What They Didn't Tell You About the First Black Sniper in Iraq

Roderick "Roger" Pugh grew up hunting and fishing in rural Alabama — and ended up living through 9/11 in basic training, the initial invasion of Iraq, an IED explosion that nearly killed him, and a front-row seat to the execution of Saddam Hussein. Along the way, he became — by his own research — the first African American sniper in the Iraq campaign and U.S. Army history.

In this episode, Roger opens up about the invasion of Baghdad, clearing the Baghdad Zoo, sniper school, his years fighting PTSD, and the brothers he's lost along the way. He's also the author of the memoir 2 Lives, based on true events from his life and career.

📖 Roger's memoir, 2 Lives: Memoir of the 1st African American Sniper in the Iraq Campaign & US Army History (Based on true events), is available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lives-African-American-Campaign-History/dp/B0FM4BF8YZ

🌐 Follow more of Roger's story at The Bama Mist: https://thebamamist.com/

⚠️ This episode contains descriptions of combat, injury, and discussion of PTSD and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 — dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.

Chapters: 

2:52 – Basic training at Fort Benning the day 9/11 happened 

8:43 – Shipped to Germany, stationed where Elvis Presley once served 

10:59 – The night a bar fight turned into an international brawl 

18:47 – The call to deploy: crossing the berm into Iraq 

25:37 – Tarantulas, sidewinders, and a camel he'll never forget 

29:58 – The Karbala Gap and his first brush with a sniper team 

37:37 – Taking Baghdad International Airport & sleeping on a pallet of cash 

40:45 – The mission to clear the Baghdad Zoo 

56:22 – Selected for sniper school 

1:08:33 – Deployed again — this time as a sniper team leader 

1:14:41 – The IED explosion that nearly ended his life 

1:15:41 – Losing a soldier & witnessing Saddam Hussein's execution 

1:26:05 – South Korea, and meeting President Obama on duty 

1:34:35 – The weight of PTSD, therapy, and a hard conversation about suicide 1:38:44 – His claim to history: the Army's first Black sniper 

1:43:09 – Remembering a fallen brother, Chris Cowell 

1:45:08 – Final thoughts & his memoir, 2 Lives

If you or a Veteran you know has a story that should be heard, we'd love to hear from you at humanographyproject@gmail.com. 

👉 If you’re a Veteran struggling with VA benefits, click this link to schedule a free consultation: https://ameconsultation.com/ref/AVPP1211J20A26YXO

Disclosure: This is a referral partnership with American Medical Experts. We may receive compensation if you book through our link.

🎖️ Curious Humanography is proud to partner with Utah Honor Flight, helping veterans visit memorials built in their honor. To learn more or support their mission, visit UtahHonorFlight.org and honorflight.org.

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