In 2007, the documentary "This is War" captured the harrowing experiences of an Oregon National Guard unit deployed to Iraq, where they faced some of the heaviest fighting of the war. As the 20th anniversary of the 2004 deployment approaches, it's a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers, as well as the successes and struggles they've encountered since then.
"This is War" follows the journey of the Oregon National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, known as the "Grim Reapers," during their deployment to Iraq. The film provides an intimate look at the challenges and dangers faced by these soldiers as they navigated the complexities of war.
Gary Mortensen, President of Stoller Wine Group and the filmmaker behind "This is War," was inspired to create the documentary after witnessing the experiences of National Guard soldiers who leave behind their families, jobs, and more to serve their country. Mortensen's goal was to shed light on the sacrifices made by these men and women and to honor their bravery in the face of adversity.
In an interview, Mortensen reflected on the impact of the film and the journey of the soldiers it portrayed.
"The 20th anniversary of the deployment depicted in 'This is War' is an important reminder of the resilience and dedication of our National Guard members," he said. "Since the documentary was released, many of these soldiers have experienced both triumphs and challenges."
The documentary captured moments of intense combat, camaraderie, and the profound sense of duty felt by the soldiers. It also highlighted the toll that war takes on individuals and their families, as well as the importance of community support in times of need.
As we mark two decades since the deployment depicted in "This is War," it serves as a tribute to the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Oregon National Guard and all those who have served their country. It is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who answered the call to duty in the face of adversity.
Watch the documentary here: https://vimeo.com/956192350
Date Taken: | 06.07.2024 |
Date Posted: | 06.13.2024 17:08 |
Story ID: | 473393 |
Location: | OREGON, US |
Web Views: | 78 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, This is War: Filmmaker Reflects 20 Years After Historic ORNG Deployment, by SFC Cory Grogan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.