Response

War; what an idea. Some people believe it is not worth fighting, while others believe strongly about this subject. Personally, I believe in this concept. I remember 12 years ago, while in boot camp for the U. S. Army, staring up at the night sky, watching the trees fade into the starlit abyss wondering if at that very moment in time if any of my family is staring at the same stars and thinking about me like I am thinking about them. The military is a lonely place to be sometimes. Being away from your family is never ideal for anyone, but it is sometimes required. I believe that war is scary enough as it is, but being away from your family adds to the fright. People have to be mentally tough to be able to fight in a war. They have to be able to handle themselves and control their thoughts from wandering away from them, or thinking about the "what if's". Again I go back to my boot camp days, to tell you that there is a three day, two night bivouac that you must complete to graduate. The field time is still on the same base as my boot camp, only way out in the woods; about a 15 mile hump from my barracks, and not fun by any means. I was rucking down the sides of the roads, exhausted from the heat, my feet were killing me, I had blisters the size of quarters, and I was out of breath from having to ruck so fast. Having to tough it out was a must, so I dug down deep into my soul to find the strength to pull through. War is ten times as bad.

People sometimes as the question, "What are we fighting for". Well I believe I fought for my right to believe what I want, and have the freedom that so many other countries do not have the luxury to have. Is it worth it? To me, there is nothing better than freedom. I like to go where I want, and do what I like to do, and say what I like to say. I don't argue with people about what they feel is the best for this country, or whats best for any other country. When I joined the military, I told my dad "You just watch dad, as soon as I sign up for the military there is going to be a war". I was right. I graduated my boot camp just two days after 9/11/2001. My base got put on lock down and we had to walk the perimeter with loaded weapons. It was scary, and there was not anyone shooting at us. Could I imagine what it would be like to have bullets whizzing past my head, or have the risk of a roadside bomb going off? No! Its not a concept that I could wrap my head around. What was all of my training for? It was a scary time, but also a time to strap one on, and get things taken care of. My nerves were going crazy, and I, just like all of America, was angry. Still people ask why we have to go to war. I don't know.

I don't think there is a cut and dry answer to their question. People believe what they want. I believe we have to fight for what we want. Sometimes, I take a step back to visualize my life without having the military background that I do, and I cannot see myself being where I am now, or being the person I am without it. . It is a perspective that has to be acquired I guess. Like the taste of beer; it has to be gotten used to. Fighting for something people may or may not believe in, is a question that a lot of people have to ask themselves. I joined the military to grow up, not to fight for anything, but when I signed up, I knew what the consequences could be, and I knew I couldn't say no when it came time to tie my boots, put on my uniform, and kiss my family what could be our last kiss.

My daughters, one is 14 and the other is 7, have both made me decorations or wall hanging and pictures that commemorate my military years, and my youngest made me some pictures that said "Thank you daddy for going to the Army and making freedom" There is no feeling that is better than what I felt at that very moment. That is how I know that fighting is worth everything that is risked. When anyone, stranger or not, says "Thank you for your service", you remember what it is exactly what you are fighting for.