For a soldier at war, being away from home and family could be the hardest part of serving; but for a veteran at home, enjoying freedoms and liberties while others are fighting could be the hardest part of getting back into civilian life.
US Army Sergeant Cody Nichols, interim facility coordinator and graduate assistant for the Student Recreation Center, knows all too well what serving in Iraq and coming home to civilian life is like.
Nichols, who worked in a transportation unit between Fallujah and Baghdad from March 2003 to October 2005, said it was probably hardest on his family for him to be away, because for them, he left and life went on without him.
Being away was a little different for him, however, because once he left, there was a job to be done.
“My family supported me being there, but they didn’t want me to be away,” Nichols said. “For them we said good-bye and I was gone, but for me there was the time saying good-bye and as soon as I left, I had a job to do.”
The response to his presence in Iraq varied depending on location, Nichols said. In areas highly populated by Saddam Hussein supporters, the people did not respond well.
But in other areas, many were very responsive and appreciative, Nichols said.
“A lot of them spoke broken English and talked about how Saddam killed their fathers, uncles and cousins,” Nichols said. “They were thankful for us to be there, but always said ‘but don’t stay long,’” hoping the war would be over soon.
Before leaving the UA, Nichols had completed almost all of his work, except a final novel and paper for his English class, which he had to finish during his time in Iraq.
“I had to finish reading this book, and write my paper,” Nichols said. “I can remember writing my term paper on these small sheets of green weatherproof paper and having to type it up during my free time.”
Nichols said if he is recalled, the second time around will be easier than the first, because he knows what to expect.
He said his chances of being recalled are pretty good – if the numbers in troop rotation stay the same, he might be called back as early as November 2007.