The end is here
I’ve finally arrived upon my ETS date (Expiration of Term of Service).  My contract was offically extended for the war in Iraq for 5 months and 12 days. Total service? 6 years, 5 months, 12 days. Yes, I’ve kept count.
In reflection, I can’t say that it was a bad decision to enlist. I can’t imagine the person I would be today if I hadn’t joined the Army. I wouldn’t have ever been in the Middle East. I wouldn’t have gone to Israel. Never would I have felt so passionately about that part of the world. Even though I would have certainly have had my degree by now, I don’t think it would equal the amount of experience and knowledge I’ve gained in the last 6+ years from the Army.
But I’m still bitter. With all that I’ve gained, I still find a nugget of anger for having my eyes ripped open. That gut feeling that your country really isn’t as great as it seems is something I still can’t properly deal with. And all the bad habits and bad memories that my government has given me.Â
Unfortunately, I’m too busy with school to celebrate and cackle and flip the bird at pictures of GWB. Perhaps I’ll save that for when I literally have the discharge paper in my hand.Â
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Give it time…the anger goes away. The memories you need will stay, even the bad ones and the rest just fade away…anyway, didn’t mean to get all Hallmark card on you…good blog…ill be back.