The Soldiers Experience

Have you ever thought about joining the army? Or about the sacrifices that these many brave soldiers are making every day? To fight for your country, and to save the lives of thousands of innocent people, would be terrifying. So much, that only a handful of people are confident enough to even think about joining the military. All of that responsibility, and knowing that millions of people are relying on you with their beloved country. Would you do it?
As I think about this, I tap my keys. Trying to find the words to describe the brave men and women that we don’t even know, but somehow, we have the ultimate respect for. The blank screen in front of me awaits my words. The list begins…
o Courageous
o Brave
o Remarkable
o Amazing
o Bold
o Daring
o Astounding

The list goes on and on to the end of the page. The vision begins to form in my mind, and I finally get a chance to really say what needs to be said, for the sake of the soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, and for all of the Veterans that survived and gave their lives in previous wars. World War I, World War II, the fight in Iraq and now the battle continues.
Today, I look at myself differently. I look at myself in a camouflage suit and a gun in my hand. Not in a movie, but in real life. The air around me in crisp and cold, and the silence is unpredictable. Either I am in great danger, or there is nothing to fear, but either way, I’m unprepared. Thinking about my family back in the peaceful states of Wisconsin and Michigan, I picture myself in front of a warm fireplace. Instead, I am in front of a giant group of mossy trees. Once my fantasies are over I come back into reality. And prepare myself for the full out, Soldiers experience…