ENSURING THE LEGACY OF THOSE WHO GAVE ALL
As Memorial Day approaches, I find myself in a familiar routine: checking on the areas that hold so many memories, both bitter and sweet.
Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance, It’s also a time to help those still affected by the wars, to rebuild lives, and to make sure sacrifices were not in vain.
My experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan are etched into my mind, from walking through Baghdad, a city that dates back to 762 AD to standing before Alexander's Castle, a relic from over 2000 years ago.
Our mission was clear, but the region's history made things complicated.
Reflecting on my time there, I often wonder: What is the true cost of war? How do we help those who were affected by the war? Questions not easily answered.
The constant danger, losing friends, and the moral challenges of war leave deep scars. These experiences force you to grow up quickly, facing life’s fragility and harsh realities.
Philosophically, my journey has taken me from feeling that life is meaningless (nihilism) to searching for personal meaning (existentialism). Seeing the chaos and destruction of war can make life feel pointless. The loss of life and the struggle for peace can make one question everything.
In the years after my service, I traveled a lot, looking for something to fill the void left by war. This emptiness is common among veterans, a sense of something missing that civilian life can't fill.
For me, the answer was in storytelling. By traveling and immersing myself in different cultures, I wanted to understand people better and to find stories that needed to be told. This journey helped me connect with people from all walks of life, gaining insights that enriched my perspective and gave me a new sense of purpose.
I dedicated myself to telling stories, to highlight the struggles and successes of human kind. My experiences as a young Army Ranger have given me a unique perspective, one that I hope can help others understand and appreciate the complexities of human existence.
Even if it means helping in the smallest ways, whether by sharing stories, supporting veterans, or advocating for those still affected by the conflicts, every effort counts. It’s about making a difference, no matter how small, and ensuring that the legacy of those who gave all is honored and remembered.
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