Desert Dogs: The Marines of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Photos by Russ Bryant, Text by Amy Goodpaster StrebeAs America struggles to "win the peace" in Iraq, Desert Dogs: The Marines of Operation Iraqi Freedom highlights the human side of war, the day-in-the-life of U.S. Marines stationed in that volatile region. Dramatic, harrowing, and simply unbelievable images of the marines of Operation Iraqi Freedom, personal letters, and stories of coping with the pain of separation from their families and the horrors of war. Russ Bryant's photography chronicles every aspect of the daily lives of these marines: lazy camels amble by a cargo drop; blinding sandstorms threaten to blow away tents, supplies, and marines alike; Scud missile attack sirens send marines scuttling to their bunkers; sniper fire crisscrosses marine convoys moving into Iraq; tanks and bombs topple the portraits of Saddam that seem to loom over every Iraqi village; shelled-out tanks, armored vehicles, and even busses litter the road on the way to Baghdad; medical personnel attend to fallen marines and prisoners alike; the occasional silent interlude allows time for prayer and remembrance.