Sept 14th 2006
Hi all,
Lately I've been thinking a lot about the decision that Lisa and I made leading to my enlistment in the United States Navy. These thoughts stem from, obviously the Fifth Anniversary of 9/11, and my first year in the service which is drawing near. I often find myself thinking of how I would react if I was on one of those planes, or a maybe a POW. I think of the plane that crashed in PA, and how those people must have felt, that they were not going to be a victim, they were going to take charge of the situation, it gives my chills. I think of POW's, that were held captive for years without their families having any idea if they are dead or alive, what impact would these or similar situations have on me. I'd like to think that I would act in a manor that is honorable to my family and country.
Looking back on my career so far I have to admit that I pictured myself further along in the process. One of the many reasons why I enlisted was I felt that I could offer more to my employer, which ironically is how I currently feel. I feel I could be doing more for my country. I look at my bunk mate from Boot Camp who just left Iraq, and to hear stories of attacks on bases, and generally how dangerous it is over there, I can't help to feel that I am wasting away here on hold. When I think about how "bad" I have it here, I quickly find myself thinking about the many armed forces member that don't have it so easy. Here my buddy is risking his life everyday, and I complain about picking up trash. He is half a world away from his family and I come home to my wife every night.
It comes down to my ability to be patient and to know that I will have my day to serve my country in a manner which hopefully I will feel fits. As I have said before the roots of my enlistment have elements of a selfish nature, about improvements that I can make to myself, but I am also very proud to be able to protect my country. I just hope that the pride I have for serving my country grows as the years of my enlistment countinue to increase.
Looking back on my brief Naval Career so far I'd have to say the jury is still out as to how long I will serve. Boot camp was a challenge but also had some fun elements, A school was interesting and the pace was challenging. Being on hold has pros and cons, pros I have a lot of time to spend with Lisa, cons I'm bored and feel that I am treated like a child sometimes (I must admit that other people make it difficult for anyone on hold to be treated in any manor other than that of a child). Looking forward to my future I hope that I will do well in the next phase of training and will have the honor and privilege to serve in a manor that would make any sailor proud.
-Jason
Lately I've been thinking a lot about the decision that Lisa and I made leading to my enlistment in the United States Navy. These thoughts stem from, obviously the Fifth Anniversary of 9/11, and my first year in the service which is drawing near. I often find myself thinking of how I would react if I was on one of those planes, or a maybe a POW. I think of the plane that crashed in PA, and how those people must have felt, that they were not going to be a victim, they were going to take charge of the situation, it gives my chills. I think of POW's, that were held captive for years without their families having any idea if they are dead or alive, what impact would these or similar situations have on me. I'd like to think that I would act in a manor that is honorable to my family and country.
Looking back on my career so far I have to admit that I pictured myself further along in the process. One of the many reasons why I enlisted was I felt that I could offer more to my employer, which ironically is how I currently feel. I feel I could be doing more for my country. I look at my bunk mate from Boot Camp who just left Iraq, and to hear stories of attacks on bases, and generally how dangerous it is over there, I can't help to feel that I am wasting away here on hold. When I think about how "bad" I have it here, I quickly find myself thinking about the many armed forces member that don't have it so easy. Here my buddy is risking his life everyday, and I complain about picking up trash. He is half a world away from his family and I come home to my wife every night.
It comes down to my ability to be patient and to know that I will have my day to serve my country in a manner which hopefully I will feel fits. As I have said before the roots of my enlistment have elements of a selfish nature, about improvements that I can make to myself, but I am also very proud to be able to protect my country. I just hope that the pride I have for serving my country grows as the years of my enlistment countinue to increase.
Looking back on my brief Naval Career so far I'd have to say the jury is still out as to how long I will serve. Boot camp was a challenge but also had some fun elements, A school was interesting and the pace was challenging. Being on hold has pros and cons, pros I have a lot of time to spend with Lisa, cons I'm bored and feel that I am treated like a child sometimes (I must admit that other people make it difficult for anyone on hold to be treated in any manor other than that of a child). Looking forward to my future I hope that I will do well in the next phase of training and will have the honor and privilege to serve in a manor that would make any sailor proud.
-Jason
posted by Jason at 9/14/2006 08:07:00 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home