A Soldier's Life and Death

Introspective Staff Sergeant Darrell Griffin documents his two tours in Iraq, in words and images, dramatically sharing his war experiences, before he is killed by a sniper.

Before he was killed by a sniper in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Darrell Griffin spoke not only to the camera of US News’ Alex Kingsbury, but Griffin did his own reporting with a camera and videocamera. He also wrote extensively, in email and his journal, about his experience with the people and politics of Iraq. Griffin believed citizens back in the U.S. did not understand events in the war zone and he wanted to close that knowledge gap. With a mix of a soul-baring interview and a look at the landscape Griffin called “apocalyptic,” viewers can see what he saw.

This is a non-linear project with a number of components, including multiple videos (including a 26-minute unedited interview with Griffin), still photos, a journal, and emails.

Video and reporting: Alex Kingsbury

Still photos: Staff Sergeant Darrell Griffin

Arlington burial photos: Max Becherer/Polaris

VIEW: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/griffin/