A Woman's Tour of Duty in Iraq

Amputee Soldier Still Strong After Injury

On November 24, 2005, Marissa Strock was injured in an IED blast, just eight weeks before her tour of duty in Iraq ended, and she became a double amputee. The war in Iraq has cost the lives of 4,000 soldiers, but more than 150,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have also paid with their bodies. Marissa is one of America's survivors, proving that women can be broken in battle just like men and show equal bravery in their recovery.

Since a career in the military had done good things for my family and friends, I chose to see what it could do for me. I knew the risks involved, and I'm not sure I really paid attention to them. I never really cared what could possibly stand in my way.

Tour of Duty in Iraq

I was injured on November 24, 2005. I ended up losing my foot in the blast and had my other foot and lower leg amputated at the end of February. I do not have any memory of the day of the blast. All I can remember is where I was after the blast, where the truck was, the smell of burnt flesh, a bright light and screaming. In my initial state of shock, I had no idea what was going on. I was calm. I am told that in response to being asked if I wanted some water, I requested a beer.

Losing a Leg in Iraq

I did not know after I awoke from my four-week coma that I had been injured as badly as I was. I was lying in my hospital bed and had to go to the bathroom. I had a catheter, but did not understand it, so I kept trying to get myself up to walk to the bathroom.

My right leg was severely injured, and my left had been amputated midway through my shin. Needless to say, walking was not an option. I still attempted multiple times to get up. Finally I pulled myself up and swung my leg over to get up. My mom ran up to my bed, and as she was pushing me back into the bed, I realized that my leg ended mid-shin.

I tried to use humor to cope. I laughed about how I would never have to deal with any more broken toes or ankles. I would never have Athlete's Foot, or have to worry about stinky feet.

I went through physical therapy for 18 months and occupational therapy for 15. I went through a few different prosthetics with different feet for different activities. In the end, I took home the feet I felt the most comfortable in.

The Story Newsweek Didn’t Tell When Newsweek originally came to me, I was still in the military and was not considered a veteran at that point. I was angered to see that I was used as the poster child for abused veterans and soldiers.

I had a pretty positive experience with the hospital. I ultimately credited them with my survival, along with the quick and skilled reaction of my squad mates, yet the only thing Newsweek printed was the one bad story I told.

Newsweek did do a follow up story that I was very pleased with and I have no ill feelings towards the author or the magazine.

The Anti-War Movement

I think everyone should be allowed their own opinion. However, I do feel that that right should be taken away when it turns against those who protect the very freedom that gives you that right.

I stand firm in my belief that if you don't support the men and women brave enough to shed blood for your freedom and safety, I will gladly buy you a one-way ticket to any country in the world.

Women Alongside Men in Iraq

I have noticed the surprise on people’s faces when I tell them I was hurt in Iraq. It has become my goal to make it a well-known fact that there are women in Iraq and Afghanistan getting hurt alongside men.

You don't hear about women getting hurt often because it does not happen often. The ratio of men to women in Iraq is 20:1 if not more, so it's only normal for the ratio of men to women getting injured to be quite a bit higher. It still happens though.

It happened to me, but I regret nothing from my past. Everything that has happened to me up to now has formed the person I am today.