The Life of a Soldier
By Earvin Eugene
Copyright © 2020 by Earvin P Eugene
All rights reserved.
Jackson attended a military preparatory academy. He bonded with the other soldiers. Training together, eating together, and simply serving together. They all were decorated in uniform. He enlisted in the Afghanistan War in 2001 and did not return to the United States until the third legion returned from the Middle East in the Summer of 2003.
There are snapshots which show him in the mountains with other soldiers. They are rugged in their uniforms. Covered by sand and dirt. The setting appears to naturally captivating to the eyes, but no sane person would want to be there long. Views of a silent dessert and sierra are deceiving.
In due time Jackson returned to his home town of San Diego. He received mixed reviews. Some people were patriots and accepted the war. They thought it necessary especially after 9/11. The war on terror was in high pursuit. Others deemed it as another excuse to invade and attack countries. Some people believed it was the chase for natural resources. At this time there was no definitive answer.
To tell the truth, Jackson exaggerated accounts of the war. One lie led to another lie. He wanted to emerge righteous but the war like many grand ventures is filled with mundane and regulated operations. Creating plans for every movement with little excursion. Checking gear for the proper use of tools. Timed training and preparing for combat. Staying hydrated in a hot environment. Providing nourishment with basic food at the same time every day. Nobody would be excited by such a boring routine. The only intriguing thing was firing the best military weapons. So, he stuck to his guns and paltered about the whole experience. Stories of firing guns against enemies. Roaming the entire country wreaking havoc from village to village. In reality, it was dangerous social work.
There was no charade in the company of other soldiers. All the fake confidence would disappear. Knowing there were moments when his life was on the line. Confronted with unseeable bombs and vicious insurgents who wanted you removed from their land. Being in an unknown land pitied with harsh conditions. Always sweating and aching with pain from carrying heavy equipment weight. Always looking over your shoulder. Sleeping with one eye open. Attempting to communicate with strangers who spoke a foreign language and not knowing who a true enemy or ally was. The loss of comrades who shared this treacherous world. There was an unspoken connection between other soldiers. The life of a soldier is demanding and tiresome. No time or place to quiver. One must assimilate to the typical life of American society, while engrained with a soldier mentality. The stress and trauma experienced are not normal. Jackson must admit to himself, at all times he was on edge.
At this moment, it was late summer, he was relaxing in bed, waking up to walk down to the park, eating lunch at home, smoking a cigarette on the front porch until he became weary and then driving through the city to drink at a shabby bar. He loved to play darts.
In the evening he played piano, in the backyard he would swim, read, and went to bed. He was still a hero to his younger brother. His mother would cook dinner for him if he pleased. She would on occasion ask him about the war, but it was a world unknown to her. His father had no opinion on the matter.
The children in the neighborhood were now grown up. Jackson remembered leaving when they knew no better. Now they were confident following their own paths. Dressing in whatever, they pleased. Wearing sweatshirts, leggings, designed T-shirts, and sneakers. He imagined they would be preparing to go to college. Partying this summer after years of school at home.
Jackson sometimes thought of girls, but he did not want to put in the effort. To pretend to be interested, to spend time doing things he did not really enjoy, and to continue to lie to impress someone. The military taught him you do not need a girl unless you thought of one. And if you really wanted one, someone that matched your preferences, in due time it would be provided. In life if you set goals and commit to a certain thing, what you seek will come to you. Some military guys wanted a girl every night. Others had no use for girls. It all depended on if you thought about it or not.
It was time for Jackson to get a job. Military service provides a lot of skills. He just wanted life to run smoothly. So, he looked for jobs. Now, he would drive into town. Staring at the water. Walking in the park. Watching people play sports…