American Experience Presents No, I’m Not Good
Jun 11, 2025
Clifton Hicks, a veteran who served as an M1 Abrams tank specialist before turning to music, shares his compelling journey. He reflects on joining the army after 9/11 and the harsh realities of combat that challenged his beliefs. Clifton candidly discusses his internal struggles, including his transition to conscientious objector and the disillusionment he felt. He highlights the healing power of music, using the banjo to connect with fellow soldiers and as a means of activism against war, showcasing his transformation from soldier to advocate.
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9/11 Shaped Patriotic Enlistment
- Clifton Hicks recalls watching 9/11 as a 'Pearl Harbor moment' that shaped his patriotism.
- Movies like Platoon deeply influenced his early desire to enlist and serve honorably.
Near-Death Sniper Encounter
- Clifton experienced close combat when a sniper fired near his Humvee during a moonlit night.
- The vivid fear of being shot struck him deeply in that brief, intense encounter.
Accidental Civilian Casualty
- During a firefight, Clifton's unit mistakenly fired on a civilian house celebrating a wedding.
- They accidentally killed a young girl, an event the unit never discussed but haunted them.