I enlisted in the infantry in 1994, but was accepted into West Point and graduated in 1999. I served in Military Intelligence, including 2nd ACR Regimental S2 in eastern Baghdad (APR 2003-JAN 2004), until my separation in June 2004 as an exception to the stop loss.

My stop loss exception was granted at my Regimental Commander's approval; my impression was that he appreciated my work in Iraq, and he actually let me come back early to the States once a Major was brought forward to take the Regimental S2 position.

In my opinion the military is being used by the US government for an unjust and illegal action in Iraq. Furthermore, we've forced our military to stay in one geographical location for so long that we've weakened our military to the point of dangerously limiting our options in future crises. The whole situation is bad - ethically, operationally, and strategically.