Posted on 01/27/2006 10:03:32 AM PST by Cannoneer No. 4
"Thank you."
You're welcome. Thank you.
I agree and that has been my take. This friend is the most honest guy I have ever known. He is NOT making this stuff up. It is very possible different units have different a take on things. Much stems from the leadership. Just curious if there was any other feed back like this.
Thanks
There are actually a variety of reasons.
1) Is exactly argument C.
2) I have experience that can be used to more effectively lead troops into battle and bring them home. While it is true that this could be used to train/recruit, my temperment isn't really a good fit for those roles.
3) To a large extent I buy into the whole "Duty, Honor, Country" thing. I know I have done my duty, I did it well before I got injured and I do it well now. Please do not think that the Army didn't offer me a great number of different opportunities.
4) (Primary Reason) I believe some people are born to be soldiers. They are given, for whatever reason, a strong mind that is able to deal with the things you see on the battlefield and an able body with which to fight. I am not calling everyone else weak, please understand that. I have had no nightmares, none. I have no regrets about what I did and although I have a certain degree of concern about going back, it stems largely from having a healthy understanding of how bad being shot can hurt.
5) I would be unhappy in a role outside the operational combat arms. I don't know why, but it is my home. While I admit that I could choose a less risky assignment, I wouldn't be happy. This translates into me being less happy at home and having less pride in my work. Children are smart and they will see that. My father was a veteran who suffered from a similar condition which drove him to serve. I hated it when he was gone, but he was always happy with what he was doing, it made home life better. Further, my wife is a good Army wife. She brings a wealth of experience to the table and is always there to help the wives and mothers of my soldiers cope with the stress.
6) I have heard it said by several soldiers that seeing me going back to combat gives them a great deal of faith in the medical care the Army offers. Consider the amount of damage I suffered to my stomach, legs, and feet. Today I run (although slower), workout, hike, shoot, and manuever well enough to be a soldier, even well enough to be a scout. Grace of God, medical miracle, whatever, it gives soldiers that extra ounce of confidence which can make the difference.
Ultimatly I have a deep love of what I do. I hate seeing battle, I am not insane nor an andreniline(SPL) junky. I have just realized that at some point someone has to stand in the gap. I can't accept the "Let someone else do it" line of logic when I am capable still.
Perhaps, if I don't come back from this one my children will hate me. I don't know. But I do know that I will have made a difference in ensuring that their lives are safer, and I can live with that.
Fight on, my good man. Thanks for keeping the rest of us safe from people who cannot even comprehend your honor and valor.
Alright!
Thank you for your service.
I greatly admire your courage and devotion to the protection of liberty for us all, and I am thankful that we have men like you.
Thanks for the explanation, and thanks for your service.
ping
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