A little something as I edit the upcoming doucmentary episodes for Outside The Wire Version 07-1. (Outside The Wire '05 is available now on DVD)
This is a taste of what it is like when Al Qaida attempts to over run a small outpost. The key word being attempt. Even with two large suicide truck bombs, Al Qaida failed miserably.
The paratrooper channeling Spicoli is Specialist Billy 'Caveman' Knipper of Blackfoot 1-501st.
After I finished capturing in a batch of video from that day at OP Omar I went to the gym.
One of the cable networks dedicated five minutes to a discussion of Katie Couric going to Iraq.
TV news personalities talking about other TV news personalities is possibly the worst kind of TV news.
Katie and a 20+ person entourage will fly in to BIAP, then broadcast from the Joint Reception Center--a place guys like me aren't really allowed.
Which is fine. Because I prefer to spend my time in Iraq with Marines, Paratroopers and 11 Bravos.
I don't know if Katie will get outside the wire much. If she does, it won't be for very long and I know she will not spend two weeks living with guys like 'Caveman' Knipper.
The greater shame is that 5 minutes of broadcast time was dedicated by a cable network to covering a ratings gambit, instead of covering guys like Billy Knipper, Jason Stegall, John Hegland and Bradley Mort and the rest of the crew from Blackfoot and Task Force Geronimo.
I guess it is easier to talk about the news than go out to places like OP Omar where it is being made.
They must not think being so close to the danger is 'sweet.'
Help JD get back to Iraq! Buy a DVD or Contribute below.
JD is currently editing the follow-up to his 2005-2006 documentary Outside The Wire. He will return to Iraq to shoot another documentary as soon as it is released.
We all know that freedom is not free--and neither is reporting from Iraq.
Each digital tape capturing the heroic efforts of Soldiers and Marines costs $7. JD uses almost 100 tapes on each trip. One DVD buys one tape that will permanently capture what the media refuses to cover.
As you know JD spends his time in Iraq with the Soldiers and Marines doing the work Outside The Wire. That means hundred and thousands of dollars of equipment and gear gets damaged. Three dollars buys a new protective lens cover. Fifty dollars buys a pair of ballistic glasses. Just to get there, the airfare costs $1,500.
It all helps and it is all needed to tell the story that is not being told.
If you have the desire and means to contribute more and be a co-producer please contact JD via email.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and any support you can give.
|
