Stock Footage From Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey
Sep 22 at 2:02pm by David Tate
I am now offering my pictures, and some video, to folks in need of images related to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. You can look at available pictures here: Available Pictures
If you cannot find what you need, ask, I may have it and just haven’t posted it yet.
I also have some video that can be licensed out (contact me directly), however most of my video clips are available here: David Tate’s Getty Collection
Photos include, but are not limited to, Afghan National Army, Romanian Army (Afghanistan), US Marines(Afghanistan), Iraqi Army and US Army (Iraq/Afghanistan). I also have images of civilians from Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan and of the first anti-Iraq War march in Washington, January 2003.
All proceeds gathered go directly to funding this site.
Iraq/Afghanistan Video Archive Online
Sep 16 at 3:03pm by David Tate
A Battlefield Tourist is really just a name for what I do as a hobby: Collecting military video archive material for Getty Images. In 2005, I had the fortune of signing a contract with Getty, which turns out to be one of my biggest professional accomplishments.
Last month, my latest submission from Iraq made it on-line, giving me almost 690 images currently being managed by Getty; ensuring my work will be used in documentaries for years to come.
Here’s a link to the entire collection:
“Patriots’ Day” Already Becoming Just Another Day?
Sep 12 at 5:05pm by David Tate
The attacks on America in 2001 had a profound impact on most of us, not just on Americans, but the world in general. However, as time goes by, the memories of that tragic day seem to be slipping from our collective minds. When I say that, I certainly don’t mean the memories of that day, but the memory of the day itself appears to be losing its value on the day-to-day level of everyday life.
It certainly isn’t a theory that can be proven. However, it certainly stands to reason (and appears to be the case) that as the years go by, the acceptance of 9/11 as the national holiday called, “Patriot’s Day”, is having trouble taking hold.
On the seventh anniversary of 9/11, I was asked to go to Virginia Tech to cover an event commemerating 9/11. The challenge was to create a natural sound story no more than 80 seconds long.
The subject: Three students who planted more than 2,700 flags on Tech’s drillfield in order to “remind” people of 9/11.
Yesterday I talked to about a dozen people for this story and not one of them knew that 9/11 is officially called “Patriot’s Day”; not even the organizers of the event this story is based around. Not to knock anyone, it was just quite the eye opener to be sure.
Hope you like it.
DT
PS - Voting for the annual “Milbloggies” has begun and will end on Sunday, September 14. I thank those that nominated me in the first place, now it’s time to vote.
If you like my work, I would love your vote. Just create an account at http://www.milbloggers.com and find the section to vote for the milboggie awards. You will find A Battlefield Tourist in the veterans section.
Fake “War Hero” Gets Three Years in Prison
Sep 7 at 1:01pm by David Tate
A US Army veteran, who falsely claimed fantastic stories of war and bravery, will go to a federal penitentiary for three years.
Randall Moneymaker, who lives in North Carolina, was convicted by a jury in federal court of six counts of fraud and stealing for filing fake claims with the Veteran’s Administration. Those claims netted him more than $18,400. He was sentenced September 5 to three years in prison and must also pay back $19,000 in restitution and fines.
While most impostors claim war tales as bragging rights or for political gain, Moneymaker’s agenda included the former, as well as profiteering.
Moneymaker, who did serve two years of active duty service in the 1980’s, claimed to be an Army Ranger who had served more than 20 years in the service, participating in combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Grenada and Panama.
To bolster his story regarding his the Purple Heart claim, Moneymaker often showed off liposuction scars, that he said, were combat wounds.
The 44-year old remains free on bond until ordered to prison later this year.
“Run For The Fallen” Nears Arlington
Aug 12 at 6:06pm by David Tate
Starting on June 14 at Ft. Irwin, California, a team of ten young people began a journey of remembrance for the American men and women who have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On August 12, the team made their way into southwestern Virginia, stopping in Christiansburg. Coincidentally, or not, the team’s August 12 stop is in the same hometown as OIF’s latest US serviceman killed in Iraq, Sgt. Kenny Gibson.
The run is scheduled to finish outside of Arlington National Cemetary on Sunday, August 24th. At that time, participants will run one last length for all our fallen soldiers in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Long and Winding Road
Sep 6 at 6:06pm by David Tate
For those that have never had the experience of covering war, there’s little doubt there’s no clue what it takes to “get there”.
I live in Roanoke, Virginia, which makes the most economical starting point for travel to the Middle East, Washington DC, four hours away. That means, with a newborn in tow, we had to leave by 2:00pm to make the 10:55 flight. I have to say, everything went pretty well, even if it was hot as hell on the road in my Jeep with no AC. That, of course, puts the focus on Davin’s well-being which led to a couple of stops on the way to get here out of the heat, changed, fed, etc…
We made it to Dulles by 6:00 and decided to go to the short term parking lot where I could have some final time with Davin, Heidi and mom-in-law… before I left them behind to check in. Before doing that, I still had a dose of Typhoid inoculation to take, which wasn’t due for another day, but since it needed constant refrigeration, I took it with just 8 hours between the doses (versus 2 days). I wouldn’t think about it until later…
First, I had to get checked in and wouldn’t you know it, my bag was WAAAYYY too heavy. Apparently each traveller is allowed 60lbs in two bags. I had 54lbs in one bag, which doesn’t cut it. Everyone seemed patient with me… even getting me a STAPLES box to add as my “second” bag. I also needed to add a second carry on to make the weight. Really wasn’t a big deal, just took a lot of time and worry that I would not get to bring the things I needed. In the end, it worked out and I got through, followed by a trip to the bar (which is tradition). There I met Roggio after about an hour; recognized him right away. We had a few “goodbye” beers then boarded up and headed toward Qatar.
The trip was a long 13 hours, the last two of which I started getting rather sick. In fact, I had all the side effects my Typhoid pill bottle warned about and it wasn’t good.
In Qatar (they pronounce it, “cutter”) we had an hour wait, all of which I was quietly dying on the inside. I can’t believe I didn’t chuck. Thank God the outside time was limited because the 100+ heat (at night) would’ve certainly done me in.
The next flight, about an hour’s worth, brought us to Kuwait City where we planned to stop this leg of the trip. Hot as hell here too… can’t wait for the daytime and the heat that comes with it.
We got rooms at the Raddison where I am able to type this entry. It also gave me time to inventory my gear and much to my dismay, the power cord I need for the APPLE laptop I borrowed, was no where to be found. I can only guess it’s at the computer store in Roanoke where I tried unsuccessfully to buy additional memory storage for the trip. Great.. I get to lug around this laptop and I have no way to put it to use.
Fortunately I have some time to look for a replacement in the morning… may even hit the beach, who knows. One thing I do know, for sure, is that this is the last good night of sleep I’m going to get for some time; tomorrow, at this time, I’m going to be knee-deep in Iraq.
Time To Go
Sep 5 at 9:09am by David Tate
I really hate these days. They’re the ones that you can actually hear the seconds tick away. It’s even louder today than normal… probably because baby Davin is competing with her frequent bouts of crying.
Spent yesterday getting the rest of my gear and packing, thinking and cleaning the house. Yes, cleaning the house. Filled the jeep with gas, paid a bunch of bills twice (so I don’t come home to them), transferred money from savings to my wife’s account and thought about buying a new laptop. Don’t have the money for that, so I borrowed an old Mac from a friend giving me at least a place to write. Unfortunately the internal battery is kaput, who knows how well it will work for me. I was able to install some editing software on it, so maybe, just maybe we can post some stuff to YouTube while I’m gone. I won’t worry about that too much, though. We’ll see.
Of course I also spent some quality time with Heidi and Davin. I cannot even express how much I’ll miss them both, particularly Davin. She is just so sweet and a joy to my life.
As of right now, I have about three hours to get it all together and hit the road. That includes getting over to the computer store for a refund and a stop by the worksite to pay my benefits for the month (so they don’t discontinue). After that, a four hour ride to DC with Davin, Heidi and the Mom-in-law. They’ll drop me at Dulles where I get to sit another five hours waiting for my plane to leave and to finally meet Bill.
Final Preps
Aug 31 at 1:01am by David Tate
Can’t believe how well everything has come together for this trip. Considering I had just one month’s notice, it was actually quite extrordinary if you knew me and anything about the luck I seem to generate. Everything I ordered has now arrived minus one item. Military folks use the little micro-lights that come in various colors (most importantly, red) that clip on a belt loop or whatever. Anyway, I ordered five and the company never responded. So, the internet-broker refunded my $20. Other than that, I’m set.
When dealing with conflict situations, everyone will have their own methods and what not. These are mine based on my experience. Two things I learned from my prolonged time in Afghanistan:
First is to make sure you have good bedding that is light. This time I’m going with the Recon 3: (http://www.extremeoutfitters.us/browseproducts/Recon-3-Sleeping-Bag.HTML).
At 27 ounces, it’s perfect. It’s also a dual season bag that I hope will be suitable for Iraq. I also picked up a light, but sturdy sleeping mat. Very important to seperate yourself from the ground, not to mention the comfort factor.
Second thing is: Travel light. You have to keep in mind that if you’re embedding with US troops, you will have access to the base PX, which will carry most of any need you may have. What you take, you often have to carry, a lot. So keep it in mind. For this three week embed, this is what I’m packing:
Main bag - Standard military seabag. Everything goes in this bag. With today’s security issues, it is simply the easiest way to go. Contains body armor, helmet, clothing and secondary bag.
Secondary bag (goes in seabag when travelling) - CamelBak HAWG (in black- http://www.extremeoutfitters.us/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=617).
This bag is the one you take on patrol. It carries 100 ounces of water plus has adequate space for your sleeping gear and some extra essentials. Always be prepared to sleep outside on patrols and operations.
Carry On - I use good sized Jansport hipsack. I’ve used the same one on every single embed I’ve ever been on and it still looks and works great. In this bag I keep my camera and other important small stuff that I don’t trust going through checkin. This bag stays with me always.
When embedding with the military, you’re going to be around guys and gals who often times don’t shower for prolonged periods of time, obviously due to the nature of the situation. In general, I keep it very simple:
- 5 UnderArmour T’s
- 7 Grey Tshirts
- 1 pair blue jeans
- 1 pair BDU (tan)
- 5 pair UnderArmour boxer/briefs
- 12 pairs of socks
- 2 long sleeve T’s
- Hooded sweatshirt
- 1 pair of shorts
- Flipflops (for the shower.. a MUST!)
I use UnderArmour because it has cooling properties, it’s light and compact and it is easily washed, quickly dried. Good stuff and worth the investment ($224 for all the UnderArmour).
This time around I’m taking a Palm w/keyboard to act as a word processor. My primary mission this time around is pictures and video. I need to concentrate on getting as many pertinent images as possible, mostly in video. Besides, I don’t have the money to replace the laptop that was destroyed in Afghanistan.
So that’s the load. Don’t take more than you can carry and you’ll do fine. This is not a fashion show, go basic.
So today was my last day at my day job for the next month. I have some personal business to take care of early next week, then it’s off to Kuwait via DC and Qatar. I expect to be in Kuwait by next Friday 9/7.
For archives of previous trips: http://dgtate.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html
The Fourth Rail is who I am doing my current work for: http://www.billroggio.com
PLEASE… SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM. We take great risk and spend a lot of our own money to try to offer you an independent look at topics that affect you. Bill Roggio has started Public Multimedia Inc. which is a non-profit news organazation dedicated to an independent look at the ongoing Global War on Terror. Your support makes us happen and is now a tax deduction.
http://billroggio.com/archives/2007/07/please_support_publi.php
An Experiment in Democracy is Finished
May 4 at 3:03am by admin
This film covers the period between March 2004 and December 2004. It was during which this time, coalition forces alongside the brand new Afghan National Army (ANA), worked to stabilize a country ripped apart by war. The goal: To elect a new president and eventually, a new government.
During this time, I did more than a dozen military embeds with four different countries as well as spent uncountable numbers of hours traveling Afghanistan without coalition protection. Staying at the tip of the spear as much as possible during 2004, “An Experiment in Democracy”, is the story of the things I saw as the country moved toward its first free presidential election in history.
This professionaly done DVD is now available worldwide for at least $10 ppd (only NTSC). I’ll accept a larger donation of your choice however. Interested? Contact me through this address: dtate38@cox.net , and I’ll get it shipped off in the morning.
Preview An Experiment in Democracy
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