Posted: 9/12/2009 11:14:00 PM EDT
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I have always read the news, watched the shows, and read online, about our troops fighting in the War on Terror. I have always had a soft-spot in my heart for these brave men and women who fight for our freedom. After I graduate, I plan on joining their ranks, but still did not know anyone who was actually over in the Sandbox.
Two days ago, I had the pleasure to meet a new friend. He is now attending my school, and I started talking to him. I had heard through people he was in the military. I struck up a conversation, and we talked about his service, my plans, and just general BS. We talked, and he was one of the nicest people I have ever met. We started talking about how he got 'hurt' in the Middle East. I don't want to tell his story (as he told me, and I don't know how he feels about telling it to others), but when he was telling his story, my eyes filled up, and I had a very emotional experience. I had the full array of emotions: I was scared (as I'm thinking about doing the same thing he did), sad, pissed off, and happy he made it out okay. I didn't know what to say to him, so I just said "Thank you" over and over again. It put my life into persepctive. I complain about waking up for class, stubbing a toe, or not getting a grade I thought I deserved. He went through alot more. I no longer complain about the trivial stuff that I have to go through, because there are men and women going through worse things then I can ever imagine. This conversation literally changed my life. So this is just a public thank you to him. And a reminder, on the anniversary of 9/11 (although late), that there are men and women fighting overseas to protect the rights that we have, and they deserve, at least, a thank you. Keep them in your hearts, your prayers, and at least your thoughts. Thank you, to my new, highly decorated, friend. In a short few minutes, you have changed my life. You are my new hero, and all I can say is "Thank you" because I cannot put into words how I feel. And thank you to everyone who serves. It is people like you who inspire me to go into the military, and to not complain about the 'littte' things in life.  
ETA: Forgive my drunken ramblings 
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Thanks for joining us!
We need as many people as possible joining and staying for the right reasons. And God Bless your new friend. I've only deployed once (granted, to a fairly "high threat" location, and never went outside the wire, but I thank God every day for the guys (generically) who go outside the wire and risk their lives every damn day to keep the rest of us safe. Cheers, and via con dios. |