The Voice of a Veteran

As a veteran, I will try to answer that question as honestly and openly as possible, and although I truly believe I share the same perspective as fellow veterans, I will speak here only from my point of view. First, though, it's important that you understand what it's like to be a soldier.

We do not think that America is indebted to us. We just want the opportunity to recoup what we've lost going into battle; the opportunity to become prosperous and productive in today's society. As soldiers, we're not allotted occasions of choice in what we do, neither are we granted choice to voice what we will or will not be participants in. When the President, our Commander in Chief, makes the decision to battle, a soldier's permission is not required. We are ordered to pack our IBA (Interceptor Body Armor) and move forward.

Yes, we made the decision to serve and protect our country through good times and bad. What we experience as soldiers is a little more significant compared to working at Wal-Mart, SAMS or IBM — the reason being preference. Civilians have the option to accept or reject decisions being made. Civilians can go with the flow or quit and find employment elsewhere. Uncle Sam isn't as lenient.

Once we've packed up, picked up our weapons and are deployed, we do not know what to anticipate. We are oblivious to the conditions of the environment in which we have to defend ourselves. We are skeptical of the people we are protecting; unsure of whether they are our enemy or our allies. Even though we have uncertainty, still we have no voice or choice. Defending this country isn't just a job — it is who we are.

Upon your return home, hope and pray that you are who you were when you left.

Afghanistan

Imagine this scenario with me. Early morning finds you awake and preparing for work. You leave what comforts of home you have and walk over to your work area ready to start the day. All of a sudden you hear whistling over your head. You become aware of the taste of powder in your mouth. Seconds later you hear an explosion. Reasoning and instinct rush in and throw you to the ground. There you lay and pray that the next bomb, if any, doesn't come your way.

Getting up after the shock, you make your way to the nearest bunker with thoughts of your family, friends and associates pressing hard on your heart and mind. Quick visions of your loved ones flash before your mind's eye — wife, husband, children, mother, father — and you wonder if you will ever see them again. Round after round explodes on the camp. Then, within minutes, the wondrous sound of the all-clear sirens echoes throughout the camp. “It is safe now,” the sirens cry.

For the civilian at home, the above is an image. For the soldier or contractor, the above is a reality. A few weeks ago, two soldiers were waiting for the contractor's bus to take them to the Post Exchange. Another rocket attack occurred as they waited. Before they could find shelter, the rocket hit in their area, killing them both. Living here in Afghanistan is not a vacation; soldiers and civilians are losing their lives for the pursuit of justice.

As the founder of Vision of Veterans, building a company from Afghanistan required patience and trust. Several times while discussing VOV business with Errol Mitchell, an incoming bomb landed inside the camp. I'd quickly get off the phone and shield myself behind a concrete bunker. Once the danger subsided, I'd call Errol to let him know that all was well and everyone I knew had survived the blasts.

I understand the emotions and pains of the loved one who has a soldier or contractor away protecting our country.