As time winds down

As time winds down, we reflect on the past nine months of serving our country.

We go on countless missions to support other bases and fellow soldiers driving through the crowded streets of Baghdad, scanning the sides of the roads for the next roadside bomb -- not knowing if that piece of garbage is going to explode or whether it's simply just another piece garbage sitting idly by the wayside. A feeling of nervousness and anxiety overwhelms the crews of our trucks as we pass by these unknown objects. In a split second, that feeling leaves and we are consumed by a feeling of relief and joy, that is until we roll up on another piece of the unknown.

Arriving at our destination brings back the sense of joy and relief only to realize that we must turn around and go back through the unknown. Time and time again we face the uncertainties, not because we have to, but because every single one of us chose this path.

We chose to defend our country, doing whatever it takes to protect those people back home that support us to the fullest. Most of us joined after 9/11; to strike back at those who started a fight they cannot and will not win.

To show those cowards that you can attack us when our backs are turned, but we will attack you looking at you dead in the eyes with no fears, holding nothing back until we defeat our attackers. Every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine plays a vital role in supporting one another. Even the most miniscule jobs play a role in the overall picture and efforts that we put in every day over here.

I will be forever grateful for those who paid the ultimate price while serving their country, for they are true heroes and their patriotism knows no boundaries. We all left some sort of family behind, as bad as it hurts to leave them behind; we joined a new family of brothers and sisters who are willing to put their lives on the line every day. We join a family that will support us through the good and bad; a family that will lay down their own lives so that you may live and a family that understands how hard it is to leave your real family back home. We come to know each other more than we ever thought we could. I will forever be grateful for those who served before, to those I served with and to those that will serve after me.

Miguel Gonzales

2010

-- Gonzales, a McCook native, is a specialist on his second tour of Iraq, serving with the Nebraska Army National Guard's 1195th Transportation Co.