Mailed blog – written by Julian

25 Feb 11

At the start of all this I knew I would change, and for the better.   I just couldn’t predict how much.  I thought I’d be just a “better me”.  Instead what I have gotten is a new life.  Becoming soldier has not made me a “better me” but a “new me”.   The changes I have undergone have been so deep.  From here on, the world will be a different place for Specialist Plamann..  Today was a sad day as we had a memorial service for Private Jordan T. Chase.  As I’ve said, the “assassins” (Platoon name) have become a family and to lose one of our own so soon has been really difficult.  At the front of the chapel were his helmet, rifle, boots, and dog tags, along with a great picture of him in uniform.  Stories were shared and we all agreed PVT Chase was an exemplary soldier.  I loved the story of him lifting up the backpacks of his battle buddies on marches so that it was easier for them to climb the hills.  That’s how I will remember him.  I have a feeling PVT Chase will forever be lifting our packs and his giving spirit will live on.

The rest of the day was very low-key.  The company commander wanted to be sensitive to our emotions.  We were given the opportunity to talk to the chaplain and then broke off into platoons to relax and share stories.  After lunch we watched the Hurt Socker and after dinner watched Restrepo.  I have always enjoyed war movies, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t .  However, I now see them in a very different light.  Those guys on the screen look, act, and talk just like me.  Restrepo is a National Geographic documentary about a company in Iraq.  It is very real, sobering, and eye-opening.

When I raised my hand and swore to serve my country, I knew I was guaranteed to go to war.  Since then, the trainings and lessons I have learned make that reality so much more tangible.  I am getting the best training out here and I know I will be ready for whatever my country needs me to do.  I am an American Soldier, beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take my stand.