Society may see the war as a waste of time, money, and sacrifice. Its been said by many that the US
shouldnt be oveseas. Some may blame the President while others blame the terrorsits. As many
disagree, others are joining the military to contribute for the sake of their Country. As we sit behind a
desk or lay back on the couch, we need to count our blessings and realize how judgmental we can be.
The war in Iraq has it's pro's and con's, but how do you truly feel? I gaurantee if you put yourself in
a soldiers boots, you will have a whole new perspective. It has become easy for us to be specticul.
Whether or not you agree with the war on terriosts, we need to keep a faithful and supportive attitude
for the troops who fight overseas, the troops who belong to us. Everyone chooses their path in life,
whether it's becoming a doctor ,a teacher, or a gardner, with every job their comes, responsibilities,
chances and goals. Let me take a minute and tell you alittle about a young man who knew exactly
what he wanted to be in life. At the youthful age of ten he decided he was going to dedicate his life to
his country by joining the military, and indeed he did at the age of twenty he joined the army. Not
knowing what the army had instore for him he was willing to accept anything that came his way. Even
if it meant taking risks that were unimaginable, as a soldeir he knew what he needed to do to
succeed in the field. The day this young man walked threw the recruiters door to sign on the dotted
line he realized and welcomed the fears of being called to duty in Iraq. And yet he joined, why was
a question on everyones mind but this was a dream for him and that was all they needed to know.
Though the fears and tears were strong they were combined with proudness and diginity.
On March 3, 2003, this young man stepped into a plane sitting himself down next to several of soldiers
from his unit, can you imagine the sweat dripping down from thier heads, the tears of fear running
down their cheeks, and the vibration coming from their hands in which were shaking of nervousness.
And not knowing what was going to happen but knowing that they knew how to be soldiers and that is
their only protection. Holding pictures of loved ones in their hands squeezing them without noticing the
wrinkles that were being inbedded. Hands so sweaty and shakey they begin to loose feeling. Can you
imagine? The young man three seats down on the right looking around accepting the fact that his
fellow comrades are the only family that will surround them for the next twleve months. A year
that soon becomes the longest year of their lives. As the plane reached Baghdad, the soldeirs step
down onto the dirt that will become their new home. Ready with anticipation they begin to grip their
weapons, ready for danger. Soon it became dark but still with the air scortching hot making it
difficult to sleep at night. Looking forward to receiving letters and carepackages with pictures
and items that remind them of home. After long dreeding months of exhaution the day finally
came that it was time to step back onto the plane to return home to the arms of thier love ones.
Running off the plane to see their kids screaming and jumping trying to get their attention next to
the spouse with tears of relief running down their faces. As for the young man, he was called for a
second tour of duty, he again stepped back onto the plane sitting himself down next to men and
women dressed in cacky green uniforms, he was in baghdad for twelve days when he was killed in
an ambush in which he saved to lives from his unit. This the same young man who joined because
he wanted to fight for his family, friends, and country. He gave his life for the United States of America
and he did it proudly. Keep in mind the next time you watch the news and critize the war or question
the military, look around you, kiss your kids, hold your spouse, and don't take it for granted . Its a
dramatic event in a families life to loose a love one but its a prouder feeling of knowing why. I should
know, the young soldeir is my older brother.
I wrote this article hoping to enlighten people to be less judemental of those who do their job by fighting overseas whether they chose it or not.