Edward Corcoran and Brittany Corcoran
Recorded
July 27, 2020
39:25 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddv000048
Description
Edward "Ted" Corcoran (41) speaks with his wife Brittany Corcoran (29) about his experiences as a military medic in Iraq, reflecting on how he has been affected by his service, memories of dinner with an Imam, and how his work inspired him to work with refugees in his community.Subject Log / Time Code
EC and BC speak about their desire to make a record of EC's service, as they are about to welcome their second child. EC remembers his decision to enlist for reasons that were "not noble:" he was poor and in need. EC speaks about becoming a medic.
EC recalls his basic training, and adapting to regimented life after being a "free spirit." EC recalls being "lost" at a young age, and feeling relief in having decisions made for him at this time, in a "black and white" military world. EC remembers his medical training.
EC recalls being a military reserve and an EMT in 2005 before reserve soldiers were "backdoor drafted." EC remembers thinking the initial call was a joke, and the choice between "jail or Iraq." EC speaks about his brother having just come home from a deployment, and his hope that by going he was taking the place of someone else.
EC remembers going to Kuwait initially, before going to "Mortaritaville" Balad, Iraq. EC compares the scene to movies of soldiers rushing off of planes.
EC describes life on base and his work as a medic treating soldiers and Iraqi citizens, feeling he was "doing something good." EC remembers becoming a road medic on night missions, and then having "closure" from humanitarian missions at schools and hospitals, where he says his eyes were opened to the world.
EC recalls an incident in which he was almost kidnapped, and later that day having dinner with an Imam, where he was pranked by everyone at the table to eat everything given to him.
EC recalls transitioning back, accepting that he had PTSD, and the changes in his life. EC speaks about his work with refugees, and shares advice for veterans.
EC reflects on "sacrifice" and wanting everyone to be free as humans. EC and BC share final thoughts.
Participants
- Edward Corcoran
- Brittany Corcoran