The Military

[Red Knight]

I've been in the National Guard for 11 years in November. I am currently enroute to Iraq.

I joined originally for the college money, re-enlisted to make a difference as a Non Commisioned Officer, and finally decided that the best way to have a large scale positive impact on soldiers and the system was to go to Officer Candidate School and receive my Commission.

I am now the Executive Officer for a company on it's way to Iraq as part of a Brigade.

All the fears and concerns are justified, but remember "fear is the mind killer". Fear of the unknown, fear of death, fear of inprisonment, these fears can be used to insure you perform your tasks as a soldier correctly. "Remember your training and you will make it back alive"

The training the Army has instituted to assist soldiers going to Iraq is fresh from the conflict, real-life lessons learned.

Of course I have these fears, I have a wife and infant son at home. I want to return to them at the end of my tour, unscathed. I know I will be a changed man. I pray that the changes are for the better.

My brother (a Green Beret) preceeded me into Iraq and is finishing up his tour in Afghanistan as I write.

I fear for his life as well. The largest fear I have is that my wife or son comes to harm while I am gone.

The military is not the answer for everyone, but it is for some of us.

I say to anyone considering the military: Study what is available for careers throughout all the services and find the best way for you to contribute to the betterment of the service, the nation in which you live, and the world at large.

The above can be easily applied to those who don't feel the military is the right choice for them, contribute in some way and try to effect positive change.

Please pray for the soldiers around the world, that they may one day find true peace. Pray also for all involved in atrocities done to all sides during war, that they may find the means to reconcile with God, and turn from their sins. Finally, pray for those whose families are dealing with the separation and loss associated with war.

Peace,

Red Knight

[BeenaBobba]

[quote name='geetarplayer' date='Apr 11 2004, 02:52 PM'] Not everyone can join the army. Some people are not strong enough emotionally to handle it. My former Spanish teacher joined the army just after September 11, 2001. He was a very spiritual man... but he was also a very gentle soul. I really think being in the military messed him up, because this past Wednesday he committed suicide. I would have never though he would do so, but he did. Be very careful about your decision.

Rafael Feliciano, rest in peace.

-Mark [/quote]
That's so sad. I'll say a prayer for his soul.

God bless,

Jennifer

[azaelia]

I have mixed emotions about the military. Some people are cut out for it. But if they're not, they're broken. I know people who have almost been broken by the military. I'm actually quite bitter about it. Just pray for the strength and the guidance. Because no amount of advice can compare to Grace.

[Oik]

Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's...that's how I look at it. If I am called to serve, I will serve, but I won't compromise the Truth for that. If that is where God wants me to be, i'll be that light.