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West Islip Native Shares Experiences In Iraq

Happy to be home on his native Long Island.

For 25- year-old John Pagano, an Iraq war veteran, being back home in the United States has given him some time to reflect on his experiences of the war.

Stationed in Kircuk for 11 months as an Infantry Platoon Leader of the First Cavalry Division in Iraq, Pagano is a West Islip native and says his life at home is what kept him going in the midst of war.

"I missed my family and friends…each time we went out on patrol it was them I thought about and it was them that got me home," he said.

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Pagano spent most of his life in West Islip and grew up with two sisters,  his mother Deidre and father John Sr. in their home on Mariner Court. After graduating from St. Anthony's High School in 2003, Pagano said he always knew he wanted to do something in the military.

He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 2008, and he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army.

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"The decision to enlist was not easy, but before I knew it, I was training at Ft. Benning on my way to becoming an army officer," he said.

Pagano has already done one tour of duty and his experiences in Iraq ranged from combat patrols to helping rebuild the infrastructure of the country.

He was responsible to arrange key leader engagements with Iraqi sheiks and discuss ways that the United States can help rebuild roads, canals, schools and hospitals for a nation that has been torn apart by war since the U.S. lead invasion in March of 2003.

Pagano says helping rebuild the country was refreshing because the Iraqi people were appreciative of what they were doing.

"They were always willing to help the army and just wanted to see their country repaired and we were obviously willing to help," he said.

For Pagano, fighting for the freedom and security of the United States is something he feels "honored" to do, but he also understands the importance of what he is doing for the Iraqi people.

"Bringing democracy to Iraq is a goal for the United States and the Army, I am hoping that combat will continue to die down and we can accomplish this goal," he said.

When asked to describe the morale of U.S. troops still stationed in Iraq, Pagano said, "It is good, better than it was a few years ago because the war is dying down…there is definitely a difference."

Pagano, now stationed in Fort Hood Texas, says he will be returning to Iraq for a second tour of duty some time next year, which makes his father John Sr., extremely proud.

"I am very proud of my son John for his commitment, dedication, and time  that  he has given to this country  so that  we as Americans can live in peace, to prosper with everlasting freedom," he said.

How can anyAmerican not agree with this proud father?

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