My name is Brian Joseph Gibbs.
My grandfather served during World War II and my father served during the Vietnam War. They were both marines. Our family heritage dates back to a flag bearer in the Civil War. I have never met my grandfather. But I have heard that as a marine he was fearless and honorable. He is still alive today. My father doesn’t speak of anything about his service except what I was told before I joined the Army. He showed me how to do drill and ceremony and how to act properly as a soldier.
I enlisted on August 20, 2000 to serve, to find direction, and to become better than myself. I served with the US Army b 2-12 Cav. 1st Calvary Division, 121st Signal Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, 69th Signal Company and the 11th Signal Brigade with three years spent in Germany, Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Huachuca, Arizona for a total of 9 years after Iraq. My MOS was a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, Cable Installer and Maintainer. I’m on the left in the picture with my best friend and battle buddy, SSG Jamie Whittimore. We served together in Germany and deployed together to Iraq in 2004. The group picture is my unit that was deployed in Kuwait in 2007 to 2008.
The worst part of the war for me was the unknown of each day. The unit I was with and the fellow soldiers I fought with were my family and I felt safe in their company. It was the unknown of what the next day would hold for us, fearing the next convoy that may take a life, or the next unit that would suffer at the hands of a terrorist. The unknown of war was the worst part that still haunts me today.
Along with military training, my wartime experience changed me completely. I don’t think there is any part of me that is the same as it was before I deployed to Iraq. Medically, emotionally, and spiritually it changed me. I found a new peace in life during and after wartime. Life during wartime was stressful and hard, which equipped me with the ability to handle those stresses today. It medically changed me due to the countless disabilities that service has left me with that I still struggle with today. You can’t forget wartime if your disabilities remind you of it every day.
Many would answer death. But in no way was this a fear. As a soldier you prepare yourself for this, knowing that what you are doing is for your country, family and the way of life. My only fear was to not finish the fight with my fellow soldiers and to see the end of our time together and to not lose any soldiers.
I was based in Germany. When we landed we had a homecoming that was mainly for family. Those single solders just were happy to be home and have running water and a warm bed to sleep in. Because I was stationed in Germany readjusting wasn’t hard. But the challenge and adjustment was returning to business as usual. During your entire time in the Army you work each day to prepare for combat. As a signal soldier your goal each day is to prepare for battle. But once you come back what is there to prepare for?
We accomplished more than what was asked of us. I was part of the 121st Signal Battalion, and we single handedly installed the largest network ever erected by the Army in 2004.
Today I work as an IT Manager for an Aerospace Manufacturing company in Phoenix, Arizona. I also advocate for Veterans and Volunteer for Concerned Veterans for America. I am an advocate to all Veterans that seek help.
~ Brian Joseph Gibbs, Iraq Veteran
twitter.com/mrbriangibbs
www.brianjosephgibbs.com
www.cv4a.org
We are grateful to Brian for sharing his service and story with Comes A Soldier’s Whisper, where we are all connected.
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