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
