Basic training was hard. Between the lactic acid buildup, yelling, sleep deprivation, and random rules there was always the potential for frustration. However, even though our leaders were the ones putting us through the pain, I never wanted to develop hard feelings toward them.

In the midst of our own struggle it was easy to overlook how much our cadre did for us. When we went to sleep, they were still awake filling out paperwork and planning our next day for us. When we woke up to the Reveille trumpet and the pounding on our doors, they had already been awake for half an hour. When they destroyed us during PT sessions they were doing the exercises too, except they had to do perform them even better than us. When they scolded us over seemingly small things they knew that they wouldn’t be liked, but they did it anyway – because if they didn’t, we wouldn’t grow and learn.

I am thankful that God has used the upperclassmen around me to mold me and to teach me in ways I never could have been with easy circumstances. After all, if Jesus was able to die lovingly for people who killed him hatefully, the least I could do is pay respect to my leaders who are working hard to help me. Thank you all!