Soldier’s words found among his belongings

I joined the military for several reasons. The most important was to form a foundation for what I have ahead in my life. I joined because of the benefits also. Money for college, signing bonus, free housing, medical and dental, which makes it easier to save money.

Also, deep down inside I guess one could say I am the noble type, the "countryman," the patriot.

Sure, I could have kept with snowboarding but injuries make it too easy to lose a sponsor and it probably would have never taken me to Italy or Germany anyways.

I knew the Army would take me places. Upon entering I had only been to Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Now I have been to Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Germany and Italy.

The Army has been pretty good for me so far; it has given me steady pay and discipline. It has shown me how to respect others and lend a helping hand.

I got to learn a lot of important things … most of all I got to overcome my fear of heights and jump out of an airplane.

I only hope that one day I will get to pass on my knowledge.

— Justin Hebert