Stationed in Afganastan

Day One

"Day one. Here we go. There is no turning. Back. It's life or death. Here we go."

"You know" said the guy looking next to me, who actually looked pretty hot, "the more you spook yourself, the more likely you will die."

"Thanks" I said.
I knew that he was serious about his work. He was 100% committed. I guess we need to have people like that. Someone has to have there head in the game.
As soon as we got to home base, I felt faint. From the helicopter transporting us to the U.S Base, I could see damaged homes. I was scared, afraid, and worried for my life, and others. This was real. My fist day as a Air Force First Officer.

I'm assuming that the guy sitting next to me on the ride here didn't know who I was, or what I would be to him. He was cadet John Sikey. I had read about him and his devastating past. He has had 4 fathers and his brother died of cancer at the age of 11 while he was 15. It's times like these you want to go up to that person and give them a great big hug, say that it is alright, and that they don't have to be afraid. Unfortunately though, he chose a dangerous job. Not everything will be ok. One day you love someone, the next they are gone. Tough business if I do say so myself.

"ATTEN-SHION!"

That's how it sounded when the general came into our housing buildings. It gave me a little panic attack, I knew that I would have to say that to my people too.
"Men!" He yelled. "This is your first officer, Sargent Stacy" he said as pointing to me.

I felt like I was becoming queen, like everyone should have bowed. Maybe if they did, they would smile and not look so dead.

"I expect to hear great things about you from Stacy. If not... You know what will happen."

After General Mark had said that, I swear, almost all the men gulped loudly. And because of that,

"80 PUSH-UPS!" Exclaimed Mark.

I knew then, as a fact, that I wanted to be home. In the arms and safety of my parents. Where my every move did not have to mean life or death to myself, or 100s of others. It was official.

I was afraid.