Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Private Soldiers: A Year in Iraq w/Wisconsin National Guard

Sgt. Joseph Streeter, squad leader for the 2-127th Gator Battalion of the Wisconsin National Guard and one of the photographers of the book Private Soldiers, will offer a rare first-hand account of life in Iraq.

The program shares the title of the book, "Private Soldiers : A Year in Iraq with a Wisconsin National Guard Unit," and will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Oshkosh Public Library. Area soldiers also will attend. This is a free program and open to the public.

The book chronicles the Wisconsin Army National Guard 2-127th Infantry Battalion's year-long deployment from the unique perspective of the soldiers themselves. Their mission would take them into the most dangerous regions of Iraq, where they would withstand hundreds of attacks, see dozens wounded, and lose three members killed in action.

Written and photographed by three battalion members, Private Soldiers provides a rare first-hand account of life in Iraq. Fascinating soldier interviews reveal the effects of deployment on the troops and on their families back home, and interviews with Iraqi civilians describe the Iraqis' perceptions of life, war, and working alongside Wisconsin troops. Brilliant photography illuminates the 2-127th's year, from training to "boots on the ground" to their return home, while candid photos taken by battalion members capture the soldiers' day-to-day lives and camaraderie.

The program will include a discussion of Gator Battalion’s experiences in Iraq and a display of photos from Private Soldiers. A book signing opportunity will follow the presentation; books will be available for purchase from Apple Blossom Books.

All royalties from sales of Private Soldiers will go to the 2-127th's family support groups and to funds established in memoriam of the battalion members who gave their lives in the Iraq war.

Click here to listen to Ben Buchholz and Joseph Streeter's September 24th Wisconsin Public Radio interview on the Larry Meiller Show.

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