[ WP ] Write a soldier 's journal entry on his first day at war . Then write his last journal entry .

March 12th 2005 
 
 I went on my first patrol today. Even though i have only been here for 2 weeks, it feels like 2 years. This place, it feels almost alien. The terrain is nothing but rock and sand. The heat is close to intolerable. The vets in our platoon call what im going through the `` Newbie blues''. Gutierrez is n't handling it well at all and was taken to medical when we got back to base. Nothing major happened. We ran into some local farmers or whatever. They gave us some food and water in exchange for some first aid supplies. I was leery to accept but my CO assured me that they were `` legit''. The food was actually pretty good. `` as long as i do n't ask what is it i'd be OK''. So far the most unnerving this is having to check for anything that can leap out at me while i'm taking a piss. Sargent Michaels showed me a picture of a Camel Spider they killed in the barracks just before lights out and i can definitely say that i'll take on a whole regiment of Taliban before i take on one of those fucking things! 
 
 
 
 I can see now what it is we take for granted back home after only being here for 2 weeks. These people have NOTHING! and yet they still manage to be happy. It is mind boggling but at the same time oddly inspiring. Once i am done with this tour i think i am going to re-evaluate my life priorities. I sure miss my family and friends. I know my dad was n't happy about me enlisting. I just hope he can one day understand and be proud of me. 
 
 April 6th 2006 
 
 1 week to go. I cant wait to get out of this place. God help me. The things I've done. The people I've killed. It no longer even bothers me. I think back to how scared i was that very first night we were involved in a firefight. That same night is when i took my first life in the defense of the freedoms and ideals of my country. God it sounds almost silly now. I used to feel that terror and adrenaline rush when a mortar struck yet now i hardly even react except for the initial impact and explosion. 
 
 Gutierrez is a lost cause. the poor bastard hits the dirt at the sound of anything louder then a twig snapping. Fuck some new recruit made the mistake of trying to wake him up and was thanked with a broken nose and a dislocated shoulder. I hope the VA can help him. He is a good man. Got me through some dark shit. It kills me that i cant repay that debt. Time to go get suited up. Intel says that the Taliban have become more aggressive in the area were headed to but expect little trouble. Last time i read that in my file an IED took out 6 squad mates. 1 MORE PATROL AND I AM DONE. God i miss my family. 
 
 Droplets of tears fell onto the page as he read those final words. They caused the pages yellowed from age to darken slightly. He closed the journal. The charred edges and dried blood on the cover still caused him so much pain. He would never forget the day the 2 men in dress uniform rang his doorbell. He knew what they were going to say before they said a word. It was evident in their facial expression and body language. He snapped back to the present and walked to the living room where he picked up the phone and dialed. 
 
 `` Hello is this Alonzo Gutierrez? My name is John Burke. Did you serve with my Son Jarvis Burke in Afghanistan in 04?'' 
 
 ``.......yes sir i did.'' 
 
 `` I do n't know how you managed to get this journal to me but thank you. You have no idea what this means to myself and my family.'' 
 
 `` Your son was an amazing man and a fine soldier. You should be proud.'' 
 
 `` we are. and thank you for everything you have done for us and your country.'' 
 
 As he hung up the phone something happened. Something profound. Gutierrez smiled and felt better for the first time in months. 

