Returning from Iraq, the Damage Done - 4

Alex Presman
AGE 26; SHEEPSHEAD BAY, NEW YORK

Heavy-vehicle operator in the Marines' 6th Communication Battalion. Injured July 15, 2003, outside Baghdad when he stepped on a land mine.

I was born in Russia. We came in '94. I think a man has to go through the military. My father was in the military. I wanted to go to school, and I just thought it was the right thing for me to do.

I volunteered to go. I could have gotten out, because my reserve contract was over. I volunteered basically, because a couple of my good friends were going and being in the military is what's it's all about. It's about doing something. Being in the military action. I just wanted to be a part of it.

We stopped for a break and some people went to use the bathroom, four guys in front of me. I was following them, and boom, it took off my foot. It threw me up, and I just fell down. At first, I was a little shocked. I didn't understand what happened. They medevaced me out, took me to Bethesda Naval Hospital, and they told me it had to be amputated. Nobody can prepare himself for that. But you know, it could have been worse.

It's just pride. The brotherhood. The way of life. Being in the military, and being one of the few, the proud. Once a Marine, always a Marine.