Iraq War Veteran Eric Swenson
Today marks the tenth anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq War. Eric Swenson, who now lives in Paxton, Illinois with his family, joined the military straight out of high school in 2004. He didn't expect to be involved in combat, but was close to the action, doing intelligence work as part of an infantry batallion. He joined us in studio to discuss his experiences, including the transition back to life in America, and the tough emotional toll of the conflict.
Categories:
Foreign Policy-U.S.,
Military
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Comments:
Deb Swenson said on March 21, 2013:
This is Eric’s mom. I thought he was very thoughtful and articulate. I’m very proud of him. He wondered about World War II veterans talking about their experiences. Only recently have I seen veterans sharing their stories in the newspaper about their WW II experiences, maybe because of the Honor Flights. My dad was a WW II Navy veteran. When he talked about that time, he mainly talked about his family. He talked about how his dad didn’t want to tell him good-bye when he was about to deploy overseas. He talked about going home on leave and walking home from the bus station at 6 AM in his uniform, and his mom seeing him coming because she was watching for him. He talked about his discharge and wanting to get home in time for Christmas. He bugged the commanding office so much, that he became exasperated. He didn’t get home in time for Christmas, and was discharged in early January. When he got home the Christmas tree was still up and all the presents were still under it. His family had waited for him. My dad was a radio man in a Navy plane. He said almost nothing about being overseas, but did say the smell of greasy mutton in England ruined his appetite every time. I think it’s hard for veterans to share their more meaningful experiences because the general public doesn’t have a frame of reference. Many of the WW II veterans joined the VFW or American Legion, so they could spend some time with peers who had similar experiences. I think it’s important for veterans to reach out to each other. I’ve encouraged my son and son-in-law to check out Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (iava.org). Even it the group didn’t help them now, they may be able to help another veteran who is struggling. We all need encouragement sometimes.
Kimberlie Kranich said on March 22, 2013:
Thanks so much for your comment, Deb.
Since your dad was a WWII Navy veteran, I thought you might be interested in the oral history interviews and stories we did with WWII vets from the region. If you go to the link below, you will find our WWII project website.
http://will.illinois.edu/news/story/am580news2007-05-25
It is hard for some of the vets to share some of their difficult experiences. We found that to be true of the WWII vets we spoke to. We are glad your son spoke so candidly with us.
Take care,
Kimberlie Kranich
Director of Community Content & Engagement