This is a well-written article from an Army mom who is serving as a Hero At Home while her son deploys. You can read more from her at Blog of an Infantry Mom.

How Could I Let Him Enlist?

I’ve had this question put to me several times over the last month or so, usually by other mothers who were appalled that my oldest son was going into a war zone of his own accord. Each time I’m asked, I talk about how proud I am and yes, that I’m terrified as well, but that it’s his choice.

I was thinking about this a bit today and finally it sort of gelled in my own mind. All InfantrySon’s life I’ve tried to teach him to be a critical thinker, to examine options and make educated decisions based on those options.

I’ve taught him to be honorable. To know that HE has value and worth and to see the value and worth not just in other individuals but in a cause, in an almost intangible desire to do the RIGHT thing.

I’ve taught him to put aside the natural desire of selfishness and try to empathize with others, especially those with less than he has.

I’ve taught him that his word MEANS something. That breaking your word lessens its worth and it took constant care to continue to make his word something of value, something to count on.

I’ve taught him that the only thing in this world he can control is his own actions and honor.

I’ve taught him to go to bat for those that need help.

I’ve taught him to respect others and earn their respect in return. Respect is not given, it can only be earned.

I’ve taught him that he can do ANYTHING he wants to do, if he wants it badly enough.

I’ve done my best to teach him to be a good man.

Now he is a man, fighting for a cause he fully believes in. He’s putting himself in harm’s way to protect others that will never know him. He’s made it through OSUT in the honor platoon and won a unit medallion when every Drill Sergeant bet he’d never make it. He earned their respect, he earned his step-father’s respect. He never considered quitting or giving up, he’d given his word to the United States and he was determined to keep it.

He’s one hell of a good man.

So maybe the answer to this constant question has a very simple answer….

How could I have stopped him from being who I’d always tried to teach him to be?