Alright. So, I guess the first thing to talk about is my new tattoo. It the Hidden Leaf Village's symbol from Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. In the anime, the village is always going through some kind of issue or conflict; same thing with me. Growing up, it was always something: getting beaten by my Mom's then boyfriend when I was 6, me not getting along with my step mom.... not being able t make any friends until I was in high school because of how different I was. I was always myself. I did not believe it was right for somebody to tell me how to be me, so I did not let them. The second reason I went with the symbol of the Hidden Leaf? They will never leave a comrade behind. Of course, that is one of the Army's warrior ethos: "I will never leave a fallen comrade." ... I was already doing this before I had even joined. Here is a little story to tell you about that:

One of my friends, my ex-girlfriend, actually with whom I was and still am really good friends with, was seriously thinking about suicide. I talked her out of it, but it took me forever. A week later, somebody from a gang that did not like her attacker her with a knife with the intent to kill her. I just so happened to be there. In the scuffle that issued, I got a few cuts, and a few good hits on the guy before the cops finally got there. Unfortunately (not really, but who cares?), I won the prize of a inch long scratch on my wrist right where the thumb meets it.

And then I am getting stationed in Hawaii... A lot of people think I am stupid, or that there is something wrong with me because I do not want to go there for my first assignment. Honestly, it won't be all that bad, all things considering. Sure, I will be away from my family, friends, and girlfriend for 3 years. But everybody is supportive. One of my buddies that is over there... we're going to the Pro Bowl, and just chilling that Sunday. My Dad is going to come to Schofield and visit me sometime shortly after he gets back from Afghanistan on the 1st of April. My girlfriend does not know yet, and I have pitched the idea to her Mom, but I plan to fly her out for a week or two, as I will probably be in the barracks, when she graduates from High School at the end of this high school school year. So, thankfully, I have to support of my loved ones.



I do not know how this thread is going to work. I will probably have it moved to my Armed Forces Forum once that is up and running,and make it like a diary of sorts... but for now it is to tell my story. If you have comments, or have something on your mind, or something you want to know about me, I will tell my story. As hard as it may be, I will try. I need to start letting go of all my secrets. Hopefully, it will help me with my so called "depression" . I call it just wanting to be my myself a lot of the time.

BluemageKyle: Never said I was depressed. Just that I was diagnosed with it, and that I think the diagnosis is a load of bull

Alright, this time, this rant deals with a music video on YouTube that really describes how a lot of us soldiers feel about being called "heroes" - "Hero Of War - Rise Against ( Dont Call Us Heros Tribute ) " . Here is link if you are interested in watching what I will be talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPnFccnvMeE&list=PL0907C28B2F07F178

So, I mean, yeah. Most of us do not like being called heroes. A few do, and in my opinion, they are either full of theirs elves, or have really done something, and just got used to the title. Personally, I do not like being called a hero, especially a hero of war. I have not done anything to be called a hero. I am just doing my job: Driving trucks in the United Stated Army. I mean, sure I volunteered to join the Army, but that was my decision. That is what I choose for my profession, just like people decide to do accounting, or want to be lawyers. But yet, nobody calls them heroes, but yet they are doing the job they chose to do.

Sure, we put ourselves in harms way, but we knew what we were getting into when we signed up for the job. I mean, personally, I have not done anything to be called a hero. It is now one of my biggest pet peeves. I had a lady in the airport on my way to Honolulu thank me for serving, and she called me a hero. I stopped, turned to her, and told her, "Ma,am, you are on those crutches... permanently. I am no hero. You are more of a hero than I am. You are staying strong for your family. I am just doing my job. I have not even done anything yet. I just got out of training. I have not earned the title of hero. I am no hero. I do not even deserve to be thanked for my service. I have not done anything yet. Thank you for your support, but please... never tell me Thank you for serving again." And I turned, and walked off.

It really bugs me when somebody says thank you for serving, or something like that. I feel I have not earned that right yet, so please don't. A lot of us soldiers do not like being called heroes... we are just doing our jobs.

Cyro Xero : I am curious to hear how you feel on this particular subject. Any input, Sgt. ?