Clicky

sgtdub

Saturday, January 20, 2007

20 January 2007, Who I am.
I stated this versus "Who am I?" I got to thinking about this after visiting Claire's site at A little piece of me. Claire is working on her schooling to become a counselor. Part of her class assignments this term is looking at herself. I thought about this yesterday. Why, because as I stood next to the man that had tried to kill me earlier in the week, I realized, I really didn't have any hatred or anger towards him. Should I? On one side, heck yeah! During previous wars, you fought soldiers, men who were taking orders. This isn't the case today. Suicide bombers volunteer for these missions. What motivated this man to want to kill himself and take out as many Americans as he could with him? For this reason alone, I should hate him, a small part wants to, and wants to help grant his wish of meeting his maker. But the larger part of me, the part that is me, actually feels pity for the man. He appeared to be around 60, for an Afghan this is old, for the life expectancy of the average Afghan male is around 47. He appeared to be uneducated, a farmer perhaps. For half of his life, he has seen war in his country, besides any family he might have had, I'm sure he has seen little happiness and joy in his country. Now, he is a captured enemy combatant, no joy there.
So I continued thinking after I went to bed last night. I realized that most of my life, I have considered different paths that all lead to helping others. Hence, the reason I'm a police officer and a soldier. I see so many people who get out of these lines of work because they are fed up with the red tape and bureaucracies. It is usually the people who have the capabilities and abilities to actually solve the problems that leave. I look at each job with the attitude of "what can I do to make it better?" This is probably one of the reasons I want to run for state office someday. I've actually wanted that since I was 19. (remember, procrastination). This mentality of mine is also why I was upset a few days ago. I'm trying to make things better for those working with us.
Do you know who you are? Have you looked inside yourself and figured out what it is you are here to do? What's next for you? What's next for me? dinner.
Be sure and check out my other post today below. Be safe and have a good day.

12 comments:

Maryfly said...

Sounds like you can empathize with people and that surely is a wonderful trait. God bless.

Barb said...

Claire has a great blog that enjoy visiting and she does post some things from time to time that make you think.

You have a great attitude, Sgt, one that I think a lot of us should grab hold of, myself included.

MrsDub said...

This blog made me cry today. When I see in black and white the words that you could have been killed this week, my heart wants to stop beating. I know you're in danger every minute of every day, but I try to convince myself that you're in an office environment and you're safe - the worst that could happen would be a paper cut. You are an amazing man (I've always known that about you). Unlike you, I am angry at this man for what he did, but I am also thankful that he was not successful. I know who you are, and I'm blessed and honored to be a part of your life. Please be safe and come home soon!

Desert Songbird said...

Sgt - this is an amazing post that is all the more remarkable given your brush with mortality.

There are times in life when things happen, things that could scare us into a dark corner, make us weep in fear, or become immobile with fear. You took this situation as an opportunity to reflect and grow. Thanks for sharing this moment with us.

Stay safe, and go home soon to your family.

Travis Cody said...

Thank you for your service. And thanks for writing a post that makes me think a little on this Saturday morning.

Hey - why stop at state office?

Wade Huntsinger said...

WOW-What a question. As you know that has been the greatest question of 2006 for us. It is the driving force behind us going back on the road to spend more time with each other and re-establish our purpose that Gopd has given us. I too desire to help people, showing up in the fact that I too was a troop and also being a fireman. I would much rather run into a burning house. At least it won't shoot back. One of our desires back out on the road is to help someone each and every day; in some sort or fashion. God Bless you Dub as your post really moved me and told me a little more about your heart!

Anonymous said...

Well I am proud of all three of my creative sprouts. The apple does not fall far from the tree,in more ways than one. Nana doesn't write, but I believe Papa could. BJ the other bro can't spell so he talks, but just as creatively. Love you'all. MOM

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

wow sarge, deep thoughts today, huh? oh, and sarge? i just heard on fox news you've been activated. sorry to be the one to have to tell you. sigh.... bee

Sarge Charlie said...

I understand where you are sarge, and you sir are a soldiers soldier. I am proud of you and all you guys “over there” you do a hell of a job not knowing what is coming around the turn. In 1968 I had a guy who cut my hair on base, and was killed that night, VC. The absence of uniforms and front lines make our wars different from those in our history. I commend you for your thoughts, and would be happy to vote for you.
Miss Bee was talking about the Oklahoma National Guard activated for the winter storm. You better hurry on home now.

Stay safe

PaPa Phil said...

You have been party to an event that few will ever experience. I commend you for taking the time to measure your thoughts and for sharing them with those of us firmly supporting you and your mission. Thank you.

Claire said...

Sgt Dub i am really touched by this! Counselling Traits are in us all and people underestimate their own capacity to feel and think emotionally.
I am glad you are not one of them, with the job you do every thought that you have in the post shows what a great person you are.
I hope you continue to read my counselling homework and i have some great books to recommend you read when you get back!
Claire xx

Odat said...

What a great attitude...you're remarkable, under those circumstances I can't say what I would do.
What's next for me? RETIREMENT!
HAHAHAHAHA.
pEACE