Danny Dorzok
Bio
Danny Dorzok was born December 8, 1985, in Stuttgart, Germany. His mother was a German citizen, and his father was serving in the United States Army and was stationed there. He returned to the United States in time to start the fifth grade and completed his schooling stateside. He enlisted in the United States Navy prior to his high school graduation and was ready to answer his call to duty, one that was impressed upon him as the tragedy of 9/11 unfolded. He attended boot camp in the Great Lakes area and was then sent to Point Loma, CA, for schooling and training as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. He was assigned duty aboard the USS Nimitz and served three deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His last deployment brought about changes in his orders, and he was stationed on land in southern Iraq at Camp Bucca as a prison guard for those who were captured and being held as prisoner of war. This was quite different than his previous assignments. The experience afforded him the opportunity to engage with Iraqi nationals serving alongside those at his post, creating memories he cherishes and credits with opening his mind and allowing him to participate as a global citizen. He discovered a mutual respect and admiration for those he met along the way which helped him feel as if he made a difference.
Video Clips
Life Aboard the USS Nimitz
Danny Dorzok describes the living conditions aboard the USS Nimitz. He shares what his living space was like as well as his daily routine. He discusses how each day was the same and how it became a cycle that repeated itself which required everyone to do their part and be dependable.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09-1fUKolIg&start=801&end=928
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/danny-dorzok#clip-1
Embed:
Being Deployed Aboard the USS Nimitz
Danny Dorzok gives an account of his first two deployments while stationed aboard the USS Nimitz. His first deployment was to the Gulf to assist in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom where the crew offered air support to the ground troops. Upon returning to San Diego, the sailors were given scheduled down time so that the ship could undergo maintenance and the crew could enjoy some liberty. Both ship and sailor were preparing for deployment number two, which was an unnamed diplomatic mission somewhere close to India.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09-1fUKolIg&start=928&end=1300
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/danny-dorzok#clip-2
Embed:
Deployment to Camp Bucca
Danny Dorzok shares he received a different set of orders for his third deployment. He recalls being stationed at Camp Bucca in southern Iraq as a prison guard. He recounts how after having received new extensive training, he was assigned with the NPDB 5 to guard prisoners of war. He describes some of the interactions he had with Iraqi correctional officers as well as the prisoners, two very different impressions of Iraq.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09-1fUKolIg&start=2089&end=2210
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/danny-dorzok#clip-3
Embed: