THE TENSION: Dragons on the Street: 4th of July in a Combat Zone

Staff Sgt. Nathan Tabor, from Dickinson, N.D., a joint network node site supervisor with Company C, 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "I feel honored to be part of an Army fighting for the freedom being celebrated back in the United States."

Sgt. 1st Class Delmar Reed, from McIntosh, Ala., personnel non-commissioned officer in charge with 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "I'm serving my country as a Soldier doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Being the 4th of July, being patriotic, you're patriotic anyway on the 4th of July. Being over here on the 4th of July ain't like I'm missing out on something. I can't say like I feel like I'm missing out. I feel like our independence still, no matter what part of the world we're in, our independence means everything, no matter where you're at. At least, that's what it means to me."

Sgt. Jonathan Oaks, from Virginia Beach, Va., a brigade targeting non-commissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "I feel honored to be part of an Army fighting for the freedom being celebrated back in the United States."

1st Lt. Mario Millender, from Pensacola, Fla., a liaison officer with 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "Of course it bears some significance. I can't pinpoint it right now, but I'm sure I'll feel it when I come home."

Sgt. James Menzies, from Austin, Texas, a paralegal with 610th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "Wish I was home back with my wife and kids, obviously, going out for the picnic and going to church, but since I'm here, it's hot, it's dusty, I'm working in an office."

Spc. Beckie McCumbers, from Front Royal, Va., an intelligence analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "It's just something I'll remember forever. It's going to be one of the most memorable Fourth of July's ever."

Spc. David Marino, from Pittsburgh, Pa., a satellite communications specialist with Company C, 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Infantry Division says, of the significance of spending Independence Day in a combat zone, "It reminds me of how, over 200 years ago, patriots like ourselves fought to secure our own freedom. It reminds me that we are here to help a country and a people come together in a newfound freedom."