Holmes, a 1991 Oak Hills graduate, gave a first-hand account to nearly 600 social studies students Thursday. His slide presentation included photos of car bombs, explosions and recovered weapons.

"The most important thing is that (students) understand what we're doing over there and why," the 31-year-old Army Ranger said. "I think that gets lost sometimes."

He told the students the good and bad sides of the war.

There was the time in July when 50 mortar rounds were launched into his base camp, killing two soldiers and injuring 16.

"Every day you were scared. You were always on edge," Holmes said. "Every time you heard a car door slam, you thought it was a bomb."

Then there were the days spent with his unit, the 10th Mountain Division, patrolling the streets and rebuilding schools and hospitals.

Holmes is stationed in Fort Drum, N.Y. He is in town on a two-week leave to visit family.

Sophomore Chris Weigand, 15, who has followed the war in Iraq, said Holmes brought a unique perspective.

"You've got to look at both sides of an issue to truly understand it," Weigand said.

Holmes was invited to the school by Bob Klotz, social studies department head and a family friend.

"I wanted them to have an opportunity to hear reality opposed to filtered messages," Klotz said. Holmes is "a Cincinnati kid from the West Side of town just like they are."

Sophomore Abby Nurre, 16, sees the war as a defining event of her generation.

"It's the most significant thing that has happened in my life because we're involved in a war," Nurre said. "You learn about them in history, but you can't appreciate what it means to live through one until now."