#14--Hayden Gamarra (Voices of HKIA Series)

In this episode, we discuss:

*Hayden’s experiences in 2/10 before joining the 24th MEU

 

*Becoming a battery XO as a second lieutenant 

 

*Easy Battery’s experiences with the 24th MEU prior to HKIA

 

*Initial indicators that the MEU might head to HKIA

 

*Easy Battery’s training and preparations for HKIA

 

*The challenge of knowing when to “flip the switch” of aggression and when to turn it off

 

*Assuming command of Easy Battery

 

*Hayden's understanding of the situation at HKIA before arriving

 

*The decision to leave the battery’s howitzers behind

 

*The influence of Marine Major Zach Schwartz on Hayden’s professional development

 

*Hayden’s first day at HKIA

 

*Easy Battery’s first mission

 

*Hayden’s initial observations of conditions at North Gate

 

*Turning over the battery’s positions to the 82nd Airborne

 

*Easy Battery’s occupation of the holding area

 

*The trying conditions of the holding area

 

*Managing 5,000 refugees with 99 Marines

 

*Handling riots

 

*The mental and emotional toll of working in the holding area

 

*The concept of surfaces and gaps at HKIA

 

*An incident involving suspected enemy artillery 

 

*Hayden’s experiences at Abbey Gate

 

*Easy Company’s activities before departing HKIA

 

*What Hayden observed in himself and his Marines while in Kuwait

 

*Hayden’s advice for small unit leaders on talking about traumatic events with their Marines

 

*The role of mental health support for veterans

 

*The role of cell phones and Signal Chat at HKIA

 

*The role of discipline

 

*The role of exhaustion and the need for tough, realistic training

 

*The most frustrating and rewarding aspects of Hayden’s time at HKIA

 

*Hayden’s self-assessment as a leader during the evacuation

 

*His lessons learned from the operation