« I May Be Cheap ... | Main | It's Here! »
September 22, 2006
Hell No! He Won't Go!
Andrew is dying to go into the National Guard. Two of his friends (these kids are still in high school) have enlisted. He sees them doing it, so he thinks it’s a good idea and sounds like fun. In Andrew’s words, “They get to go play with guns this weekend.”
The boy’s parents had to sign for them because they aren’t 18 yet. However, we won’t sign the papers. Andrew told me last night he has people who want to talk to me. Yes, I’m sure they do. Those recruiters are like a car salesmen. They try to push and push and push. They keep asking questions so they can give you the answer they think will turn you around. There’s nothing I hate worse than someone trying to push me or convince me to do what they want. My son’s life is not worth the recruiter getting a bonus check. No thanks.
A few nights ago, a recruiter called and asked to speak with Kevin. (Kevin’s name popped up on a list because he is attending college.) He asked Kevin if he was interested in enlisting. Kevin laughed and told him he is 37 years old with a family – no way. It aggravates me that the college freely gives out lists of this kind.
Back to Andrew …
In my opinion, he can do what he wants when he turns 18. Until then, I am not signing over his death certificate. We are in a time of war, so I hope he thinks very carefully. He will be 18 at the end of March.
It’s kind of frightening to me that he will be able to sign over his life like that. Those recruiters make so many promises and they make it look so good that it’s hard for him to see past all that even though we have tried to tell him it’s all lies. No one we have EVER talked to, no matter what branch they went into, got what the recruiter told them they would. Not one!
Furthermore, if they can make him such good offers now, they should be able to make them in six months time.
In the end, he will do what he wants despite our warnings. He is as hard headed as his mama.
Posted by tami at September 22, 2006 12:25 PM
Comments
Maybe he'll change his mind before he turns 18. I would be scared to death if I were in your position.
Posted by: Stacey at September 23, 2006 12:47 PM
Oh this is so difficult, they don't tell you that you join the forces to kill other people. I remember my brother realising this only after he had served in Northern Ireland and had seen the killing.
Andrew may well enjoy being on the end of the gun's trigger, but someone else will be in his sights.
I wish you all the best in this choice he is going to make.
Posted by: Miss L at September 23, 2006 1:16 PM
my brother just signed up with the army last month and ships out in two weeks. He is optomistic, and believes what they tell him. But we all know better. But at the same time having direction in his life has made a big difference, for so long he was flondering and didn't know what to do or where to go and now he does. So even though it is not safe, it might be the best thing for him if it is truly what he is being called to do. I know it is hard, and I don't want to lose my brother, but I also think that for some people it is what they find joy, peace, and purpose in. Just a thought. I also have several family members who have served and retired during various wars and they all said that it helped them learn who they were and what to do with their lives later.
Posted by: ellice at September 25, 2006 6:23 AM