It's an image of Iraq that has become all too familiar, dark plumes of smoke from roadside bombs. A year later Mixson sits at his computer watching the video taken of his attack, in real time, describing comfortably how members of his unit saved his life. He survived, but four others in his vehicle did not. The attack claimed his legs, both have been amputated.

Everyday Mixson says he remembers the men who served by his side, today he will call the families of the men he says became his brothers.

Stacey Samuel