Posted on 01/03/2008 4:46:22 PM PST by SandRat
RUTBAH, Iraq (Jan. 3, 2008) -- RUTBAH, Iraq – Marines join the Corps for reasons that cross a wide spectrum. Several of the reasons might include intangible beliefs such as honor, courage and commitment the Marine Corps famously advertises. For one Waxahachie, Texas, native, it goes beyond that, to what he calls a deeper calling.
Sgt. Daniel Garza originally joined the Marine Corps after graduating Santa Fe High School in 1999. He said it was something he prayed on and felt he needed to do.
After serving his four years with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, the infantryman decided to leave the Corps and attend college. He applied to the Southwestern Assembly of God in Waxahachie and was accepted.
“I loved the Marine Corps,” said the 26-year-old. “Honestly, I missed the friendships and camaraderie. You make friends in the Marine Corps who you know are going to be there no matter what, and you miss that when you get out.”
But, Garza would see some of his friends again. He finished college, earning a degree in history, when he got a phone call from the Individual Mobilization Augmentee detachment. He said they had a position for an infantryman in Iraq, and he felt it was his time to go.
“I knew that I had not gone to Iraq, yet,” said Garza. “So, I told the gunnery sergeant to sign me up. At first I thought that I had been out too long, but I slipped right back into it. I have buddies I haven’t seen for two or three years and I will run into them and it is like I just saw them yesterday. They are your brothers. I have a whole set of brothers and family still.”
Garza, who had just been accepted to a master’s program for history before the phone call, decided to put his education on hold and try his hand at training Iraqi Policemen in Rutbah, Iraq. Garza is currently a member of Police Transition Team 2-1A. and said he couldn’t be more sure of his decision to rejoin the active duty ranks for awhile.
“It is one thing working with Marines trying to get them ready for patrols with the headaches and the ungodly hours,” said Garza. “With the IPs, you have the language and cultural barriers. It is like being a dad to a hundred kids. They do one thing that makes you so proud and then do something that makes you mad two minutes later. But, when they do something to make you proud, you forget abut everything they messed up because they want to make you proud and they are still learning, and they are doing a fabulous job every day.”
Garza said he is happy he is able to be a part of history and believes he was meant to be a part of the team. He said some of the friendships he has made with the Iraqis will mean a great deal to him for the rest of his life.
“I think I am doing one of the most fulfilling jobs because I can actually see a difference every day when I got out in the streets with the IPs and talk to the people and talk to the kids,” he said. “It is not like I am stuck on some (forward operating base). I am actually out there, living with them. I get to see the difference when I go out on patrol and we help someone or there is an accident or a kid gets burned, I actually get to help. It feels like I am making an actual difference.”
Although Garza appreciates his experiences, he is looking forward to returning home to his fiancée, Tav`e.
“She is really proud of me, but it is harder on her than it is on me,” said Garza. “She is going to college to get her master’s and planning a wedding at the same time. All while trying to deal with the feelings and anxieties of me being away and not being there with her. She is being a trooper, I am just over here doing what I love and she is dealing with everything splendidly.”
When Garza does return to the States, his goals are laid out. After returning to his master’s program, Garza plans to pursue another graduate degree in counseling. He said that will aid him on his and Tav`e’s desire to become missionaries.
“We hope to spread the Word around to people,” said Garza. “There are so many impoverished people who need help. I think this PTT experience has helped prepare me for what He has planned for me next.”
FR WAR NEWS!
Sounds like one good young trooper.
Regards
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