A Month in the Life

So-last Thursday was Flag Day, and loving the military as I [Chauntay] do, I thought it appropriate to dedicate a day to them. Alicia wrote an article/interview about a good friend of ours Billy Mullinax. I have personal experience with the military because a very good friend of mine is currently stationed in Baghdad, Iraq. I’m not sure how many people have direct contact with anyone in the military, or how much they having been willing to give you details, so I decided to provide the life and lifestyle. I hope this is a reality check to you and that you see how much you should be grateful for and to always remember our soldiers in your prayers.
I’m writing today about Conrad Guillot. He joined the Army January 5, 2004 and has gone through extensive training since then. He is currently on his third tour to Iraq now, which is a 15-month assignment. He is in Baghdad, Iraq. Now his first deployment he was there and he was a Combat Line Medic, which means he walked the streets and kicked down doors with the grunts.

They do have a little place that has a few computers that they can go and sign on to the internet to chat or check their email. They have one computer at "work" (aidstation / living quarters) that they can check their email on only. This makes it somewhat easier for the guys to stay in contact with their friends and family from home.



As far as their feelings on being there, they wouldn’t leave if you let them. I’ve asked Conrad several times, well if they say you could leave, or you get medical leave, or if you had the chance would you come home? He always says NO! He’s very emphatic about it. He says that if that he would never leave his guys, they need each other; they’re like a family. Secondly he says if they left (pulled out of Iraq), then every guy, friend, that had lost his/her life would be wasted. They are there for a cause and are prepared to stay until it’s resolved. Although it is hard to be away from their families, I think that they love what they do, or the result that it brings. Conrad says that the media has a hidden agenda (which we all know) and that in reality everyone there loves them. These are the first signs of peace and normalcy they’ve ever had. He said many times that they’re on the streets all the kids come up to them; they love them. The soldiers give them food, presents, anything really. But of course to watch the news you’d think that the whole world hated us!!

I think that it’s important to never forget that we wouldn’t be here if someone didn’t give their life to protect our freedom. Any aspect of our life is directly affected by the military. I have the deepest respect for the military and their undying devotion to their homeland. They don’t do it because they have to, not because they were asked to, but because they have a love for their country, their loved ones, and because they simply want too.


OUR soldiers always need things and it doesn’t cost much to give to them. You can send packages at the post office for a flat rate I believe around 7 dollars. Any kind of toiletries, condiments, magazines (they LOVE to read), suckers, candy (I suggest hard candy), and anything really you can think of. One small act on your end could directly affect the life of a soldier on his end. Think about it.


Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!