I totally agree, too. Since i won't discuss politics, let's just say that not all people serving are totally gung ho about the war. I just don't like the feeling of people judging my son as a "killer." He didn't join for political reasons, though he certainly has political opinions. It's especially hard around here, where being in the military is automatically seen as a bad thing. And it's hard for me, as one who was out marching on the Boston Common, in 1968, as a 14 year old. But, I am still really proud of my son. He did something against the norm and I think he has grown up a lot. He wasn't someone who needed to "grow up," but he has responsibility that most 23 year olds don't have; especially since he became a sergeant, he does a lot of "life counseling' for the younger guys.
Gingerale, my son is doing exactly what your friend did. He made a reservation to Sydney and no other plans. I could NEVER do that. He called this morning and told us that he booked a flight to Thailand, since he's so close and it was pretty reasonably priced. He told us that he wants to travel like this for a few months when he is done, before going back to school.
Hey, I am just happy that he is now saying "when I go back to school."