Delta Company 2-505 PIR, 82nd Airborne Division had been called in as the reserve element in a major operation and took up a blocking position at a major intersection in North East Baghdad. After they had been there for a while they started a security plan because they would be there for at least 24 hours. This medic took a load off and took off his helmet next to a door that opened into a court yard.
This photograph is called a moment of peace because it personifies what the American soldier is going through. They know that they are close to defeating their enemies and bringing peace, but they cannot leave until their mission is complete. The American military is growing tired with multiple deployments in two theaters. During their deployments the soldiers face danger every time they go on patrol. They will face hardship and frustration greater than they have ever known, but they will a feel a deep camaraderie that few people will ever understand. This unit, 2-505th parachute infantry regiment is the most deployed unit in the army during the War on Terror. This unit was also deployed to aid during Hurricane Katrina. The medic in this photograph was part of a reserve unit, Delta Company 2-505, called into to reinforce 5-73rd during a major operation in North East Baghdad. Once they were told that they were going to be in their blocking positions for over twenty four hours they began to set in security. At this point the medic just sat down to relax for the few moments he had before he would be called on again. For this moment though he was calm, he was relaxed.