by Michael Morini

Created on: February 27, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

As an Active Duty Soldier I was in a high tempo unit, every day and some nights I was on the go constantly. Though I loved the Army I got burned out and at the end of my Active Duty commitment I got out, thats what is known as an Honorable Discharge. I had served my time, done my duty and seen some of the nicer vacation spots, such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
I returned to the suburbs of DC and tried to adjust. I found a job as a mechanics assistant but hated it and eventually got fired for fighting. After my mechanic Job didn't work out I found my way into the local community college and survived off of my Montgomery GI Bill, yet again my Uncle Sam was caring for me. Though I things were going nice for me I found that something was missing. One day I stumbled across a recruiter who had the same combat patch on his right shoulder that I had. We began talking and I figured out what my life was missing, action!

I wound up in the reserves and love my new unit. I have found that a soldiers life is the only life for me. However there is a down side to this dream job of mine. I don't have bullets flying at me anymore so I go for the next best thing heavy drinking and chasing women. I am told by those around me that I am "cool." It is nice to have the title bestowed upon me but being "cool" doesn't pay my bills and the $200 (about) I get from the reserves doesn't either. If only there was a way I could profit from drinking and running amok, so far the only thing Ive been given from drinking heavily is a few free beers, a few pretty girls numbers and a really bad hangover every Sunday morning.
In the coming months I will again be preparing for another tour of duty in a the sand box. Again I will dawn the uniform that still gives me chills when I wear it. Again I will have boots on the ground in the land where life originated and again I will have the job that I love. A soldiers life is the only life for me.

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