Oh for the love of...

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • Air Mobility Warfare Center Public Affairs
FORT DIX, N.J. (AFPN) --  Throughout my nearly 15-year military career, I've had many people ask me why I do what I do. I was asked recently by a civilian friend, "Why are you still in the military? Aren't you afraid of what could happen if they send you some where?"

My response to these questions was simple. I said, "Oh, for the love of it all."

This friend's response was, "For the love of all of what?"

To me, the statement was like opening up Pandora's Box. This friend obviously has not experienced the same things I have these past 15 years, and in my response I took that into consideration. So as I started to respond, I figured it be best to paint the whole picture to effectively answer the questions presented to me.

"Well, for the love of family is one part," I responded.

I explained that as an Airman, and as a husband, father and grandfather, I have the best family in the world. All of my family, including all of my personal extended and military family, are behind the life I chose to lead.

"If it wasn't for the love my family has provided me, I don't know that I could do this," I explained. "If you know that what you do takes you away from your family at times, making decisions on a career in the military can be tough. However, it's because of that family I remain strong and steadfast in voluntarily serving to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States year in and year out."

The conversation didn't stop there though. I said, "It's also for the love of freedom."

I went on to elaborate that as a nation fighting the war on terrorism, and especially since Sept. 11, 2001, it's my job to do everything I can to help protect the freedoms we enjoy today as Americans.

"The attack on our soil on Sept. 11, 2001, should prove my point," I said. "I don't know of anybody personally who doesn't feel the same as me on this issue."

The friend nodded in agreement.

"I'm also still serving for the love of those who served before me," I said. "Think about it! There have been millions of Americans who have fought our wars of the past and who have served and died for our country. It is my honor to even be mentioned among the veterans of our country."

My friend's response to this point could be best categorized as "stunned silence." My gut feeling was no one had ever come out and explained his or her reasons to my friend with this much clarity. However, I wasn't done yet.

"My biggest reason," I said, "is for the love of country."

As a patriot in a country that welcomes people of all races, creed, origin, religion and more, I emphatically told my friend that it's because I love my country so much that I continue to serve.

"I don't care if you have political differences with me or if you want to disagree with everything I've just told you," I said. "My point is you have that right and it's my honor to help preserve that right for you (and I do so) as a member of the Air Force and the military. In my opinion, we live in one of the greatest countries in the world and I am more than happy defending this country and the principles it stands for."

As that conversation ended, I hope my friend left with a newfound respect for his country and, maybe, for the people he has as friends.

I say all of this because I want you all to know that if you get asked the same question, take the time to explain about how you feel about why you serve. Whether it is for the love of family, freedom, veterans or your country, we have our reasons and I am proud to be among you.

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