by Amanda Teo

Created on: February 03, 2010

Life as a soldier is a long journey. Before I committed myself to this task, I imagined what it would be out in the middle of the battlefield. However, what I expected did not come close to experiencing it first hand. I remember my friends would constantly attempt to stop me from going out there; out into the dangerous zone. “John, please don’t leave us. You know there is a high chance that you will never come back.” my friend would tell me. Yet, no matter how hard they strived, I knew what I was called to do. I had a duty. My responsibility was to provide freedom for the nation, even if it included sacrificing my life.

Well it has been three and a half years now and I am still living. I still keep in touch with my friends. During my free time, I would take the opportunity writing letters to home. I see fighting for the North a privilege. Yes, it definitely had its ups and downs, but doesn’t everything? The life of a soldier is not just to fight. When we are not in battle, time was mostly spent drilling on battle techniques and strategies. A war could not be fought with men who had no knowledge of how to fight. George G. Meade, our commander, committed his time to prepare us. Although he was a good general, many soldiers abhorred him. Some called him "a damned old goggle-eyed snapping turtle." His short temper made him notorious. At times I could not stand him, but I pitied him as I figured his job was not easy.

When we had free time, we would spend our time like every ordinary human being would. When we were not waiting for orders, playing dominoes, cards and chess were favorite games played to pass time. I personally took this time to reflect on pass battles as well as converse with other men. It was a good way to take my mind off heavy thoughts in my head. Missing my family and home was hard. Three years is a long time to be away from something you hold on to so dearly. To make time go by faster, I would also sneak in a short nap. Sleeping in a tent with 6 men is a challenge. With my friends snoring, I got little sleep. After a short nap I would go outside and cook with my friends. I did not cook much at home, so this was a new learning experience for me. My friends and I would concoct food with any ingredients we could find. While cooking, we would chat about battles and the joys and difficulties we face of being a soldier. When the food was done, we would have a little dinner party outside our tent.

I remember vividly one particular

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