Oral history of Matthew Brinkley
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Nolan Wilbur with Specialist Matthew Brinkley on March 31, 2023 in Clemson, SC. Born on December 1, 1988, Brinkley enlisted in the United States Army in 2009.
After training, Brinkley became an all-source intelligence analyst. In November 2010, he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, as part of Operation New Dawn, serving with the 163rd Armored Regiment. He was tasked with conducting intelligence analysis, monitoring unmanned aerial vehicles, and providing briefings for patrols. He describes experiencing frequent indirect fire attacks, the dangers of counterinsurgency warfare, and the emotional toll of losing fellow soldiers. A particularly difficult moment came while at Victory Base Complex in Iraq, when a roadside bomb hidden in his base's perimeter wall killed two soldiers whom he had briefed before their mission. Brinkley was medically discharged in 2013 and worked in defense contracting and intelligence analysis for several years before deciding to complete his degree. Now a student at Clemson University, he is active in the Veteran Resource Center.
Oral history of Beau Bauer
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Daniel Mack with Staff Sergeant Beau Bauer on June 6, 2012, in Clemson, SC. Born on June 13, 1980, Bauer served in the United States Marine Corps. Motivated by the events of 9/11 and the growing conflict in Iraq, he enlisted in 2003 and trained as an infantry assaultman, specializing in demolitions, rockets, and anti-armor warfare.
Bauer reflects on his first deployment to Iraq in 2005, serving in Ramadi during some of the heaviest fighting of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He describes the intensity of urban combat and the cycles of patrols. His second deployment took him across the Pacific with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducting amphibious training and international military exercises before returning to Iraq for a final tour in 2007. This time, he operated out of Al-Asad Air Base, serving along Iraq's western borders, conducting long-range reconnaissance and interdiction missions. He presents pictures of his time serving and reflects on the transition back to civilian life and the bonds he formed with fellow Marines.
Oral history of Robert Blackburn
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Daniel Mack with Staff Sergeant Robert Blackburn on August 27, 2012, in Clemson, SC. Born on March 30, 1979, Blackburn enlisted in the United States Army after 9/11. He was trained as an airborne infantryman, later completing the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP), and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.
Blackburn talks about his combat experience in Operation Iraqi Freedom, fighting against Saddam Hussein's forces and securing the cities of Mosul and Kirkuk. He describes the shift in warfare as roadside bombs and insurgent tactics became more sophisticated. He speaks on his service in Operation Enduring Freedom, leading joint military operations from Bagram and navigating the harsh terrain and logistical challenges of combat in the Hindu Kush mountains.
Oral history of Kelby Hagerluck
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an interview conducted by Daniel Redmond with Lieutenant Colonel Kelby Hagerluck on March 28, 2024. Born on September 9, 1980, Hagerluck joined the United States Air Force and was commissioned in 2003.
Hagerluck was trained as a C-17 Globemaster pilot, initially stationed at Charleston Air Force Base before later becoming an instructor at Altus Air Force Base. Over a 20 year career, he flew global airlift missions, transporting a wide range of things. He talks about missions taking him to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa and recalls airdropping supplies into mountains, presidential support missions, and transporting fallen service members home.
2024-03-28
Oral history of Charlotte Becker
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Averi Brice with Sergeant Charlotte Becker on October 20, 2023, at Clemson University.
Becker first joined the United States Coast Guard in 2003 serving aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Aspen. However, after struggling with seasickness, she was medically discharged and reenlisted in the United States Army in 2004 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. In 2005, Becker deployed to Iraq, first serving as a driver for Civil Affairs, placed at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah, conducting Hearts and Minds operations. She transitioned to a vehicle recovery team and repaired and extracted damaged Humvees. She was later stationed in Hawaii and Fort Stewart, supporting Military Police, engineering, and chemical response units before leaving the Army in 2012, disillusioned with policy changes forcing soldiers out of service.