Tuesday, August 25, 2009
It’s finally here — the dreaded first Monday of the new school year.
Technically school started last Thursday, but we all know nothing serious begins until now.
A three-month break from class allows students to work a job, gain some knowledge with an internship, get ahead on classes or lounge at the pool.
This seems like a regular summer to me, but after meeting a few military individuals I definitely got to thinking. What is it like to spend summer training for war? How do some people handle college, a part-time job and being in the military? And do the rest of us really appreciate the sacrifices these people make?
Most of us don’t realize there are many students whose summers do not include a drink with an umbrella, taking a few courses or getting a tan.
Imagine waking up at 4 a.m. and filling the sunny days with physical training, barracks maintenance and hours of class work. For students in the military this is the reality of summer.
Ross Dubois, Marshalltown, Iowa, senior formally known as Specialist Dubois, 603rd MP Company, sat and talked with me about the double-life of being not only a Jayhawk, but also a
veteran.
Dubois was first deployed to Ramadi, near Faluja, a week before finals in May 2007. He spent just over a year there before returning to school. Dubois devoted part of his summer to the Warrior Leader Course at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. These training sessions are necessary to prepare individuals for situations they may face in the future.
Veterans are rewarded for their service with monetary bonuses and GI Bills. However, most find a personal feeling of responsibility and a drive to be a part of something more as the force behind their decision.
“You could take away all of those benefits and I’d still do it,” Dubois said.
Many students probably don’t consider the hundreds of military personnel on campus. These people live a normal life, except when they randomly get a call to go overseas, spend a few weeks training or spend one weekend a month in active duty. Organizations such as the University’s Collegiate Veterans Association assist students in readjusting to college life. Its services can benefit veterans by educating students about loan options and counseling those who may be struggling with the transition.
I’m extremely impressed and grateful there are people willing to sacrifice their time to contribute to the welfare of our country. Only a strong person could take on the responsibility of protecting others.
“We are the last people who want to go,” Dubois said, “but we also know there is a job to be done and we will do what it takes to make sure it’s completed.”
Dubois also said that although veterans blend in on campus, Jayhawks are welcoming and grateful to servicemen when veteran status is revealed. Nicely done, Hawks!
Considering how much these people go through to protect us it’s the least we can do. While you’re getting acclimated to campus once again this week, if you know or meet a veteran, stop and say “hi” and “thank you.”
— Buser is a Columbia, Ill., senior in journalism.
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