Reflecting on combat to build a more ready force
Soldiers from the 459th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge Company), based in Bridgeport, West Virginia and U.S. Marines construct a float bridge over the Diyala River in Iraq on April 7, 2003. It was the first float bridge constructed under enemy fire since World War Two. Two U.S. Marines, Lance Cpl. Andrew Julian Aviles and Cpl. Jesus Martin Antonio Medellin, were killed when enemy artillery struck their vehicle. A painting of the photo sits in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy photo from Maj. Kristin Caulfield)