For the Tarrant County War Veterans Oral History Project. Childhood in Wichita Falls and Arlington, Tex.; family’s tradition of military service; decision to enlist in U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 1995; experiences in boot camp at Camp Pendleton, Cal.; training as diesel mechanic; realization that he would be activated and shift in reservist training following September 11 attacks; call-up and training in N.C. and Cal.; deployment to Kuwait and Al Asad, Iraq; birth of first child while in Iraq; aspects of daily life for American soldiers stationed in Iraq; work as a repair mechanic; return to U.S. and family.