Heroes of the the Long Road Home with Martha Raddatz (Full Episode) | SPECIAL | National Geographic

Key Concepts

• "Black Sunday" Ambush: The central event of the video, detailing the ambush of 19 soldiers from the 2-5 Cav in Sadr City, Iraq, on April 4, 2004.
• 2-5 Cav (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment): The U.S. Army unit whose experiences in Iraq are chronicled.
• Sadr City: A densely populated Shia district in Baghdad, Iraq, where the ambush took place.
• Mahdi Army: The militia associated with radical Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which was active in Sadr City.
• "The Long Road Home": The National Geographic mini-series inspired by the events of "Black Sunday."
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): A mental health condition experienced by many veterans due to their combat experiences.
• "Uncommon Valor Was Common That Day": A phrase used to describe the bravery displayed by the soldiers during the ambush and rescue attempts.
• Home Front: The experiences and challenges faced by the families of deployed soldiers.
• Bonds Forged in War: The deep connections and camaraderie developed between soldiers and their families through shared experiences of combat and separation.

The "Black Sunday" Ambush and Its Aftermath

This video chronicles the harrowing experiences of the soldiers of the 2-5 Cavalry during an ambush in Sadr City, Iraq, on April 4, 2004, an event that profoundly impacted their lives and inspired the National Geographic mini-series "The Long Road Home."

Initial Deployment and Optimism

The American invasion of Iraq in 2003 was initially perceived as swift and successful. Less than a year later, the 2-5 Cav was deployed with the expectation of a peacekeeping and reconstruction mission. Many soldiers, including Lieutenant Shane Aguero, were optimistic, believing the war would be won quickly. For many, it was their first deployment, involving the difficult farewells to families. Captain Troy Denomy faced the particular hardship of leaving his wife, Gina, and their newborn son, Merrick, just three days before his deployment. Staff Sergeant Robert Miltenberger, a seasoned soldier, was called back from retirement due to a stop-loss notice. Lieutenant Colonel Gary Volesky, the commander, and his wife Leann, also anticipated a rebuilding mission.

Sadr City and Rising Tensions

Sadr City, a sprawling slum of two million predominantly Shia Iraqis, was slated to be the 2-5 Cav's area of responsibility. The Shias had suffered under Saddam Hussein, leading the Americans to believe their presence would be welcomed. However, signs of trouble emerged, including the growing influence of radical Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and his militia, the Mahdi Army, who were poised to resist the U.S. occupation.

The Ambush on April 4th

The day began with what was supposed to be a routine patrol led by Lieutenant Shane Aguero, providing security for sewage trucks. Approximately 100 meters past an intersection, the platoon encountered small arms fire, which quickly escalated into a full-scale ambush. The fire came from all directions, and the soldiers' vehicles were targeted. Sergeant Eddie Chen, the gunner, was hit and killed, and several other soldiers were wounded. Two of their four Humvees were disabled. The surviving soldiers sought refuge in an alleyway, with some taking positions on a rooftop while an Iraqi family sheltered inside. Sergeant First Class Jerry Swope remained in one of the two remaining Humvees in the alley, acting as the sole point of contact with rescue teams.

Rescue Attempts and Heavy Fire

As rescue teams, including Charlie Company, attempted to reach the pinned-down platoon, they were met with intense and overwhelming gunfire. The enemy forces had multiplied, and the rescue convoys faced constant attacks, including RPGs, pipe bombs, and IEDs. Many soldiers and rescuers were wounded. The 2-5 Cav's vulnerability was highlighted by their reliance on lightly armored vehicles, including open-bed trucks, due to the absence of heavy armor. One such truck, carrying wounded soldiers, suffered four flat tires and caught fire.

The Home Front and Devastating News

Back at Fort Hood, Texas, on Palm Sunday, families were unaware of the unfolding tragedy. Gina Denomy was preparing for a birthday dinner, and Belinda Miltenberger was with her family. The devastating news began to spread through phone calls. Initially, reports indicated four Killed In Action (KIA) and over 35 wounded. This number tragically rose to seven KIAs, and eventually, the final toll for the night was eight dead, most of whom were from the rescue squads, and over 60 wounded. The fallen soldiers were identified as Specialist Robert Arsiaga, Specialist Ahmed Cason, Sergeant Eddie Chen, Specialist Israel Garza, Specialist Stephen Hiller, Corporal Forest Jostes, Sergeant Michael Mitchell, and Specialist Casey Sheehan, most in their 20s. Lieutenant Colonel Volesky expressed his broken promise to bring everyone home safely.

The Long Road Home Begins

For the survivors, the ambush was just the beginning of a long and arduous journey. Staff Sergeant Miltenberger was awarded the Silver Star for his actions, and Sergeant First Class Jerry Swope was honored for his role in maintaining radio contact. The insurgency in Sadr City led to prolonged combat, with 80 days of intense fighting followed by another 60.

The return of the 2-5 Cav to Fort Hood was met with a mix of joy and sorrow. While families celebrated the return of their loved ones, the absence of 168 soldiers from the First Cavalry Division, including 14 from the 2-5 Cav, cast a long shadow.

Lingering Trauma and Coping Mechanisms

The trauma of "Black Sunday" continued to affect the soldiers long after their return. Robert Miltenberger, diagnosed with PTSD, grappled with guilt over the lie he told a wounded soldier, assuring him he wasn't paralyzed when he was. He also felt guilt for not being injured himself. This guilt led to a profound meeting with Tomas Young, the soldier he had lied to, who had become paralyzed from his injuries and later became an anti-war activist. The reunion, though initially awkward, provided a sense of closure for both men.

Captain Troy Denomy, now a Colonel, described how the experience changed him, leading him to compartmentalize his emotions. He defined "home" as his family. Eric Bourquin, who was on the rooftop during the ambush, found solace in fishing and his family, but acknowledged that a part of him remained on that roof. He kept mementos from the battle, including Eddie Chen's uniform fragments, as reminders of the sacrifices made.

Shane Aguero, after multiple deployments, struggled with anger and paranoia, but sought help and became more open about his experiences. He described April 4th as the day he transitioned from a warrior to a veteran, and the ongoing challenge of becoming "more than that."

Lieutenant Colonel Gary Volesky, now a Three-Star General, found strength in his faith and his wife, Leann. He defined home as wherever his family was. He also expressed pride in playing a role in the lives of his soldiers, viewing them as his "army family."

The Legacy of "Black Sunday"

The video highlights the enduring bonds forged between the soldiers and their families, as well as the lasting impact of the events of April 4, 2004. The creation of a set replicating Sadr City for "The Long Road Home" mini-series brought many of the soldiers and their families back to the scene of the ambush, evoking powerful emotions and memories. The families of the fallen also visited the set, confronting the vivid portrayal of their loved ones' final moments.

The narrative emphasizes that the "road home" is not a singular event but an ongoing journey. For many, the trauma of war never fully dissipates, and coping mechanisms, including seeking help and leaning on family, are crucial. The video concludes by underscoring the extraordinary bonds that continue to connect these individuals, making them better people and offering comfort for their country and future generations of service members.