Commentary: Looking back on Operation Iraqi Freedom

  • Published
  • By Colonel David Hall
  • 56th Medical Operations Squadron
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Aug. 31 marked a milestone in our nation's history and, in particular, our military involvement and mission in Iraq. On this date, combat missions by United States forces came to an end. No longer will armored U.S. HMMWVs patrol the streets of Iraqi cities and villages seeking out insurgents and terrorists. No longer will our combat aircraft seek out engagements with enemy forces. No longer will the foot soldiers scour the back alleys and rural villages looking for the bad guys.

The media talking heads and radio talk show hosts asked the 69-dollar question, "was it worth it?"

The costs are measured in terms of blood and treasure; 4,400 U.S. killed and tens of thousands wounded; 100,000 Iraqis dead; $1 trillion to the American taxpayer.

I asked myself the question and realized I didn't have an answer. The answer I was looking for, that it was all worth it, proved to be elusive. Perhaps a few years or decades down the road the answer will be clearer.

I decided to take a more personal look at the cost of the conflict. Most of us who have worn the uniform for more than a couple of years have had the opportunity to deploy in support of OIF or OEF or maybe both. My chance came in January 2005. The bloody assault on Fallujah was in full swing and with the first Iraqi elections set for March of that year we were guaranteed lots of business at the Air Force Theater Hospital in Balad.

As a squadron commander, most of my time was administrative but my most memorable times were when I could help out in the Emergency Room. As an experienced physician, I had seen what knives and guns and accidents could do to people, but there is nothing in the civilian world or stateside military medicine to prepare you for what bombs could do to human flesh. I could write a book, and may some day, about my brief time there. The experiences seemed more vivid than life, the friendships more intense and the sorrows more painful.

Back to the question, "was it worth it?" I don't know what the history books will say about America's role in Iraq. Perhaps Iraq will become a strong democratic country and ally to the United States. Perhaps it will slide back into anarchy and civil war and become a haven for those who want to do us harm. All I can say is, that for me, it was worth it. That may be easy to say since I wasn't killed or maimed.

Regardless of what the historians eventually determine, those who served in OIF or OEF should hold their heads high. Through your sacrifice you made a difference and your country will not forget it.