2008 Woodie Awards
ISU student returns home from Iraq
Barbara Rose Nelson
Issue date: 1/25/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
|
Spending just under a year in Iraq serving in Medical Company C145 SB, Arrowood is a dental technician in the Guard and says his time in Iraq could have been worse.
"It was more of a positive experience than negative," Arrowood said. "I wouldn't want to do it again, but for what it could have been, it turned out pretty good."
For most of his tour, Arrowood was stationed in Kirkuk. Arrowood said he found the Kurdish people friendly, accepting and grateful.
Before returning to the States, Arrowood was on infantry patrol for two weeks during the Iraqi election. Arrowood said the war scene got better over time.
"It was scary at first but you get used to it when attacked," Arrowood said. "It's no big deal".
Arrowood also took part in humanitarian missions and helped support troops on base. During his humanitarian service, Arrowood was in contact with Iraqis. Arrowood said he found it rewarding to serve the people of Iraq as he helped to provide dental care to U.S. soldiers and Iraqis. This service gave him a new perspective on life.
"We are so blessed with what we have," Arrowood said. "Going over there makes you appreciate things you normally wouldn't."
Morale became a "huge" issue when soldiers did not feel supported, Arrowood said. Regarding the American attitude of the war, Arrowood says it is okay to disagree with the cause but still support the troops. It is important that service men and women do not feel like a "forgotten face in history," Arrowood said.
When people shake Arrowood's hand and thank him for his service, he says he has a feeling of pride. Family, friends and members of Arrowood's church gave him a very supportive base while he was in Iraq and afterwards.
A native of Pocatello, Arrowood has attended ISU for three years. Currently Arrowood is majoring in public relations and advertising. He says he wants to continue his return to "normalcy," school and fixing up his house.
Arrowood joined the Idaho National Guard for two reasons: he had a grandfather who was in the military, and, like other college students, Arrowood also joined the Guard so he could finance his college career.
Arrowood's enlistment ends in 2008 and he is not planning to re-enlist.
A mother of three, Barb is currently studying psychology and political science. She teaches Yoga in her spare time.