No. 638 Thomas Arnold, 2009

File — Box: 68, Folder: 11

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Thomas Arnold (b. 1977) grew up in Bountiful, Utah. When it became time for him to find a way to pay for college he decided to join the Marine Reserves. Thomas values the discipline he learned in boot camp as well and the hard work ethic it instilled in him. He recalls feeling very comfortable in his reserve group Fox Company 2/23. He went on a mission for his church and started a family prior to the events of 9/11. Thomas was deployed to California in 2002 as part of a quick reaction force. His unit was deployed as part of the 1st Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Thomas' unit was first deployed to Kuwait. He vividly recollects the shock of seeing his first dead body lying in an Iraqi urban area. One of his most intense firefights occurred in Baghdad against the Iraqi secret service. He describes the rest of his service in Iraq as a military presence to provide security. While he settled back into life at home in Utah Thomas did not mind that everyone knew he was a veteran but felt it got old after a while. He does not regret what he did but is very happy his service is over.
Interviewer: John Worsencroft

Dates

2009

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.