Oral history of Tom Maertens
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Austin Mall with Lieutenant Colonel Tom Maertens on September 30, 2013. Born on October 17, 1948, Maertens grew up in a military family, moving frequently as his father was stationed across the United States and overseas. Following in the family tradition, he attended West Point, graduating in 1970, and commissioned into the Field Artillery Branch of the United States Army.
Maertens recounts his early assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, his transition to aviation, and his training as an AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter pilot. He deployed to Vietnam during the final years of the war, serving with F Troop, 9th Air Cavalry. Following Vietnam, Maertens continued his military career in aviation, commanding the 207th Aviation Company in Heidelberg, Germany and later transitioning to the Transportation Corps, where he worked in aviation logistics, aircraft testing, and research and development. After retiring from the Army in 1992, he pursued a second career in higher education fundraising, including six years at Clemson University.
2013-09-30
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 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.