Inevitably I will be talking to someone and the topic will come up of my mobilization.? If it is the first they have heard of it, they get this look upon their face as if I am dead.? They apologize that this is occurring.? It is all a very odd encounter.
First off, I signed up for this 14 years ago when I joined the Army.? I was scheduled to leave the Army (ETS) in 2002 as a lower enlisted person, and was planning on doing that until 9-11.? After that day, I made a decision that I wanted to do everything I could in the Army, and I wanted to go to Afghanistan to make a difference.
I then began the process to be commissioned as an officer, and two years later realized that goal.? Now as a first lieutenant, I am excited about being mobilized to go to Afghanistan.? It really is a realization of a dream.? I have no plans of dieing, and I will certainly miss my family; however, I will not be miserable.? The pay is really good as well, and we will be able to pay off a large portion of our debt while I am gone.
So if you see me, be excited for me.? I will definitely miss being here, but this is something that I can be proud of the rest of my life.? This is something my kids can brag about to their kids.? This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime!
I’ve seen that look on thier faces. After they look at you like you’re dead, they look at me to see if I’m going crazy or about to fall apart.
I’ll miss you more than anyone will. But I’m proud of you and very excited that you’re going to Afghanistan.
Comment by Amy — May 25, 2006 @ 7:20 am
Kudos Bro! I’d like to see so many of those idiot idealists that are against their oen government get off their asses and do something too. We’d probably be done already if people would stop trying to second-guess the whole mission and create all manner of problems for our troops who are trying to do their duty. God be with you, Joel. Amen.
Comment by Danny B. — May 26, 2006 @ 9:19 pm