My nephew, who turned 21 in August, just completed basic training for the Army. He was home for two weeks and then was sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, home of the 101st Airborne Division ("Screaming Eagles"). In all likelihood he will be shipped out to Iraq in December to fight the war on terror. Saying goodbye to him over a week ago was harder than I thought and I couldn't help but think I may never see him again. At the same time I was also very proud of him for charting his own course.
If you knew my nephew you would know that he has had an eventful life and has had to deal with hardships that most 21 year old boys do not face. When he dropped out of high school after his 10th grade year I was afraid he was headed down the wrong path in life.
After working at King Soopers for the past few years he decided he wanted to do something with his life so he decided to join the Army. Taking one look at my nephew and you would swear he is anorexic, standing at 6'4" and weighing 150lbs. When he first went into the Army recruiting office they told him he would have to pass a physical before they would consider him for the Army. This physical consisted of gaining 20lbs, running 2 miles, and performing sit-ups, pushups and pull-ups in a certain amount of time. Since joining the Army was a goal he was motivated and passionate about, he had no problem passing the physical and with that he was shipped out to Ft Benning, Georgia for basic training.
My nephew said that basic training was the hardest thing he had done in his life but it taught him some key life principles about discipline, hard work, respect, and leadership. He even learned how to use some cool weapons.
When my nephew graduated from basic training with flying colors I couldn't have been more proud of him for setting a goal, accomplishing it and charting his own life course. He is now ready to defend our country and fight for our freedom. I can only hope and pray that he will return safely.
God bless all of our service men and women around the World and thank you protecting our freedom!