There has been blood, tears, and deaths that has protecting the United States of America since before time. The honor that goes with being apart of something bigger than normal has eclipsed the hearts of many and the citizens of the United States have been grateful, but are they. There has been a video floating around with these young ladies standing on our American Flag with so much disrespect. Do they know that these ladies and men have given citizens the right to walk down the street with being killed by a terrorist or other groups that are looking to harm the United States?
Dae McDonald has been in the military for over twelve years and she loves all the pros that comes with being apart of our military forces. “I love the fact that you can travel a lot, meet new people with different backgrounds from you, having the amount of money to retire early, and just being apart of something that protects a country.”
As a solider that is either active or on reserve still has different challenges that they face. Both active or reserve soldiers find it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with individuals when they are dating or having time for their family, because they are always traveling or doing something productive with the military. “At times I would have to leave to go on an assignment and it would be kind of hard to focus on personal situations when I am literally standing in a danger zone or doing a task that I would have to remain focus on. Sometimes the problems that certain people in my personal circle complain about, I find really small. They complain about little stuff, but I have observed different countries and seen a lot through my eyes and their problems seem so small compared to the lives that some of these people have to live.”
Sergeant first class Elfago Franklin had this to say about being active in the military and the obstacles that he had to face. “I was on the front line in certain wars. The obstacles that I had to face all the time was the fear of me being killed in action. You have to have have the mindset of I will kill you before you kill me. I know that it sounds mean, but when there are bullets flying pass your head, what would you say. Any second thoughts or hesitation could get you killed. I would literally have to push my emotions aside and do what I was told. I did not like the idea of hurting nor killing people, but it was my job and duty to make sure that our country was protected. Yes, I struggled internally with certain issues, but again I was on orders to do my job.”
“The other obstacle that I had to face was the reality of coming back home. I struggled with coming back into a normal life. I would wake up in cold sweats thinking I was still fighting in the war or just adapting to civilian life. Civilian life is really slow compared to being active, but joining the military was the best thing that has happened to me in my lifetime. I would encourage people to join, because it teaches you discipline and gives you the right to stand for something.”
Dae McDonald is planning to retire around 38 and wants to pursue her dream with being an actress. “I love the idea that you can portray different personalities within a person. I like the idea of being creative and molding a character that a lot of people can relate to, but nothing beats the military. I am proud to say that I represent the military. It is an honor and the best thing that could happen for me!
