I did something yesterday I might not live to regret.
We were given our one day off at around 11 a.m., and I went to the PX. When I arrived there, I bumped into an officer I knew from training in Texas. We greeted each other, and I asked, of course, "So what's new with you?" And this Captain said "I'm glad you asked Sergeant, I'm on my way to a new assignment north of here for the rest of the year."
Well, it turns out he got a pretty cush job at one of Saddam old castles. And would be in an air-conditioned office and never have to risk getting ambushed and blown apart by a roadside IED.
I then asked if he needed an "Aid de Camp." I didn't think he would since he'd be around a lot of General officers and should have a lot of people wanting a cush job. To my surprise, I was told yes, he needed an assistant and if I wanted, I could go with him.
He told me I'd be living in an air-conditioned castle, have my own room, access to a gym and Internet and some of the best food ever. And, of course, I would not "Leave the wire" ever.
I answered rather quickly "No thank you, my place is outside the wire" He said he understood and we parted ways.
As I walked back to my sleeping area I asked myself "What exactly was understood?" I wondered what the average person would think of me for giving up safety for duty? I don't want to die or kill anybody I know that, but that's exactly what I've committed too.
Is there not a duty to my family and friends to see them again? And what of my Iraqi soldiers? They're counting on me to show the way and, if need be, make the ultimate sacrifice.
I suppose the Captain and I understand that many of us have to sacrifice because Freedom and Peace have always demanded it from the soldier. And I know that if any person I knew was hurt in my absence, I would feel responsible. I couldn't help but think "What if I don't live to regret it?"
I will finish with something I read a long time ago from an old General, his name was Ridgeway "The soldier, above all others, prays for peace. For it is he who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of War."
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