WATERLOOHawkeye Community College will host World War II veteran and Iwo Jima survivor David Greene for a special presentation, “When the War is Over: Healing the Soul,” on Thursday, October 20, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Tama Hall on Hawkeye’s Main Campus, 1501 East Orange Road, Waterloo.

Born in Waterloo in 1925, Greene enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1943 and trained to be a radio operator for the Fifth Marine Division. On February 19, 1945, Greene was deployed with his regiment to Iwo Jima, where he relayed ship-to-shore communications during the invasion. He was moved from reserves to the front line to replace wounded radio operators. He was nearly buried alive when an artillery shell collapsed his foxhole and unintentionally evacuated wounded soldiers through a minefield. During his 36 days on the island and relieved off the front line on his 20th birthday.

Greene will share his perspective on the experience of war and the impact it has on lives, including how he moved from fighting the enemy to recognizing the shared humanity. In 2008, he returned a flag from Iwo Jima to the family of the Japanese soldier who carried it and in 2012 he made a return trip to the island with a group of veterans and Ohio State University graduate students. He will discuss the loss and pain associated with war, but also the opportunities for forgiveness and healing.

This special presentation is free and open to the public. A reception will be held immediately following the presentation. For more information, contact Jennifer Bates at 319-296-2329, ext.1211.