Volunteer Resources

Bigger than Politics--Charlie's First Radio Ad, by Iraq War Veteran Cody Conway, Sgt. USMC

Thanks to you, this past week, production was completed on Charlie Brown's first radio spot of the 2008 campaign. Entitled "The War at Home," the ad speaks for itself. And as an Iraq War veteran who is fighting each day to heal my scars and rebuild my life, it speaks for me.

Listen to the ad, "The War at Home," here!

Who Charlie Brown is, and the kind of leadership he represents for veterans like me isn't about partisan politics. That's why I want to tell you my story.

Cody2 Growing up in Roseville, I had two dreams---to serve my country in the Marine Corps, and to become a mechanic-a lifelong passion that began from the moment I was old enough to hold a wrench. When I graduated High School in 2000, I got to live both, as a Marine Amphibious Assault Vehicle Repairman.

My unit was part of the initial ground invasion into Iraq in March of 2003. I injured my right shoulder, leg and abdomen while removing an engine during a sandstorm outside Baghdad in April. Still able to hold a rifle with my left arm, I finished my tour of duty. But by the time I came home in July, the severity of my injuries left me unable to continue my career as a Marine or a mechanic. I was devastated.