What would it be like?

A student the other day told me that he is thinking of joining the military. It led me to think of my brother Paul. Paul joined the army in 2005 shortly after Papa passed away. I remember he and I talking about him joining the military, but he was needed at home at that time. I remember being excited for him when he eventually joined. Later, I started to miss him. Shortly after he was out of training, he was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. Before leaving he was home for a bit, and oddly enough Brian was home for surgery from his mission. As a result, they got see each other one more time. My brother Paul is a neat guy (did I just call my brother "neat"?). The first time he went to Iraq I heard from him often. We wrote letters and he called. The time he was away from home was a really hard for me, and writing him letters was such a source of comfort. I remember him calling me during a particularly bad time in my personal life and I could tell he felt bad he wasn't there. The truth was, I needed him. My brothers may not the touchy feely type, but their presence is calming.

When I think about my life, the things I have done and been through, it just does not compare to my brother Paul. Paul was a Cavalry Scout. During his first tour, he left for a mission that was supposed to be a few days. He was gone a few months living out of his tank the whole time. I guess there is a lot I could write about his deployments, but I just want to recognize his sacrifice. I think the oddest feeling was going to a drive-thru for a Coke knowing he did not have that kind of luxury where he was. My brother has been around the world and seen things I know I can not comprehend. I have learned a little more about his second deployment last year when he came to talk to my students about what it is like to be in the military. On one occasion, he rigged a satellite outside his tent so he could simultaneously play video games with my brothers. I think my mom managed to mail him a box every week. I wonder what he did with all that food? I'm grateful to Paul for his service and for his sacrifices. I'm grateful to everyone who serves and supports our military and country.


What would it be like?
What would it be like to sleep in a tank for a few months?
What would it be like to have GINORMOUS spiders in your shower?
What would it be like to sleep in quarters that resemble a tough shed?
What would it be like to be in 100+ degree weather in full gear?
What would it be like to wonder if the small child running towards you was excited to see you or going to throw a bomb at you?
What would it be like to eat your meal out of a bag?
What would it be like to not shower for weeks?
What would it be like to get diarrhea in the desert?
What would it be like to pull into a town and have it be deserted in minutes because people are afraid?
What would it be like to see things and people blown up?
What would it be like to order McDonald's from a trailer?
What would it be like to not be able to get a Cokewhen you want?
What would it be like to live in a bombed-out home?
What would it be like to be shot at?
What would it be like to have your friends die?
What would it be like to watch your friends die?

What would this world be like without my brother, men and women like him? I'm glad I don't have to know. I love you, Paul.