The Dishonorable

She Needs Me!

4 Years Later

Whoever said being in the military doesn't change you, lied. The military destroys the old you, rid the bad parts, and adds good parts. Building you into something you didn't even know to exist, let alone you could become.

After being in the Army for almost four years and being on three deployments, My change was noticeable and good. I was a freshly pinned Sergeant who all the soldiers adored.

My First deployment was Kuwait, I was there for a year, and I mostly stayed on post the entire time. The second was BAF, Afghanistan, for seven months. There wasn't much to do there, although the mountains were breathtaking.

Who knew a Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist (46S) deployed this much?

I was grateful though I got to learn more about photography, and I got to make a career out of it.

This deployment was different from the rest, though. My unit had been in Africa for 13 months now, and although the money was good, I was getting homesick. I had been out on a few regular run-throughs with them, and it was kinda scary. I saw things that my brain couldn't grasp.

A select few from my platoon were chosen and tasked to take supplies to a nearby village in need. The village was running low on supplies and after a few meetings; they determined it that the section would provide them with aid.

It was my day off, but I figured I'd get the next day off and could get some great pictures as a bonus. 1SG has informed everyone it would take 45 minutes to get to the village, meaning I would have a lot of great scenery to capture.

I took a few shots of the wildlife and nature; the outserts of the base were different from what I'm used to seeing in Riverdale.

Even though everyone was scattered across the U.S., they kept in touch, as best they could. This week was their graduation, and I was happy for my friends.

I hated that I couldn't be home right now celebrating her friends though. I was on Facetime when Fangs and Sweets walked the stage, but it wasn't the same. Sometimes I regretted joining the Army, but I quickly remembered that it was the best decision I could've made myself. I wish I handled things differently with her.

Hearing children laugh took me from my thoughts.

Smiling, I took a few shots of the children running around chasing each other and laughing. With everything that was going, they still smiled and have joy in their lives. They were strong people, and I was happy that I could be here to help.

When the LMTV stopped, I noticed that two of the kids took off running a few yards from the village.

As the 1SG and Xo went to get guidance from within the village everyone except for me unloaded the LMTV.

Letting my curiosity get the best of me, I went in the direction I saw the little kids run.

Not trying to startle them, I sling my M4 over my back and put the camera strap around my neck. Wanting them to see, I'm safe and harmless.

Who wouldn't fear someone wearing, an IOTV, ACH, and a weapon? (protective vest and helmet)

I walked to a bush and stopped when I hear crying.