Invisible Soldier
   by Kevin R

Hunger gnaws at my stomach. It has been days since I’ve eaten a real meal. Last one was before my platoon left our Forward Operating Base for a patrol. We marched for hours through the blazing hot deserts of Afghanistan to set-up at this point on a ridge overlooking a small village. Before I used to think that the night would bring some relief from the merciless Sun, but the temperature drops to below freezing, and the cruel talons of winter clasp around my bones. As I look out over the barren wasteland which surrounds our camp, I watch the sand dunes, black against the sky gradually melt as the Sun slips farther into its grave. Tonight the sky is clear, and the stars flash forth like a million bonfires. I often look up at them and think of my family and wonder if they have ever done the same, thinking of me instead. I imagine them now, sitting around the dinner table, knives and forks in their hands, ready to carve up the steaming plates of food before them. Or I think about my niece riding her bike in the park or hunting bugs with her Opa. After a long day, she will be tucked into her bed, warm and safe. My life in the Air Force has its hardships, but I know that my sacrifice ensures that my family’s bellies are full, that they have a warm place to sleep at night, and that they have a father, brother, uncle and son fighting to protect their freedoms. I sacrificed my life for those I love and to protect innocent people. I hope that one day the American people will become more knowledgeable about the situation over here. Until that day, I will remain invisible.