My best friend since the 8th grade, Rollin is currently deployed overseas. I received a phone call from him last night (or early this morning rather) and I've got to say, it was good to hear from him. However, although he excitedly spoke about his adventures in the Pacific, it did not outweigh his excitement for his return to California, which is safe to say has been long overdue. I mean sure, he's visited Cali every now and then but it's been a while since he actually resided here. It recently became a possibility that he may become a recruiter in Orange County by the closing months of this year. We're crossing our fingers man.
So what I realized from this conversation was that even though I'm out of the Marine Corps, the push continues. There are still Marines and others out there fighting the war and keeping peace. It's like the minute I took my combat boots off, I entered a completely different world. The Marine Corps became almost unreal to me. I've gotten too comfortable with my way of living here in the states and have forgotten about all those sleepless nights overseas when I vowed never to take the luxuries I have at home for granted. I have fallen prey to the ignorance of a spoiled American, who conjure up the most pettiest of complaints. So today, I remember and honor those who have fallen and applaud those currently serving. These are the men and women who keep our country free. Let's never take this freedom (or their sacrifice) for granted.
