FIVE DOLLAR BUZZ: Episode 219 : Special Guest : Jerad W. Alexander, Author, U.S. Marine.

Five Dollar Buzz

Jerad W. Alexander is a writer, who's work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Esquire and other notable print publications. He is the author of the recently released book "Volunteers: Growing Up in the Forever War". Mr. Alexander served as a U.S. Marine during the peak years of the Global War on Terror from 1998 to 2006. His military service took him to Iraq, East Africa and the Mediterranean region.

Prior to his deployment to Iraq, Alexander was part of a chemical/biological threat response unit based in Washington DC. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, this special unit was tasked with responding to several high profile incidents associated with Anthrax and Ricin. The DC sniper was also an active threat during Alexander's time in the U.S. capital region, causing additional levels of stress and uncertainty amongst the military community. On this episode on FDB, our guest reflects on his time growing up on various military bases throughout the U.S. including Utah, California and Georgia. We also discuss the heavy influence of 1980s motion pictures such as Platoon and Full Metal Jacket on GenX. Alexander goes into detail about his new book and other current political events that continue to evolve. With the GWOT ceremoniously finished, Volunteers allows readers a chance to look back at a complicated and violent time in human history, as told by a significant individual who lived it up close and personal.