Posted on 07/11/2004 5:53:48 PM PDT by Tamar1973
Many fathers whisper a prayer when their children are born.
Marshall Kubota's prayer for his twin sons was this: "Don't ever let my boys go to war. Ever."
The Larkfield physician, who is an internationally recognized authority on AIDS, recalled his silent admonition from 19 years ago while bracing for a son's imminent departure for Iraq.
One of his twins, Evan Kubota, enlisted with the Army National Guard after graduating from Montgomery High School in 2002 and a few months ago informed his superiors that he wanted to be sent to Iraq.
His job as a chaplain assistant requires him to be both soldier and spiritual guide, and is one that is almost assured to place him in harm's way.
It's a choice he didn't have to make, one that has put him at odds with his parents and three siblings, who all are opposed to the war. But Evan said he feels called to serve.
"It's who I am," he said. "I don't like the idea of maybe taking a life or war, but I like the idea that something I'm going to do may benefit thousands of people in the long run."
He is a most unlikely soldier, having lived since he was two years old in the same comfortable home where dozens of family portraits cover every inch of the walls in the two-story living room.
(Excerpt) Read more at pressdemocrat.com ...
Warning: It's a long article, but a pretty good one. Keep this young man in your prayers along with all our young people serving in our armed services.
Interesting personal story on many levels.
My first thoughts were, what a great kid, but his family? ... kind of a weird mix. He must feel like the odd man out. I hope he stays safe.
"I think ultimately," he continued, "and it may sound like an oxymoron, is that we're fighting for peace. I think we're trying to stop people who bring a lot of pain and hatred into the world."
This young man sounds wise beyond his years and he certainly is self-motivated. A very interesting and even-handed article. Good find and a great post. I hope his parents ultimately can appreciate what their son is doing.
That is what gives the story its punch.
There are liberals who end having conservative, God-fearing children. Don't ask me how it happens... ;-)
We pray for Americas soldiers and have a soft spot in our hearts for mavericks. This kid is a maverick.
I'm one of them myself. My grandparents (who raised me) voted for Carter, Mondale and Dukakis. Wonder why it didn't rub off?
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