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 unit whose experiences are chronicled, particularly their deployment to Iraq in 2004.
• Sadr City: A large Shiite slum in Baghdad, the location of the ambush and a significant area of conflict.
• Mahdi Army: The militia of radical Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which played a role in the ambush.
• "The Long Road Home": The title of the National Geographic mini-series inspired by the events, and a metaphor for the soldiers' and families' ongoing journeys.
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): A significant psychological impact experienced by many soldiers after the combat.
• "Longer Road Home": A recurring phrase emphasizing the enduring impact of the war and the difficulty of returning to civilian life.
• Bonds of Brotherhood/Sisterhood: The strong connections formed between soldiers and their families through shared trauma and experience.
• Heroism and Sacrifice: The valor displayed by soldiers during the ambush and rescue efforts, and the ultimate sacrifice made by those killed.
• Guilt and Forgiveness: The internal struggles of soldiers, particularly regarding perceived failures or the inability to save comrades.

The "Black Sunday" Ambush and its Aftermath

This video chronicles the harrowing experiences of the soldiers of the 2-5 Cavalry during their deployment to Iraq in 2004, focusing on the events of "Black Sunday," April 4th, and the long-lasting impact on their lives and families.

Initial Deployment and Optimism

• The American invasion of Iraq in 2003 was initially perceived as swift and successful, with President Bush declaring victory.
• The 2-5 Cav, upon arriving in Iraq in 2004, anticipated a mission focused on peacekeeping and reconstruction, particularly in Sadr City, a sprawling Baghdad slum of two million predominantly Shia Iraqis.
• Many soldiers were optimistic, believing the war would be won quickly. For many, it was their first deployment and their first time leaving their families.
• Specific personal stories highlight the emotional toll of deployment:
  • Captain Troy Denomy left his wife Gina and newborn son Merrick, born just three days prior.
  • Staff Sergeant Robert Miltenberger, nearing retirement, was required to deploy due to a stop-loss notice.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Gary Volesky, the battalion commander, deployed while his wife Leann managed their six-year-old son Alex at home.

The Ambush on April 4, 2004

• The relative calm in Sadr City was deceptive. A radical Shia cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, was fueling resentment against the US occupation, and his militia, the Mahdi Army, was poised for action.
• On April 4th, a routine patrol led by Lieutenant Shane Aguero, providing security for sewage trucks, was ambushed approximately 100 meters past an intersection.
• The soldiers encountered small arms fire from multiple directions – the right and left sides of the street, front, and rear.
• Key Event: The platoon's vehicle became stuck, leading to a realization by some soldiers, like Troy Denomy, that they might not survive.
• First Casualty: The gunner, Eddie Chen (31 years old), was hit and killed. His translator, Salam, attempted first aid but it was futile.
• Several other soldiers were wounded, and two of the four Humvees were damaged and disabled.
• The surviving soldiers sought cover in an alleyway, with some taking up positions on the roof of a three-story building, 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 via radio.

Rescue Efforts and Intensified Fighting

• As rescue teams, including Charlie Company, attempted to reach the pinned-down platoon, they were met with "withering gunfire" and a significantly larger enemy force.
• The 2-5 Cav had deployed with limited heavy armor, leading to rescue vehicles being in vulnerable configurations, such as open-bed trucks carrying 17 people.
• Robert Miltenberger's truck, an open-bed vehicle, came under fire immediately upon entering the city.
• The Charlie Company truck, similar to Miltenberger's, suffered four flat tires and its engine caught fire, carrying wounded soldiers.
• Martha, the reporter, witnessed the emotional distress of a soldier crying, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
• Home Front Impact: Back at Fort Hood, families were unaware of the unfolding tragedy. Gina Denomy was preparing for a birthday dinner, and Belinda Miltenberger was with family.
• Rescue efforts were repeatedly forced to turn back due to intense enemy fire, but soldiers were determined to save their comrades.
• Alleyway Combat: The enemy knew the soldiers' location in the alley and began throwing hand grenades. One grenade exploded near Sergeant First Class Jerry Swope, causing deafness and mobility issues.
• Constant Fire: Rescue convoys faced continuous attacks, with explosions occurring approximately every five seconds from RPGs, pipe bombs, and IEDs.
• Medical Challenges: The aid station at Camp War Eagle was overwhelmed with casualties. Captain David Mathias, a pediatrician, found himself treating severe battle wounds, describing it as a "tidal wave" of dozens of patients at a time.
• Signaling for Help: Soldiers on the rooftop attempted to signal their location by making a fire, using their sleeves to fuel it. However, Charlie Company's antennas were shot off, and their radios damaged, causing them to miss the alley.
• Alpha Company's Attempt: A second company's rescue attempt also failed under heavy fire.
• Tank Intervention: A massive tank company eventually arrived. Shane Aguero ran towards the tanks with a flashlight to signal them. The last tank stopped, and the presence of the tanks helped to drive away the enemy.
• Retrieval of Fallen Comrades: The soldiers were relieved to be rescued but had to bring out Eddie Chen's body, placing it gently on a tank.

Casualties and Family Grief

• The final toll of the night was significant: eight soldiers killed and over 60 wounded, with most of the fatalities occurring among the rescue squads.
• Killed in Action (KIA): 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 were in their 20s.
• Lieutenant Colonel Volesky expressed his broken promise to bring everyone home safely, a burden he would carry.
• The grief for the families was profound. Israel Garza's mother described the devastating moment she learned of her son's death.

The Long Road Home: Beyond the Battlefield

• Recognition for Valor: Staff Sergeant Miltenberger was awarded the Silver Star for his lifesaving actions, and Sergeant First Class Jerry Swope was honored for his role on the radio. The phrase "Uncommon valor was common that day" was used to describe the soldiers' bravery.
• Continued Combat: "Black Sunday" was only the beginning for the 2-5 Cav. They faced 80 days of full-on combat, followed by another 60 days after a lull.
• Progress and Lingering Shadows: Despite progress in Sadr City by the end of the deployment, the shadow of April 4th remained, underscoring the "longer road home."
• Haunting Memories and Bonds: Soldiers described the day as "haunting" and replayed events in their minds. The shared trauma forged unbreakable bonds between soldiers and created a deeper understanding of veteran camaraderie.
• Return to Fort Hood: The return of soldiers was met with joy, but tempered by the knowledge that 168 soldiers from the First Cavalry Division, including 14 from the 2-5 Cav, did not make it home.
• The Question of "Harder": For returning soldiers, the question arose: "What would be harder? Going to war or coming home?"

Enduring Trauma and Personal Journeys

• Robert Miltenberger's Struggle: Robert Miltenberger, despite receiving the Silver Star, struggled with guilt, particularly over the "merciful lie" he told a wounded soldier, assuring him he wasn't paralyzed when he was. He also felt guilt for not being injured himself. His planned retirement in Louisiana was disrupted by Hurricane Rita destroying their home. He was diagnosed with PTSD.
• Shane Aguero's Transformation: Captain Shane Aguero, after multiple deployments, experienced significant anger, paranoia, and negativity, but sought help and became more open. He described April 4th as the day he turned from a warrior into a veteran, needing to become "more than that."
• Gary Volesky's Career and Family: Lieutenant Colonel Volesky continued his military career, eventually becoming a Three-Star General. He commanded a brigade of 5,000 soldiers in Mosul and later headed the army's First Corps. His "army family" was significant, but leaving his real family, including his son Alex, was difficult.
• Eric Bourquin's Resilience: Eric Bourquin, who was on the rooftop during the ambush, found solace in fishing and his family. He acknowledged that a part of him remained on the roof but refused to let it define him. He emphasized resilience and the sacrifices of others that allowed him to live. He kept mementos from the day, including Eddie Chen's uniform pieces.
• Reunions and Reflections:
  • Robert Miltenberger and Tomas Young: A decade after the ambush, Robert met Tomas Young, the soldier he had lied to about his paralysis. The reunion was emotional, with Tomas expressing gratitude and Robert grappling with his guilt. Tomas Young later died from his injuries sustained in Sadr City.
  • Tenth Anniversary: At the tenth anniversary, soldiers gathered, noting how time seemed both like a lifetime and yesterday. They reflected on the disbelief of that day and the enduring bonds.
  • Troy and Gina Denomy: Troy, now a Colonel at the Pentagon, reflected on how the experience changed him, leading him to compartmentalize emotions. Gina noted that while he changed, he remained "Troy" to his family.
• The "Long Road Home" as a Metaphor: The video emphasizes that the journey home is not just a physical return but an ongoing process of healing, adjustment, and finding meaning.

The Long Road Home: Filming and Legacy

• "The Long Road Home" Mini-Series: The National Geographic mini-series was filmed on a constructed set in Fort Hood, Texas, replicating Sadr City. This provided a surreal experience for the soldiers, bringing them back to the alley where it all began.
• Emotional Impact of the Set: The set evoked strong emotions, with soldiers and Martha experiencing heightened senses and expecting danger. Carl Wild, who took photos on the roof, found it unnerving to be back.
• Family Members on Set: Family members of the fallen visited the set, experiencing the vivid portrayal of their loved ones' final moments.
• Actors and Real-Life Counterparts: Actors portraying the soldiers and commanders met their real-life counterparts, highlighting the respect and honor associated with their stories.
• Robert Miltenberger's Continued Struggle: Despite meeting Tomas Young's mother, Robert continued to feel guilt over the lie. He found some relief through talking about his experiences and receiving help from the VA for his PTSD.
• The Enduring Bond: The video concludes by emphasizing the extraordinary and enduring bonds between the soldiers, their families, and Martha, the reporter, forged through shared trauma and resilience. The "long road home" continues, with the experiences shaping them into better people and reinforcing the importance of support and understanding for veterans.