Meet Sgt Greg Trost, USMC — 2018 Veteran
In October of 1999, Greg Trost joined the Marine Corps. He was attached to a Anti-Tank, TOW Missile unit in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (2nd Battalion 24th Marines). After Sept 11, 2001, Trost's unit provided base security during the heightened threat level. In 2003, 2/24 received orders to deploy to Iraq.
Trost was promoted to Cpl and cross trained as a 0331 (Heavy Machine Gunner). Trost was trained in Arabic language and culture as well as the use and operation of Russian weapons which are commonly used in Iraq. After several months training, the successful completion of which qualified him as expert on the rifle range and after which he received a 1st class in physical fitness, Trost was selected to join a Personal Security Detachment platoon to provide escort for the Battalion Commander of 2/24.
This PSD platoon was trained in VIP protection by Jeff Anderson. In 2004 2/24 was deployed to Mahmudiyah, Iraq which is located in the Sunni Triangle (or Triangle of Death). The unit was successful in creating satellite patrol bases throughout the AO and providing an area stable enough to hold elections. During some of the hundreds of combat hours, Trost's platoon was engaged in mortar attacks, IEDs, and ambushes including small arms and RPG fire.
CPL Trost was assigned as a machine gunner and regularly manned the 240G machine gun and MK19 grenade launcher. On December 16, 2004, Trost's vehicle was hit by a massive IED. Several Marines were hospitalized including Trost. CPL Trost suffered a traumatic brain injury. After physical therapy in Baghdad, Trost was reassigned to his platoon and remained the Battalion Commander's gunner for the rest of the deployment through March of 2005.
Upon return Trost was promoted to Sgt and soon after was honorably discharged from the Marines. Greg Trost now lives in New Hampshire and continues to receive treatment for PTSD and TBI.
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Jeff Anderson
CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors
