Capital district soldier describes attack in Iraq.

Not long ago, on November 3, 2004, the 4th Platoon (Co. D, 2-108 Infantry) was on a routine route clearance/security patrol in the Sunni Triangle at 30 kilometers north of Baghdad city limits. As we approached our southern limit of advance, we stopped our convoy (for which reason I don't remember) and pulled security, everyone out except the gunner who scanned a 360-degree perimeter.

A radio call came from the rear vehicle--a warning to watch a suspicious vehicle. It had no plates and no front grill--looked like a proverbial piece of sh*t, pardon my French. I passed the hand mike to my gunner, crossed the median, and signaled the vehicle to stop. I used the universal signal to stop, the dangerous end of the rifle. However, the driver did not slow as he passed parallel with my position, less then 10 meters from my position. I fired warning shots into the trunk, at the tires, and when the driver didn't stop, I fired directly at him as well.

At that point, the driver of my vehicle, the dismount, and finally the MK 19-grenade machine gunner, all engaged the vehicle as well. The vehicle accelerated, so the rifles and the crew served continued to fire. From approximately 70-100 meters away and still accelerating, the vehicle turned into the grease stain (see some remnants in photo).

The EOD unit from our forward operating base figured the driver had 10 to 15 artillery shells wired in the trunk or in the back seat of the vehicle. The explosion had a fireball that covered all four lanes and the median of Highway 1. A white mushroom cloud rose over the sight. Very few pieces were left of the vehicle to recognize.

It was insane.

It seems like a bad dream to me now.

My squad was as follows: Driver--SPC Mondoux, Matthew 827th Engineers Buffalo NY; Dismount--SPC George, Nicholas Co. D 1-105th IN Troy NY; Gunner--SPC Willsey, James Co. D 1-105th IN Troy NY

TIC asked Sergeant Ader how his experience as a soldier in Iraq influenced his perception of the war, and what he'd like our readers to know.

"The war in Iraq and Afghanistan will prove to be one of my generations greatest accomplishments. You are either for the war or against it, the end story is Iraqis and Afghanis get to vote, game over."

"I dealt one-on-one with the Iraqi people, both civilians and soldiers, as much as anyone in the 10 months I was in 'the Sunni'. I am not just talking about guys I knew, I mean the entire Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Never did I feel as appreciated in my life as I did by the Iraqi people. We would set up random check points on Highway 1, stop anyone for no reason, search their entire vehicle and personal belongings, search their person ... and when they got to where I was standing with my linguist, they'd be smiling. I'd apologize for the inconvenience and say something along the lines of 'It's for security.'"

Now I am a lovable guy, but the Iraqi people loved us all. I am so proud of my guys (some of whom where just turning 21 in Iraq), myself, and the entire 2-108th Infantry, New York National Guard.

Sergeant Ader is with the New York Army National Gurad, Company D, 2-108th Infantry, 27th Brigade (E).