Oral history of John Brunskill
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Jeff Fulton with Corporal John Brunskill on September 29, 2013. Born on September 14, 1971, Brunskill joined the United States Army Reserves in 2008. He was assigned as a combat engineer with the 323rd Engineer Company and deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Brunskill talks about the rigors of basic training at an older age and his role in route clearance missions. As lead truck gunner, he was responsible for convoy security and threat identification. He provides an account of Operation Strong Eagle in which his unit faced an intense ambush.
2013-09-29
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