thedrifter
06-18-07, 07:08 AM
War Stories:
Corporal Matt Buchanan
Brandon Kline
12 News
Jun. 17, 2007 08:03 PM
War Story: Corporal Matt Buchanan
When it comes to the Iraq War, he's pretty much seen it all. Corporal Matt Buchanan was part of the hunt for Saddam Hussein at the beginning of the war, and the fight against the insurgency more recently. The marine says the war has changed, and changed him.
A small town guy, the Flagstaff native was a little surprised to be a part of the initial attack in Baghdad. He served three tours of duty in Iraq and was wounded when he shot in the arm during a patrol. The Purple Heart winner was invited to the White House last week to meet with President Bush.
Like many serving overseas, Matt took lots of pictures to document his time in Iraq. From an assault on one of Saddam's palaces...to speaking at Flagstaff's Thorpe Park after he returned. While flipping through his photo book, he comes across several fellow marines who didn't make it back. He says not a day goes by when he doesn't think about his fallen brothers.
After three tours of duty, Buchanan admits he's changed. He doesn't like being in crowded areas, and recalls being shaken after hearing what sounded like an explosion at his job in Flagstaff. He wants Americans to know he's proud of his accomplishment in Iraq, and reminds us that good work is being done there.
But he says he's a better person. The Iraq War made him want to appreciate life in the US that he may have taken for granted when he was younger. Now that he has completed his service with the Marines, Corporal Buchanan is looking to do security work for the federal government.
Ellie
Corporal Matt Buchanan
Brandon Kline
12 News
Jun. 17, 2007 08:03 PM
War Story: Corporal Matt Buchanan
When it comes to the Iraq War, he's pretty much seen it all. Corporal Matt Buchanan was part of the hunt for Saddam Hussein at the beginning of the war, and the fight against the insurgency more recently. The marine says the war has changed, and changed him.
A small town guy, the Flagstaff native was a little surprised to be a part of the initial attack in Baghdad. He served three tours of duty in Iraq and was wounded when he shot in the arm during a patrol. The Purple Heart winner was invited to the White House last week to meet with President Bush.
Like many serving overseas, Matt took lots of pictures to document his time in Iraq. From an assault on one of Saddam's palaces...to speaking at Flagstaff's Thorpe Park after he returned. While flipping through his photo book, he comes across several fellow marines who didn't make it back. He says not a day goes by when he doesn't think about his fallen brothers.
After three tours of duty, Buchanan admits he's changed. He doesn't like being in crowded areas, and recalls being shaken after hearing what sounded like an explosion at his job in Flagstaff. He wants Americans to know he's proud of his accomplishment in Iraq, and reminds us that good work is being done there.
But he says he's a better person. The Iraq War made him want to appreciate life in the US that he may have taken for granted when he was younger. Now that he has completed his service with the Marines, Corporal Buchanan is looking to do security work for the federal government.
Ellie