" I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
I recently read a book by Eric Greitens called The Heart and the Fist and it reminded me of many things. Primarily it reminded me that before the bullets, rockets, and bombs started flying; I was a humanitarian. I traveled to some of the most under privileged places in the world and provided humanitarian services. Yes, I had a completely different mission for these operations; but when I had the chance to play with the children, assist in the medical clinics and assist in sites that provided food, water and blankets to those affected by war, it was amazing.
I forgot about those times for a long time not. They were all over-shadowed by the combat, the pain, the loss, and the grief. I am now in a place where I can start to open myself back up to those good memories I had of my deployments.
Moreover, this book taught me that just because our service in the military has ended, our service to the nation and to the world as a whole does not have to end. I challenge all of you that have served our military to get out there and help some today. Do something everyday that makes this world a little better place.
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