From Iraq: An Interview with an (Asian-) American Soldier
By Jaeah Lee, Staff Writer

Somewhere in Iraq, Jae “Moony” Moon, among thousands of other American soldiers, is fighting the “war against terror” in the U.S. army infantry. Moony, who has also been a friend of mine for six years, was shipped out to Iraq this past summer. In this interview, Moony tells us what life is like in his boots.

Q: Often the American soldier is portrayed as white, maybe because the majority of American soldiers are white. What is it like to be a young, Asian-American Soldier?
M: I don’t really feel different being Asian. I mean, in the army we joke around, but we all have a special bond with each other, especially while in combat. There aren’t many Asians where I am at, but I like to be different.

Q: Do you feel any different because you’re Asian? How so?
M: Being an Asian-American soldier really isn’t that different because in the army, we think of each other as one race, which is the color of our uniform.

Q: How much do race and ethnicity matter when you're fighting a war? Or is race of minor concern when you're trying to dodge bullets and bombs?
M: I believe that race and ethnicity don’t matter when we are in combat. No matter what differences you have with the person next to you, the only thing you think about in combat is keeping yourself and the people next to you alive and safe.

Q: Do you find yourself looked upon/ treated differently by Iraqi citizens because you're not white but Asian?
M: I don’t think I am treated or looked upon differently because of my nationality. The only thing the Iraqis are concerned with is the flag on our right shoulder.

Q: How do you feel about the “war against terror”, and how do you feel the war is perceived by where you are?
M: I believe that our government is doing the right thing by fighting terrorism. Terrorism has affected many countries around the world and we as Americans are doing our duty to rid the world of it.

Q: In this day and age, Americans, and young people in particular, are far less likely to join the army in comparison to the past. Why did you decide to join the army?
M: I originally joined the army for many reasons. First, it was the issue of college. I couldn’t afford college with my family’s financial situation. Another was that I needed to learn something about my self—something I wouldn’t be able to find by myself in the States. I figured I would be able to learn something by traveling around the world and training with people from diffferent parts of the country.

Q: If you had to chose one event that put you (not only your body but your emotions) to the test, what would it be and why?
M: There have been many moments where I have been put to the test mentally and physically. But if I were to name one, it would be basic training. Going from civilian to soldier was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

Q: Being so far from home, what do you miss most?
M: I miss my friends and family the most. They are my motivation for waking up every morning when things get rough. They are the people that have been there for me, if not physically then spiritually. I am grateful for that.

Q: As a soldier, you have seen parts of the world and humanity that most young Americans will never see. What do you want to share based on your experience?
M: I have seen the best of man and the worst of man. Traveling around the world has shown me different aspects of life. I have adapted to different cultures I will never forget the good experiences I have been through. Hopefully it will make for good bedtime stories when I have my own family.