A Friend In Need

My oldest daughter has a friend that is graduating high school this year. He dropped a bomb on everyone last week when he announced that he was looking into joining the US Army. This young man has spent quite a few nights at our house and even eats dinner here several times a week. The dinner eating has been a delight since I am sure his meals at home are not regular. We celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday last week and my family seemed miffed that we had a few extra mouths to feed. I didn't really care. It is my house after all.

Anyway, I wanted to chat with the young man to determine why the sudden change in direction for his future. I realize that you cannot watch, listen to or read any media without being told that we are losing in Iraq and our troops are dying uselessly. So why would this young man who I know is immersed in popular culture and subject to the brainwashing that comes from that immersion thinking about heading to his media determined death?

So I determined to sit down and chat with him on his decision. I had been led slightly astray by the hype surrounding his decision. He had called a recruiter who was coming out to talk to him next Wednesday. He had not signed anything or made any decisions. He was only exploring an option for the future. I gave him the full benefit of my military experience including both the rewards and the not so fun things. I hope he makes the best decision. The military is a great way to grow up but I am not sure it is something I would repeat given the current state of military.

Icool

Cobb