At this point in my life, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed. Why? Well, I have just come to realize that it took me 19 years of my life to begin to truly appreciate the mindset of the men and women who choose to serve. This kind of clarity didn’t come from years of reading history books on war. I mean, there is really only so much you can learn through the pictures you see in your textbook, right? You can stare at the photographs all you want and wonder about the people in them. You can question: What compelled them to serve? Did they make it out okay? Did they have family? Did they know what they were getting into? However, up until this point, I haven’t been able to answer these questions. Not through presidential speeches, propaganda, distorted media on the news, and bolded terminology. It was only until I started dating a contracted U.S. Army cadet that I began to understand what it meant to serve to men and women who are in, or are in the process of going in, the service. During this article, I would like to talk about the undeniable reasons that set these remarkable men and women apart from the rest. Most importantly, I want to highlight why we should pay more respect and gratitude toward them. So, without further ado, let’s talk about the “one in a million” kind of people. Or should I say- the “less than one percent.”
1. They Are Our Real Life Superheroes
This may be the most distinguishable characteristic of a soldier…and by far the most important to remember. When soldiers put on their uniform every day, they are basically putting on a cape of their own. These men and women serve their job in order to protect us from the evils we can’t see. Without complaint, they risk their lives just so that we can live normal ones.
2. They Are Selfless
A distinct feature that sets a cadet, soldier, or veteran apart from everyone is their extreme selflessness. Without consideration, they uphold the fact that their mission is to put us first. This attribute of theirs involves them putting the needs of our country and their military branch ahead of their personal wants.
3. They Are Hard-Working
If there is anything that I have noticed about people I know in the service, it is that their work ethic is undeniably higher than others. People who are in or in the process of going into the service are always working towards a new goal. Day in and day out, they push themselves to the limit without complaint. While they do this in the effort to better themselves, their end goal is that this betterment will be beneficial for them to serve us more effectively.
4. They Are Humble
With number four being noted, I have to acknowledge the extreme humility people in the military have in the face of their accomplishments. Dissimilar to most of us, they complete their assignments without expecting payments or personal recognition.
5. They Are Respectful
Not only do our troops respect their fellow battle buddies, but they pledge to treat all others with respect. That includes showing respect to citizens’ religious traditions and customs, whether it be on American terrain or foreign soil. Soldiers also show extreme deference to their officers and commanders by loyally following their orders, conducting themselves properly, and sustaining a high standard of physical presentation.
6. They Are Responsible
Those in the service make it their priority to fulfill their duties in the best means that they can. As well as holding themselves responsible, they know how to effectively lead those who they serve with. In the end, they make sure that they complete every mission successfully and suitably, whether it be in or out of duty.
7. They are Loyal
Our military has the duty to honor, protect, and serve the nation…as well as their fellow soldiers. These men and women loyally care for one another and they never attempt to challenge their commanders. This devotion of theirs carries on with them even after war, towards all that they encounter.
8. They Are Intelligent
While most of us would need to decide what to do when confronted in a sudden situation, a soldier would already be taking action. Their intelligence enables them to accurately devise a plan, go about it, and create a backup plan in a matter of split seconds.
9. They Are Brave
While on the battle field, or back at home, these men and women don’t succumb to pressure. They face every situation head on and with everything they have. Never once do they take the simple way out. No matter how much pain and discomfort it may cause them.
10. They Have Integrity
Along with completing tasks courageously, military men and women do it with integrity. Regardless of the task at hand, or the consequences that may come from it, they take the ethical high route. Overall, our military pledges to never compromise to do what would be easy over what would be right.
With that being said, I would like to thank all of the men and women who have served, all of those in service now, and all of those aspiring to serve. I cannot describe how much I appreciate your honor, dedication, and protection. I would also like to thank anyone who has read this article up until this point; and I would encourage you to wear your heart on your sleeve and thank someone you know who wore a flag on theirs!
