Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
5:27 | Mike Schlitz tells of his time going back to Iraq the 3 times after his injury and how it helped him through the healing process. He defines what a hero means to him and the impact that his mentors have had on his life.
Keywords : hero Iraq role model inspiration Ranger motto recovery IED(Improvised Explosive Device) accident injury
Growing up, Mike Schlitz knew that he needed the discipline that being in the military would provide. After he joined up, he knew he had the drive to succeed in the military and move up the ranks.
Right after 9/11, Mike Schlitz remembers the sentiment of excitement among some in the military around going to war. Once they shipped over to Iraq, they went to a special school to learn how to deal with the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army.
Working with the Iraqi Army was difficult because they didn't have the same sense of nationalism as American troops. As the war went on, it got increasingly difficult, especially as the casualties started to mount.
Mike Schlitz tells about the circumstances that led to his injury and all of the life changes that occurred as a result.
Mike Schlitz is very proud of being a Ranger and stands by everything that that stands for. At the end of the day, he is glad that he served his country and would do it again in a heartbeat.
