I joined the military as a means of making a new life for myself and building a future for my family (two of my three children were infants while I was on active duty abroad).
My job in the Army was a fueler for tanks and other armored vehicles, and my unit was part of the initial invasion of Baghdad: "March 20th is a day I will never forget".
Although my 8-month service in Iraq (ending in August of '04) resulted in a severe knee injury and a case of PTSD which hinders me to this day, I look back on his service as some of the happiest days of my life because of the camaraderie I shared with the other members of my unit and the pride I derived from serving my country.
Upon returning to the Bronx from the war, I- like many Iraqi vets - did not have the proper resources and structures to reintegrate back into society. I was unemployed, homeless, and unable to provide for my wife and children. My story was featured in an award-winning documentary(www.whenicamehome.com).
I now live with my family in the Bronx and am receiving treatment, counseling, and job training.
I am an avid Clinton supporter, only she - unlike Obama - has the experience to get America out of Iraq, and only she has the statue to restore America's reputation abroad. Obama would make a great vice president, but Hillary gets my vote for Commander-in-Chief.
I still have a scarf which a young Iraqi girl gave me after her father - a suspected insurgent - was killed in a skirmish with members of my own unit. The girl gave me the scarf - which I hold every day - because during the skirmish I protected her and saved her life.