Marine looks back on six months in Iraq
E.B. native finds military experience to be positive one
BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

Brian Reed

EAST BRUNSWICK - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Reed, who recently spent more than six months in Iraq, wasn't afraid during his tour, and he's not afraid to go back.

"At first, yes, I was scared," Reed said. "After a while you get used to it, used to the idea that, going out there, you could get blown up."

The 22-year-old East Brunswick native, who recently spent a short leave at home with his family, said if deployed again, he would probably wind up working in the Combat Operations Center, where he would provide information about the war to top-ranking officials.

This would be a change from his former duties as a radio operator for the 2nd Transportation Support Battalion (TSB), which put him in charge of communications for the whole convoy, and had him monitoring other convoys and bases. He then faced the perils of roadside bombs, or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), along with much more danger than he would be facing in the Combat Operations Center.

"Personally, I'd rather be the guy out there experiencing stuff," Reed said.

Reed experienced his base being mortared on more than one occasion, he said. Insurgents tried to keep supplies from coming in by mortaring the flight line. He praised the bomb-detecting skills of the military police (MPs), saying out of 73 convoys he went on, they were hit by IEDs twice.

Another experience Reed remembers most was when a fellow soldier had to be taken by medivac after his vehicle lost control and landed in a ditch. The man was badly injured, and Reed had to radio the necessary people to help him, he said. Due to nearby mountains, Reed was amazed when he was able to get reception enough to contact them.

"I always thought about how almost perfectly that went," he said. "I was just thinking how great, how fortunate it was to get in contact."

When Reed returned to Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he is now stationed, he ran into the fellow soldier. The man walked up to him and thanked him for taking part in saving his life.

"He had an important job, and I don't think he realized that," said his mother, Kathleen Reed.

Although his father, David, was more neutral about his going to war, Brian's mother was reluctant to see him go. Brian told her everything he could to make her feel more comfortable with it.

"She was under the impression that I was going to be handed a weapon and told to start shooting people," Reed said. "It's more than just going out there with a rifle."

"What mother would want their child to go," Kathleen asked. "But he's protecting his country. It's a noble thing. I did a lot of praying. That's all I could do."

Despite the dangers, Brian Reed said the living conditions were not that bad. He slept in a 10-by-15 tent with other soldiers. His only complaint was the relentless heat.

"It was very, very hot," Reed said. "It felt like taking a blow dryer to your entire body."

After seeing three Middle Eastern countries, Reed said he has a more positive opinion of the region.

Reed enlisted in the military right out of high school in January 2003.

"Once 9/11 happened, I was just feeling patriotic," he said. "I always had respect for the military."

He served from March to September 2005 on a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in the Persian Gulf. His unit made the news in August when his ship, the Ponce, was shot at, his mother said.

"Overall, it's been positive," Reed said. "I get to see my friends and family often. I get to see a lot of countries."

Reed has traveled to eight different countries with the Marines, and he would someday like to visit Australia. While he has enjoyed seeing the world, he said he is most looking forward to returning to New Jersey to settle down.

"Any time I'm on leave, I always come to New Jersey," he said. "It's my hometown."

In the future, Reed would like to become a police officer - either a New Jersey state trooper or a local cop, he said. When he returns home, he will have more time to do the things he enjoys, like working out at the gym, shooting pool and going to bars with his friends.

"Then, [I will] just look for a girlfriend, because I haven't had one in four years," Reed said.