The time has finally come. I left home for Iraq today. I can’t tell all the specific details but as implied, my family is home and I am gone. I guess if you had told me that I was going to hold a weapon for the sake of this country and willingly leave my family for 12 months I would have told you you were crazy. As with most military members, I can mostly blame circumstance for where I am today. I joined the military for many reasons.
I had tried several different jobs before conceding to the unavoidable outcome of a military career. Sales, labor, white collar, blue collar. None of them seemed to sit well with me. I guess I felt selfish or greedy for upselling something that I had no faith in or being overpaid for tedious labor that would continue forever if I were to allow it. School was difficult for me. Abbott’s were not bred for scholarly lifestyles even though some of us have risen above that, I reverted back to my hereditary default and did not succeed as much as I had wanted to.
So here I am. A soldier in the United States Army. Funny how I didn’t plan for this to happen and yet I couldn’t be more proud of my choice. My grandchildren will be able to say that grandpa fought in Iraq. Either me or my children will receive an education because of my service. Most of all, I am doing something that really isn’t about me. It’s about my family and my country. How many people can say that about their job?! FEW!
This country was founded under God’s commision and I’m defending that. Even though this war isn’t necessarily what we bargained for it’s important that I do my part to finish the task and ensure the next guy has less work to do.
I love my wife, Bethany, and already miss her dearly. She has been incredibly strong these last few months. I know I can count on her to keep my family safe while I’m gone. I can only imagine all the different ways my kids will grow in my absence. I can only be assured that they will both continue to grow up strong in the gospel and in our Savior. I love you Teyton and Mckayla. I’ll try to post as often as possible. I will not be able to give times, dates, places, or anything else that might be considered OpSec. God bless.
Specialist Abbott
6 comments:
Good luck babe! I love you so much and am so proud of you! I know that with this experience you will be able to grow in ways that would not be possible anywhere else in life. I miss you and I can't wait to see you again via the wonderful web cam that you set up for me. :) You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
ps Kayla says night night and that she loves you.
WOW!
I was on Tommy's blog and saw the link to your website. I couldn't be more surprised to learn you are on your way to Iraq. How fitting on this Veteran's Day. Please please keep yourself safe. You are going into a lifestyle where it will be very difficult to live your values. Do your best and stay close to Heavenly Father. We'll keep you in our prayers in our family.
Best,
Cindy Yates
Oh Corey!!! Good luck. Be safe. We appreciate what you are doing more than you know. You and Bethany and kids will always be in our prayers.
God be with you, Corey. Keep us updated; the specifics aren't as important as will be the fact that you will be keeping in touch.
ps- you ought to see if someone can send you a copy of Sergeant Nibley, Ph.D.: Memories of an Unlikely Screaming Eagle. It's awesome and would probably be a great read for you right now.
http://tinyurl.com/nibleywwii
I have so much respect for you brother. Do your best and God bless! Keep us posted!
Be safe Corey- we are all keeping you and YOUR family in our prayers. Stay close toyour heavenly father- he will bless you with safety as needed. Im ever grateful to you as you defend the freedom we dearly take for granted. The things you will endure are your burden alone, and I pray that you will trust in your savior to lighten them. We love you! Keep a smile on your face and care in your heart
Tom and Al
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