When I look into a mirror I am reminded of a young man I knew for a long time. Over 40 years ago, it was his dream to have a military career. He worked hard to make that dream come true. It was his desire to eventualy be a Combat pilot.
He managed to serve 7 years, in the USAF. Four of them years as a Security Dog handler, 2 of them as a combat pilot, one as a bed patiant in a Hospital bed.
Years later, came the dreams of the reality of what it means to be a military man, memories of the dead, memories of wondering who died from the dropped napalm.
The young man wanted to travel, excitement, serve his country and live a career to be proud of. But, today that young man is much older, a body wracked with arthritic pains from many shattered bones and with memories I wish I never had.
Think carefully about a desire to join the Army, be certain the cause will be worth the pain and memories, 50 years from now.