THROW IT!
TAKE HIM
OUT!
Just a bag,
Corporal.
108 108
Jenkins,
Do IT! you
know the ROE.
Man, Youre
gonna get us
killed!
ITS Just
a BAG! Theyre
just kids!
Jenkins!
The rules of
engagement
are clear.
Take him out.
Now!
109
Ha! Ha!
told
you. just a
bag.
Hughes,
take over the
.50. Jenkins, get
down out of
there!
110
Later, back at the FOB...
Good
idea.
Wheres
Jenkins?
Hes just
been sitting on
his bunk since
Gunny ripped him
a new one.
Man,
that was
three hours
ago!
Dawg, he
shoulda known
better. He knows
the rules. Could
have gotten us
all killed.
You guys
go ahead. Ill
catch up. Im
going to check
on Jenkins.
Man, Im
starved. Lets go
to chow. Might as
well, itll be MREs
for weeks again
soon.
111
Check:
Is my
shipmate ok?
Coordinate:
If not ok,
GET HELP
Cover:
Get safe
CALM down:
control breathing,
HR, get sleep
Competence:
restore effec-
tiveness
Connect:
with others
Confidence:
restore
self-esteem
OK,
remember
the seven
cs.
was
just a bag.
Nothing in
it. Just a
bag.
Jenkins,
you OK,
MAN?
112 112 112 112 112 112 112 2 112 22 112 122 112 2 122 112 112 12 112 12 112 12 112 12 12 122 112 2 112 112 2 112 22222 111 112 2 112 112 112 112 11111 1112 1 112 112 1112 11 1112 1112 11 11 111 1111122 1112222 11112 1222222 112
Jenkins, that was a
bad situation today.
I know youre having
a tough time with it.
To be honest, man,
anyone would
be, in your
shoes.
Ill
be alright.
Just trying to
get my head
straight.
ok...
113 113
To tell you the truth,
Doc, I dont know
what to think.
I disobeyed
a direct order and
couldve gotten a lot
of guys killed. Gunny
is pissed. So are
the guys in the
unit.
I dont
know what
happened out
there...
OK, hes not
in immediate
physical
danger.
Were not
in the field so
check, cover
and calm dont
really apply
any more.
Im connecting
with him right
now...just have to
decide whether
to coordinate.
I can keep
my eyes on him,
help him work
on the last
two Cs...
Jenkins?
114 114
hey, man, I wonder
if maybe you might want
to talk to someone
besides me?
The Battalion
OSCAR
psychologist.
Like who?
You
think
so?
a shrink?
I dont
need a shrink,
Doc. Im not
crazy.
Dont think about
it like that. Hes just
someone to talk to. Its
complicated stuff. You dont
have to figure it all out on
your own. He deals with this
kind of stuff all the time.
I think he can help.
115 115
I dont know,
Doc, I just feel
all f---ed up.
Just give
it a shot. Im
always here,
too.
OK,
doc. if you
say so.
Yeah, hes
cool. And hes out
here with us. He knows
what were doing out here.
later,
Jenkins.
later,
Doc.
ok.
confidence.
Were getting
there.
116
BANKSHorrors of War
Welcome
back to
haifa.
By the time I
got it working, it
was too late.
SGt riley...
local in the road
at your 10. Waving
his arms.
Hey, spears, you get
through to your son
last night?
No shit. My
wife would kill me if I
missed my daughters
birthday.
Damn, spears,
just tell her
that the comm
was busted.
Everett, you
idiot...I can tell
you arent married.
She doesnt give a
shit about that.
Hell no, doc!
Computer was all
f---ed up...couldnt
get Skype to work.
My wife is gonna
be so pissed.
117
Everett,
take Banks and see
if you can figure out
what he wants. timmons,
cover them with
the .50.
Brownbag Actual, this
is Brownbag Victor two.
We have an Iraqi male,
mid 30s...standing in the
street...appears to be
trying to get our
attention.
Brownbag Victor
two, this is Brownbag
Actual. Find out what
he wants. pROCEED
WITH CAUTION.
Kind of hard
to understand him. Hes
scared shitless. Sounds like
its his sister and her family,
Something about her Husband
working as a translator
for an American
company.
Better
call it in.
Says he saw a group
of men from the local
militia going in their house.
Wants us to go check
it out and see if
theyre OK.
Brownbag
Actual, this is
Brownbag Victor
Two. Be advised,
the Iraqi thinks that
his sisters family
may have been
compromised by
the local militia.
Requesting that
we check the
house.
Interrogative:
how should we
proceed?
Affirmative.
Brownbag
Victor Two, this is
Brownbag Actual. Obtain
the location of the
house.
118
Brownbag Two One Two,
this is Brownbag Two One.
Interrogative: What do
you see?
Brownbag
Two One, this is
Brownbag Two One Two.
Back of house
is clear.
Cpl Chapman,
take your team
and go around
to the back. Stay focused. You
are cleared to engage
any hostiles. But be careful,
we dont want to shoot
up this family.
OK, SGT riley,
proceed with your
team to the front
of the house.
timmons,
I want you
alert on
that .50.
cpl Everett,
you glass
the house?
Yes, Staff
sergeant. I
dIDNt see any
movement
at all.
Wilco, Staff
sergeant.
Wilco, Staff
sergeant.
119
Brownbag Two One,
this is Brownbag Two
One Two. Front of house
secure. Proceeding up
the stairs.
Holy...
No
idea...
What the
hell Happened
in here?
Oh, shit!
Doc, get up
here, now!
120
No use, Doc.
Theyve all
been executed.
theYre gone.
Help me
check to see if
any of them has
a pulse.
Nothing
here, Doc.
Nothing here
either. Help me
clear some room.
Im going to
try CPR!
No pulse
here.
ILL Call it in.
Come on. Lets
clear out.
What the f---?!!
Who the f---
executes women
and children?!!
Oh my
God!
121
Later, back at the FOB...
122
MENDEZ and JACKSONMan Down
Best doc
in country, thats
what he is. Nobody
does it better
than Dawg.
Dont pay attention
to Hughes. Hes
full of it.
Seems
like a good
guy...
Heh, yeah.
Hes an old
friend.
Man, big
mission
tomorrow.
If the
front gets hit,
you cover the
wounded up your way
and Ill get there
as soon As I can.
Same for me in
the back.
Youre
gonna be
up front.
You
bet.
Dont worry
about my boy
here, MENDEZ. Hes
got us covered.
Right, Dawg?
Yeah, if things
get hot, could
be a lot for just
the two of us
to cover.
Roger
that.
123
The next day...
Yeah, too
quiet. Way too
quiet. Where is
everybody?
Man,
its quiet,
DAWG.
Brownbag Actual,
this is Brownbag
Victor One. The road is
blocked. I repeat, the
road is blocked.
Clearing it now.
Brownbag Victor One,
This is Brownbag Actual.
Interrogative: Whats
going on up there?
Why are we
stopped?
Do
not stop.
Get those
vehicles
moving!
124
Some-
where to the
Right.
Shots
came from the
tall building on
the right.
Sniper! man
down!
Somebody
give me a
location on
that sniper
-- ASAP.
Dont
know yet,
Sergeant!
Wheres
the doc?
wilco,
Sergeant!
Jenkins,
get your .50
on that building.
Light it up!
corpsman
UP!!
Well,
figure it
out and do
it now!
Samuels!
Tall building at
3 oclock. Take
your team and
clear that
sniper.
Where
the hell is he,
Jenkins?!!
125
I gotta
get to that
guy now. He
cant wait.
No, Dawg.
wait. Give
em time to
take out the
sniper.
Cant
wait.
Doc.
No, Dawg.
Stop!
Dammit,
Dawg. Get
down!
Call urgent
surgical
MEDEVAC now!
126 126
Mendez, wait
until the sniper is
neutralized.
Affirmative.
HUGHes, WherEs
Jackson?!!
Hes out
there.
I got you. Helo
is on the way. Well
have you out of
here in no time.
But the
sniper...
DAWG, get
the hell out
of there!
127
second
floor
window!
Stay here,
Hughes!
Theres
nothing you
can do.
F---, Dawg!
Nooooo!
128
wilco,
sergeant!
Im
going
too.
Damn,
Jackson...
is he gonna
be ok?
Roger that.
OK, Mendez.
Snipers down.
Go ahead.
BrownBag
actual, this is
brownbag Victor
one. Threat is
neutralized.
129
I cant
do anything
to help him.
Ive got to
move on.
Derek...
You gotta
trust me on this,
Hughes. Theres
nothing I can
do. I have to
triage.
Let it
go.
Doc, get
back over here.
Hes still alive.
You can save
him.
Where you
going, Mendez?
hes not dead.
You gotta do
something!
corpsman
UP!!
130
MENDEZPutting it Away
Mendez, I
need to know how you
really are. When I look
at you, good doesnt
come to mind.
Fine,
sir. Good
to go.
How are
you holding up,
Mendez?
Really, sir, Im
fine. I just need
to hit the rack. I Didnt
sleep too much
last night.
I think so,
too. But how can
you know for sure?
Maybe I should
have at least
tried...
Just the
same, it might be
good for you to talk
with the combat
stress.
With all
due respect, sir,
I dont need to. Im OK.
Im putting it away. Like I
said, I just need to get
a little sleep.
what its worth, Ive
gone over the medical
reports...you did the
right thing. Jacksons
wounds were massive.
There was nothing
anyone couldve
done.
Dont second
guess your triage, Mendez.
A kid is going home to his family
because of you. Remember that. If
youd tried to save Jackson first,
you might have lost em both.
You made the right decision.
131
Two days later...
Mike, I thought
Id never catch
you at home.
erica, Im
so sorry.
mike, you
know, cant talk
about it...
Erica, you
cant keep
going like
that.
What am
I supposed
to do, Mike...make
myself fall
asleep?
You dont have
to worry about me.
Im fine. Ill get
some sleep tonight.
I promise.
Can we talk
about something
else? How are
things at home?
This corpsman...
he was...well, he was
just a kid.
What
about him?
Come on,
Erica...I know
that. But you can
see someone
and get some
help.
Erica,
you OK?
What do
you mean?
Your voice.
It doesnt sound
right. Something
going on?
Dont worry, Im
fine. Its just been a
really long week.
I dont know...
really slept?...
three or four days
ago, maybe...Ive gotten
an hour or two here
and there. Thats
all I need.
thanks...cant
quite seem to get it out
of my head...ill be ok
in a few days.
Erica,
when WAs the
last time you
slept?
132
Later that week...
Ive talked
to her about it.
She says shes fine,
but I think youre right, sir.
It hit her pretty hard. Give
her a little time though.
I think she can pull it
together.
...I just want to make
sure shes OK. She seems
pretty withdrawn since Jackson
was killed. And she hasnt said
a word in any of the briefings.
Thats not like her at all.
What do you think,
Master Chief?
Yes, I
remember
you, Hughes.
I dont know if you
remember me, but Im
Jacksons buddy from
high school.
Excuse me,
Doc?
Sure.
Can I talk
to you for a
minute?
133
Yes. I
just came by
to say thank
you.
Im
sorry
for your
loss.
Yeah,
me, too.
Thank
you?
Yeah,
for
trying.
I understand
you did all you
could...you know,
for Derek.
134
135
PART 5
Lives in the
Balance
136
WALLACENews From Home
Look out,
Wallace. Soon as I
finish with Isaac AND
BROWN, Im coming
for you!
DOUBLE KILL!...
TRIPLE KILL!
Dude,
youre on
fire.
I cant
be stopped!!
Who wants
some??!!
KILLTROCITY!
KILLAMANJARO!
PWNED!
Oh,
crap!
Alright,
Wallace.
Come to
papa!
Im waiting,
Lang.
Ill frag
your ass Straight
into the old
folks home!
Well, this
noob has to run.
Gotta try to get a phone
call home. Told my wife Id
call around 1900. They
should be home by then.
So true.
Wallace, you
did OK for
a noob.
Youre right,
LANG. Youre
the man.
137
Surgery??!!
What the hell
happened??!!
Hows
Jack?
It was an accident.
He fell off the slide
at school. Calm down,
John. The doctors say
it went well.
Hes good. They had to
put in four pins. You should
see the cast...it goes all
the way up to his hip.
Man...how
long will he
be in it?
At least 6 weeks.
Theyll reevaluate at that
time and see if he can
go to a soft cast.
Wow. He really did
it up right, didnt he?
How long is he out
of school?
Jack, in
bed for a
week?
Probably a week.
The doctors dont
want him out of bed
that whole time.
Hey, Dad.
Hey, bud.
Howre you
doing?
Pretty
good.
You sound
tired. Yeah, they gave
me some stuff at the
hospital to make me
go to sleep and Im
still sleepy.
Mom says I
have to stay in
bed all week.
That stinks.
I know. But,
youve got to
let your
leg heal.
But a whole
week in bed?
Yeah, right... you
know how he is. Ill have to
tie him to the bed! After that,
no weight on it for at least
6 weeks. Hell have to learn
to use crutches.
Wow, youre
really going
to have your hands
full. Im sorry I
cant be there
to help.
Guess we dont have
any other choice. Hey, talk to
Gene next door. before I left he
said his son was moving back home
for a while and was looking for
work. Maybe he hasnt
found anything yet.
Well get
through it. But
Im probably going
to have to hire
someone part time at
the store. I have to
be here to take care
of Jack, and Tom
cant cover all
my hours.
Great idea.
Ill call him
tomorrow.
Can I talk
to Jack?
Sure. Let
me take him
the phone.
138
Hey, look at it
this way...no school
and I bet your mom gives you
all the ice cream you can eat.
Maybe she can set up a TV in
there. Then you could play video
games and watch movies
right in your room.
The week will
be over before you
know it. Then, when you
go to school, you can get
all your friends to sign
your cast. Mom says its a
big one so theres plenty
of room for lots
of signatures.
Ill tell you
what, bud. When I get
home, Ill give you
$1.00 for every one
that you get.
That would
be cool.
Really?!
Yep.
You bet!
Deal then.
Listen, I have to
get to work soon.
Can you put your
mom back on
the phone?
Sure.
OK, Dad.
I miss you, too.
Love you. Heres
Mom.
awesome!
OK...
must be a
good one. You
sure cheered
him up.
Honey, Ive got
to run to chow and
then to a meeting. Ill
call back soon when
Allison is home from
school. Tell her I
love her.
I wish
you were
here.
Im sorry,
Lindsay. I love
you...bye.
We just made a
little deal, thats
all. He can tell
you about it.
Wow, he certainly
perked up. What did
you tell him?
Hey, bud...
you hang in there,
OK? I love you and
miss you. Ill call
soon to check up
on you.
I love
you, too.
139
Later...
What about
you, Wallace?
What would you
order from
home?
Yeah, sorry,
freedman. Lots of
shit going on
back home.
I hear
that, Webster. Id
love a little home
cooking about
now.
Wallace,
wake up!
You OK?
Whats
up?
Im
sorry,
man.
Thanks. It sucks. Lindsay sounded
really stressed on the phone.
Here I am on the other side
of the world and cant
do a damned thing.
I talked to
Lindsay earlier. my boy
fell off a slide on the
playground and broke his
leg in three places. he
had surgery today to put
in pins to hold it together.
Hey, I know what
you mean. I feel like
shit when things are
going on back home
and I cant be
there.
Man, what I
wouldnt give
for my wifes
lasagna.
140
No kidding. My sons 12
and bullies keep picking
on him at school. My wife
cant deal with it...she
needs me For that
kind of stuff.
Exactly! We own
a pizza place and half
of our employees arent
showing up for work...hell,
the ones who do are late All
the time. They dont pull that
bullshit on me. Itll be a
miracle if were still in
business when I get back.
Roger that,
honey, Ill get
right on it!
Nah,
Webster,
course not. But
at least you can
trust your wives.
What
do you
mean?
My wife doesnt have
a clue about the Navy.
She keeps saying Just
tell them that you
need to come
home.
Cant help it...
just have this
feeling...
I dont know...Somethings
not right. The last two
times Ive called home, our
neighbors been there.
Im beginning to think
shes f---ing
him.
Nah, man,
dont think
like that.
Gotta remember
to check back in with
these guys...especially
martin. he might need
someone to talk to.
Youre quiet,
Martin...what about
you? Everything
perfect at
home?
141
WALLACEA Smiling Young Face
Well, gentlemen, Martin
and Webster did such a fine
job of assessing the damage
to the bridge up North, HQs
decided to reward us with
the repair job.
Nice going,
Martin and
Webster.
Hey, its
beautiful up
there. Youre
gonna love it.
Right, Doc?
Oh, yeah,
you bet.
HQ estimates
a minimum of 30 days
to make the repairs,
so well be digging in.
Bravo 3 squad will
accompany us.
Supply convoy will
arrive on site next
Monday. That gives us
a couple of days
to button things
up here.
By then
you guys will
be ready to get
out of this dam
for a while.
Right. The
work on Level 4 has
to be finished before
we go. Thatll mean
some long hours for
the next couple
of days.
But whatll
I do without
the smell?
Forget
that. How will
I sleep without
the comforting
hum of the
generators?
142
0400 Monday...
Man, two months...
as of today, two more
months to go. I cant
wait to get back
to California.
Whats the
first thing
youre gonna
do, Lang?
Im heading
to In-N-Out Burger.
A Double-Double, Animal
Style fries and a chocolate
shake. I cant wait.
the burgers
are great and all,
but what about your
girlfriend?
I gotta
have it. Shes
gonna have to wait!
what are you going
to do, brown?
Me, I cant wait
to go surfing. Im
grabbing my board and
heading straight to Gold
Beach. Not coming in til
its too dark to see.
Gold Beach is
sweet, but I like
DMJs better. Im
a goofy-foot,
so the left off
the sandbar
is perfect
for me.
Used to,
when I was stationed
at Pendleton. tried a few
times since I moved to
Florida but its just not the
same. Plus, now with kids...
Damn, if having kids
means no more surfing
then Ill pass on
parenthood.
Wow,
Doc! You
surf?!
What
about you then,
Doc? Freedman?
What do old men like
you look forward
to when you get
home?
Nothing complicated.
Just want to sit on my
deck with my wife and
kids and an ice cold
beer. Maybe grill
a few steaks.
I know exactly
where Im going,
Lang.
Hell, yeah!
Wheres
that,
Isaac?
To your
girlfriends
house while
youre at In and
Out Burger!
143
Lot of
work to
do.
Yeah, weve
really got our
work cut out for
us. Especially in
this heat.
Speaking
of the
heat...
Alright, listen
up. Weve got 30
mikes to secure the
perimeter before
the supply convoy
gets here.
Wilco,
Sergeant.
Roger
that.
We
know, Doc,
hydrate.
Too
predictable,
huh?
144
Later that week...
Man, Im starving.
How much longer
till we break
for lunch?
Fifteen
mikes.
So, what
do you make
of that little
kid? Whats
he up to?
I think His
dads a contractor.
I saw Isaac buy a soda
out of that cooler from
him earlier. gave him
a dollar.
No kidding,
Webster. Give the
kid a break. Whats
he? About 6 years old?
Probably earning money
for his family.
A dollar
for a soda?
I dont
think so.
Unbelievable,
Webster. Youve got
to be the cheapest
guy on the planet.
Its a buck.
145
Hey, Isaac...
send the kid
over here!
Come over
here.
Hey there, buddy.
Whats your
name?
Raheem.
Hello,
Raheem.
My names
Wallace.
Thats
Freedman
and Adkins. And
the really ugly
one theres
Webster. Hes
very thirsty.
Well,
Raheem, we all
want sodas
and Websters
buying.
a nice cold
soda would be
really good
right now.
Thank you.
Thank you
very much.
OK, Webster,
get your
money out, you
cheapskate.
Heres a five, raheem.
Keep the change. Just make
sure youre here every day
with soMe cold ones.
Wallace is buying
tomorrow.
146
BANKSWho to Trust

Weve just been
given a new mission. A
chief of the ip was killed
earlier this week. His
funeral is tomorrow
afternoon.
Sir, youve got to be
kidding. IP? Those guys
dont know what theyre
doing. No way they can
control that kinda
crowd.
Well, Spears, thats
why they have us
supporting
them.
sir, they just...
complicate things.
This would be simple
if we were running
the show.
Obviously, Sir,
you know a lot of
us feel we cant
trust them.
Your reservations
are noted. But the mission
remains the same. Well
support the IP.
Understood?
Affirmative.
Yes,
sir.
Good,
if theres no
more concerns,
lets go over
the details...
Its a prime
target for more
attacks. Weve been
assigned to provide
support for IP
forces thatll be
running security.
147
The next afternoon...
148
The IP
let him go
right by.
The old
man? Yeah,
maybe.
Look at
these clowns.
Theyre barely
patting down the
men and are hardly
even looking at
the women.
man, This
gives me the
creeps.
Hey, you
see that guy?
Look at his bag.
Look suspicious
to you?
ok, Spears,
Lets go check
him out. Banks,
you stay here
and monitor
the gate.
roger
that.
149
Look, mister.
I gotta see
whats in the
bag.
Hey, the
guy doesnt
understand.
Get a Terp!
Spears, chill
man. He doesnt
understand
you. We need
a Terp.
geez, spears, cant
you tell he doesnt
understand
you?
Well,
we dont have
a Terp and this
motherf---ers
not blowing
me up.
Whoa. Somethings
not right. Whys he
wearing a heavy
coat in this
heat?
150 150
Everett!
Look out!
twelve
oclock!
Forget the
old Man! Check
the guy at
your twelve!
What?
NO!!!
151
Alright,
Jason, youre OK.
No major damage.
Get up. Youve got
work to do.
Hang on,
Im coming...
Everett!...
Spears!
Where are
you?
Agggh...
my head. What
the hell
happened?
CORPSMAN UP!
Holy
shit!
152
Must have
twisted it in the
blast. Come on,
Jason, breathe.
Get through it.
Theyre calling
for you.
CORPSMAN UP!
Spears!
OK, buddy, Ive
got you.
Oh, no,
Spears...
goodbye, my
friend.
F---,
my
knee!
153
John...Its
me, Jason.
Hang in
there.
John, Im just
holding pressure
here, buddy. try to
breathe normal.
Youre doing
great.
CORPSMAN UP!
Cant leave
this one...get
word we have
an urgent
surgical.
Hang on,
Im coming!
{gurgle...} {Gurgle...}
John!
Everett!
Where are
you? You
OK?
Your airwayS
crushed. Dont try
to talk. Ive got to
get it opened up.
This will
help you
breathe.
Stay with me,
John. You Hear me?
You gotta stay
with me!
154
My knee? No big
deal. Think I sprained
it in the explosion. But
Im fine for now. Can
deal with it later.
Thats not
a sprain. You
need to lay
down.
What the
hell??!!
Banks, right?
You gotta lay down.
Youre bleeding pretty
badly. Dont know
how you can even
stand on it.
Whoa, doc!
Not with that
leg.
Ive got
to get
back to
work.
CORPSMAN UP!
155
Looks
like he took
some shrapnel
just above the
knee.
How
is Everett?
The guy I
was working
on?
gotta
get you back
to surgical.
Gonna give
you something
for the
pain.
No, what
about Everett??!!
I need to
check...
He just lost
consciousness.
Need to get him back to
surgical ASAP. Hes lost
a lot of blood.
156
A hard realization...
156
What the
hell? Where
am I? I thought
I was going to
surgical?
157
What the...
What??!!
You and
all the americans
will die, just like your
friend Everett. the
sun will set for
you all.
This is not
happening.
But it is. Youre
dying, just like your
friend. You couldn't
save him. You failed.
You let him die.
Jason...
Jason...
Every
sun has to
set.
158
Hows my friend
Everett? We came in
together...he had
a shoulder wound
and a crushed
trachea.
What do you mean going
home? Ive got to get
back to my unit.
Jason, Im
sorry. The
surgeons tried
so hard, but they
couldnt save
your leg.
What???!
Jason, were
all really sorry.
If you want, we have
someone you can
talk to.
No. Please
leave. I just
want to be
alone.
No!!!!
Jason...
its OK...you were
having a bad dream.
Youre in post-op.
Hes gonna
be OK but his
shoulder needs
lots of rehab.
Youre both
going home.
Oh,
no.
159
WALLACEAn Unspeakable Act
Was it
some kind of
holiday?
Master Chief
said his dad and
the other locals
didnt show up for
work yesterday
either.
Hey,
anybody seen
Raheem? I could
use a cold
drink.
Weird, thats
two days in a row.
He hasnt missed a
single day for over
three weeks.
What??!!
Excuse me.
Do you know
where the
boy is?
Raheem?
Hes dead.
Insurgents
executed
him...
Yeah,
maybe. But most
of them are back
today. Wonder why
not Raheem and
his dad.
no.
His dads
not here
either.
160
What sort of
animals would kill
a six-year-old boy?
Whats wrong with
these people?
This is
one f---ed
up place.
They didnt
like us coming to
work here, so they
threatened us. Told
us to stop.
When we didnt
listen, they killed
Raheem to show
that they mean
business.
His
father,
too?
No, hes
at home...in
mourning.
Im
sorry.
I
just cant
believe
it.
Me,
either.
We...we
cant start
hating them
all.
Look at
those who came
back today even after
what happened
to Raheem.
161
Later that week...
Yeah. Thats
horrible.
Id like
to get them all
together as a group
to help them work
through it.
The guys
had gotten pretty
close to him. Its
hitting some of them
pretty hard. A few
have come by to talk
to me about it.
Its your
call, Doc. If
you think it
will help.
OK. Organize
it as soon as
were back at
the dam.
Thanks,
Master
Chief.
I
do.
Almost
ready to go,
Wallace?
Im sure
you heard
about the
boy...
Yes,
Master
Chief.
162
163
PART 6
Voices of
Support
164
MENDEZBack to Work
Its about
Bravo companys
patrol tomorrow.
Im wondering why
I wasnt assigned.
Im next on
the list.
LT and I
thought itd be
a good idea to
give you a little
more time.
All due
respect, Master
Chief. I told you
before, Im fine. I
want to stay busy
and do what I came
out here to do.
Im ready.
You
sure?
Positive. Im good
to go. Id tell you
if I wasnt. Wouldnt
jeopardize my
Marines.
OK, Mendez.
Youve got it. Ill
make the switch.
Check in with Sgt
Walls. Hell
brief you.
Roger.
Master
Chief, can
I have a
word?
Sure,
Mendez.
What do you
need?
A little
more time
for what?
Come on,
Mendez. You know
weve all had your
back since Jackson
was killed.
1900 the next day...
165
Hey, Doc.
Glad you were
out there with
us today.
Thanks,
Sergeant.
Heard over
the com that you
had to medevac
a couple of
Marines out
today.
Yes,
Master Chief. One
with severe facial
lacerations and the
other a shrapnel wound
to his left thigh. Just
heading over to the
hospital to check
on em.
Roger
that.
Hey, Mendez.
Nice work out
there. Good
to have you
back.
I was
never gone,
Master
Chief.
166
BANKSChecking on a Friend
No, I
didnt.
Good morning,
Jason. How
are you doing
today?
Yes, hes
doing OK. It
looks like he
wont lose
the arm.
Awesome.
Any chance
I could go
see him?
Thats
OK. Just
want him to
see me.
Alright,
Ill take you
down there, but
just for a few
minutes. Both
of you need
to rest.
You didnt mention
my leg to him did you,
Maam? Dont want him
worrying about me
right now.
Thanks.
Can you hand
me that blanket?
Want to cover
my legs.
Pretty good,
Maam. Leg hurts
but not too bad. Were
you able to check on
my friend John
Everett?
The crike
is out, but he
still really
cant talk...
167
Roger
that,
Maam.
Ill leave you
two alone.
Thanks.
Hey, man,
dont try to talk.
I know you cant. Gotta
tell you...you look a hell
of a lot better than the
last time I saw you...was
afraid you were going
to check out on
me for a little
while.
But I talked
to your nurse.
She says youre
going to be ok. Youll
be home before you
know it. Oh yeah, couple
of guys from the unit
came by and...
Im
serious.
Just a few
minutes.
168
Later...
J...
Jason.
Youre
welcome,
John.
Hey,
man, youre
not supposed
to...
{
.
}
...and
then he
says...
Alright you
two. Time for
both of you to
get some
rest.
Damn, that
was fast. Ill
be back soon,
buddy.
169
WALLACESupport in Numbers
Look, Im glad you guys decided to
come. I thought maybe itd be good to
talk about what happened to Raheem.
Seemed like it hit some
of us pretty hard.
Whats there
to say, Doc?
Its f---ed up.
Thats it.
Yeah.
I know.
We all agree.
But Its still my
job to ask.
How are
you guys
doing?
170
Come on,
you cant own
that, Webster.
I guess.
Still feel like
shit about it....
What if this
is our fault? We
were buying drinks
from him. Did that
set him up?
Yeah,
know what you
mean, Lang. He
was the same
age as my
nephew.
That
kids poor
father.
yeah, I was
stressed out when
my son broke his
leg. Seems like
nothing now.
Im far from ok.
I see that kids face
every time I close
my eyes to go to
sleep.
Hes right. We were just trying
to help out a kid who was doing
something for his family.
No way any of us couldve
seen this coming.
171
Come on,
youre with a
group that gets it.
Say whatever
you want.
You were with him more
than anybody...how are
you holding up?
Fine.
OK, Doc.
You wanna know what
will make me feel better?
Ill tell you...Revenge. Thats
what I want...revenge. Just head
up there, drag every one of
those motherf---ers out in
the street and execute em
just like they did Raheem.
Thatd make me sleep
better.
Not me.
Thats why were
here. To help
these people.
Exactly.
Im pissed off that I let
myself get attached...
Shoulda never let
it happen.
Nothing
to say...
What about
you, Isaac? You
havent said
a word.
Oh, Ill help them,
Martin. But Ill never
get to the point
where I care this
much what happens
to one again.
Ever. Not
worth it!
Weve
got a few
weeks left. Ill
do my job, keep
to myself and
get the f---
out of
here.
172
Dude,
youre
nuts.
Hey, the
Doc asked
me.
Sorry, Doc,
I got nothing
else to say.
Roger
that.
How the hell you
gonna do that, Isaac?
We dont even know
who they are.
Somebody up
there knows. Id start
with the f---ers who didnt
show back up to work. They
know who theyre afraid of.
Theyd tell me...one way
or the other.
Doc, Im
worried about Isaac.
Hes been spewing that
crazy talk ever since we
got back. Its not like him.
Sometimes I think he could
go up there and kill
the whole damned
village.
Thanks, Lang.
Ill keep an eye
on him. You do
the same.
Isaac?
...OK, I think
were about done
here. Thanks for
coming out. Remember,
if you need anything,
just give me a yell.
No one?
Anybody
else?
173
Later...
Master
Chief, Im worried
about one of
the guys.
oh?
Its Isaac.
He really went
off in the meeting
tonight. Hes carrying
around a lot of hate.
Talking about going back
up there for revenge.
Lang says hes been saying
things like that for a
while. Im feeling like
this might be a little
past my ability
to manage.
I know. but
it seems like
this incident has
his head pretty
messed up.
OK, tell you
what. Ill talk to
his Gunny. See what
he thinks and ask
him to keep an eye
on Isaac for
a while.
Thanks. I will,
too. If hes not a
lot calmer in a few
days, Ill want him to
talk to either the
Chaps or Combat
Stress.
OK, Wallace,
your call on
that. Ill back you
up. Just let
me know.
Roger.
Isaac?!
Hes a good
kid.
174
175
PART 7
Returning
Home
176
BANKSBest Man
Hey, man!
Youre looking
better. I hear you
can talk now,
too.
Thats
great.
jason, Im
really sorry
about your leg.
You OK?
Howd you
know?
Good...I think. At least
as good as I can be. I
talked To Amanda. She said
everything is fine, but
Im scared.
Scared
of
what...?
I dont know.
she says it doesnt
matter and I know she
means it. But, Im afraid
when she sees me
for the first time,
it wont be.
I know.
But she never
signed up for
this.
Some.
Come on, that doesnt
sound like the girl
you bragged about
for the past
7 months.
Did you think
that I wouldnt
ask someone why
you were in here?
So, how are you
doing?
177
Whats
that?
Of
course...
Believe me,
Im gonna be working
hard everyday to make
sure that Im ready to walk
down that aisle with
my new bride.
If shes half the
woman you say she is,
you have nothing to
worry about.
Amanda and I
are gonna wait for a
while but I was wondering
if youd be the Best Man
at our wedding?
Alright, Jason, time
to go. Lots to do
before you
ship out.
Ill
be right
behind you.
Thanks. Guess
Ill find out soon.
Just got word, Im headed
for Landstuhl tomorrow.
Hopefully I wont be there
too long before they
send me home.
Sounds
like youre gonna
be here a little longer.
doubt well see each other
again until were back in the
States. Just wanted to say
goodbye and ask you
something.
No problem.
John, take care
of yourself. Ill
be checking your
progress. I expect
you back home
soon.
178
WALLACETime to Go
Guys, were
serious short
timers now. Sit on
our asses for a
couple of weeks
here in the FOB
and we are out
of here!
Dammit,
Webster. Dont
even say something
like that. Its Murphys
F---ing Law. You watch...
theyll send us out on
another mission
now.
yeah...
hey, doc, Its
gonna be weird,
after everything,
to leave this
place.
As Im sure
you all know,
were prepping
to redeploy in two
weeks. meaning that
we cycle back at
the end of next
week.
That only
gives us a few
days to finish any
work on the turbines
and get all the
gear squared
away.
179
Hey, Doc.
You back for
another ass
whipping?
No way, Lang.
Just dropping by
to say goodbye
to you guys.
Yeah. were
shipping home
end of next
week.
You
lucky bastard.
Were stuck until
at least next
month.
Well, despite
having to change
your diapers and
wipe your noses for
7 months, it was an
honor to serve
with you.
You, too,
Doc. Thanks
for every-
thing.
Yeah, Doc.
Youre pretty
cool for a
geezer.
Hey, if
youre ever
in Jacksonville,
look me up at the
store...Hudsons
Hardware.
Roger
that, Doc.
Youre
kidding me! You
out of here
already?
180
MENDEZHeading Home
180
you did
good, doc.
Hey, Doc.
Glad you were
out there with
us today.
Damn,
Jackson...
181
Its so
good to have
you home.
Its so
good to be home.
So many things I want
to tell you about, but
right now I just want
to get home.
Erica!
Mike!
182
WALLACEHome Again
Well, Thought
this day would
never come.
Im just happy
that were getting
everyone back home
in one piece. No kidding.
183
Daddy!
Dad!
Welcome
home,
honey.
You have no
idea how happy
I am to see you
guys. Lets
go home.
Daddy!
Daddy!
184
185
PART 8
Epilogue
186
WALLACELooking Forward
John, can we
talk for a minute?
At the cookout last
night, I heard you
talking to some of the
guys about reupping. Isnt
that something we
should talk about...
as a family?
Im not
saying I dont want
you to stay in. Just that
we should talk about it.
I had
a feeling
you might want
to talk about
that.
Have you
ever seen a
happier kid?
I know.
He hasnt sat still
since the doctor
took the cast off
this morning.
Even
the dog cant
keep up with
him.
187
Its the kids. Its hard
for them to not have their
dad around. And, believe it or
not, I miss my husband
when hes gone.
Plus, that
sinking feeling
every time the
phone rang...
I understand,
I really do.
Actually,
the store wasnt
so bad. Tom has
turned out great.
He really did a
good job.
So, see.
you dont
even need
me at the
store.
thats not
what I meant and
you know it.
But, I know how
much you love it
and it helps to have
extra money. I just
think you should
take some time and
think about it.
Dont rush into
a decision.
OK, that
sounds
fair.
Really?
I know it was hard
back here for you,
especially with
the store.
I know...
not knowing
if something had
happened to you.
Not sure I could
have taken that
another day.
188
Sure. I dont
actually have to reup
for a while. Lets wait
a few months and keep
talking about it. Then
well decide.
Thank you,
John.
BANKSA New Hope
189
Whatever
you do, dont zone
out and go long like you
do sometimes. Youve got
to be at the airport by 2:00
to pick up John. Dont want
to leave your Best Man
stranded at the
airport.
Then, after you drop
him off here, I need
you to meet me at the
caterers by 4:00 so
we can go over the
reception menu one
last time. Then,
were taking John
to have dinner
with your mom
at 8:00.
You got
it. Caterers at
1600 and dinner
at 2000.
Oh, hey.
There you are. Was
afraid youd already
left.
Nope,
just getting
ready.
Youre
not going far,
are you? Its a
busy day.
No.
probably
just 3 or 4
miles.
Dont
worry,
I wont.
Just so
you know, Ill
never use the
military clock
when I talk
about time.
190
Its amazing...
weve been planning
for a year and its still
nuts at the last minute. So
many details to keep
straight.
You
sure?
Im
positive.
Trust me.
I love you.
I love you,
too. See you
at 4:00.
Youre doing
great. Dont worry.
Everything is going
to be perfect.
191
192
MENDEZSilver Star
Mike, do you ever
pick up your cell? Wanted
to let you know that I need
to push our run back to 1900.
Ive got something important
that Ive been meaning to do
for a while. See you at
the beach.
193
Doc
Mendez?
Its me,
Hughes. Derek
Jacksons
friend. Yes?
194
I come here a lot.
May sound weird, but I like
to talk to him sometimes...
tell him whats going on.
Just let him know we
havent forgotten
him.
Its just
up that hill.
I can show
you.
THATS
NOT WEIRD...ITS
LOYALTY. YOURE
A GOOD FRIEND.
Thanks.
Lisa, why dont
you stay here with
the kids? Ill show
Doc where to go.
Ill be right
back.
Hi, Hughes.
Sorry, didnt
even see you...
was thinking
about...
Yeah, I
know.
Hi, Lisa, nice
to meet you. Hi,
little Darrell...you
look just like
your Daddy.
This is
my wife Lisa...
my son Darrell Jr.
and the sleepy one
is my daughter
Beth.
OK.
195
You know, I went through
some messed up stuff over
there, but the hardest thing I
ever did was dropping his letter
in the mail. Must have stood
in front of that stupid
mailbox for ten
minutes.
I came
today to tell
him some big
news.
Whats
that?
He got
the Silver
Star for what
he did.
Thats
great. He
deserves it.
Well, here it is.
Ill leave you alone.
I know hes glad
youre here. Thanks.
Take care.
I know it wont
bring him back, but Im
happy about the medal.
Maybe itll help his
parents a little bit,
too. They took it
pretty hard.
Im sure
they did.
Im
sorry.
196
197
END
Good
work, Doc.
Rest in
Peace.
Live For
Others
So Others
May Live.
198
199
RESOURCES
The following resources were used in developing The Docs:
Hughey, M. (Ed.) (2001). Operational medicine: Health care in military
settings (NAVMED P 5139) [CD-ROM]. Wilmette, IL: Medical Education
Division, Brookside Associates; Washington, DC: Bureau of Medicine
and Surgery, U.S. Department of the Navy; MacDill AFB, FL: U.S. Special
Operations Command. (Available from CAPT Mike Hughey, MC, USNR
[Fmr.], [email protected].)
Scalera, B. (2006). Comic artists photo reference: People and poses.
Cincinnati, OH: Impact.
Simon, M. (2005). Facial expressions: A visual reference for artists. New
York: Watson-Guptill.
Technical consultant: Ben Beatty, PhD, MPH, CHES. Beatty is a veteran
with 18 years of service: 12 years in the Marine Corps and 6 years in the
Navy during his enlistment.
Photos of Hudsons Hardware courtesy of Leigh Hudson, Garner, NC.
Photos of Marines coming home from Iraq to Camp Pendleton, CA,
courtesy of Melinda Applegate, Tempe, AZ.
Iraq combat photos courtesy of William P. Nash, MD, CAPT, MC, USN (Ret.).
Photos and information from the following Web sites: http://www.
news.navy.mil, http://www.navy.mil, http://www.marines.mil, http://
www.marinecorpstimes.com, http://www.defenselink.mil, http://www.
defenseimagery.mil, http://www.af.mil, http://www.army.mil, http://www.
armymedicine.army.mil.
201
There are Corpsmen and then there are docs. . . . A doc is someone you can count on. Hes
someone in your platoon that when something happens to one of our fellow Marines, you
can call on him and not have to worry. Hes your buddy, a comrade in arms, a person who
you count on to cover your back, to lay down fre, dig fghting holes or do whatever the hell
Marines are doing. Thats who a doc is.

Field Medical Service School (FMSS): The Making of a Fleet Marine
Force Corpsman, Navy News Service
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navytrng/a/fmss.htm
The Docs deals with situations that are best understood by adults and is not meant for
readers under 18 years of age.