When Everything Falls Apart
“Our convoy went through the [Green Zone, Baghdad] Gateway 310 times. I always thought it could be my last day. Our adrenaline was so high. When I was out there I could only think of IED’s, getting shot at, or getting harassed by the locals,” said Stephen Imamoto, specialist in convoy security. Imamoto was a Sargeant 1st Class with the 100th Battalion, 442nd in 2005.
“We were hit with 4 – 6 roadside IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devices). I have traumatic brain injury (TBI) – our truck was rocked really bad.” With a sigh, Imamoto said, “I probably aged 10 years, I really did.” Now retired, Imamoto shared his experiences in Iraq with The Honolulu Weekly, hoping it may help other veterans.
Stephen Imamoto, Sargeant 1st Class with the 100th Battalion, 442nd in Baghdad, 2005
“I wanted to retire when I had 20 years, but they Stop-Lossed me for two more years.” A weekend warrior no more, Imamoto was not allowed to leave the Army Reserves.
