In 2005, Specialist Justin Cliburn deployed to Iraq with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. While serving in Baghdad, Justin formed an unlikely friendship with two Iraqi boys who lived nearby. At StoryCorps, Justin speaks with his wife, Deanne, about the lasting impression the boys left on his life.

This story comes from StoryCorps Military Voices Initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between veterans and civilians. Told in the voices of veterans and their family members, these films honor the service and sacrifice of the military community and tells them that we—as a nation—are listening.

Para subtítulos en español, haga click en el ícono de YouTube en la esquina derecha, y escoja “Spanish” bajo la opción de “settings” y “subtitles/CC.”