Posted on 01/03/2008 4:42:36 PM PST by SandRat
RUTBAH, Iraq (Jan. 3, 2008) -- RUTBAH, Iraq – Making a choice after graduating from high school is stressful for most, but for one Yuma, Ariz., native, the military was his number one choice. The difficult decision was choosing which branch of service to enter.
Looking to his father for advice was difficult because he had served a tour in the Marine Corps and then finished out his 20 years in the Army. He told his son he loved them both and he would have to research them and make his own decision.
Spc. Louis Madrid III did just that. After talking to a recruiter from each branch, the 2004 EOC Charter High School graduate chose to join the U.S. Army.
“The choice wasn’t that easy, considering I lived in a Marine Corps town,” said Madrid. “But, I liked what the Army recruiter had to say. He was really motivating and made me want to be a soldier.”
Irony would take a turn as Madrid, an infantryman with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry, is now attached to the Marine’s Regimental Combat Team 2, and is currently serving in Rutbah, Iraq.
“I like working with the Marines,” he said. “They are very professional and helpful. But, the bottom line is, we are all out here for the same reason, the same cause. When you are in this position, we all just see U.S.”
Madrid said that he is glad he had the opportunity to deploy to Iraq with his Ft. Stewart, Ga., unit and has seen most of the Anbar province during his deployment.
“We are building the Iraqis up, getting them set up to be successful. I hope we do a good enough job to where they can maintain,” said Madrid. “I have been stationed at Ramadi and Hit for a while during this deployment and have been everywhere from the Jordanian to Syrian border, I have driven all over this place. I think the Iraqis have come far. From what I have heard from the previous OIF, they have come a long way. I like the people.”
He said that coming from a military family helps his father, Louis, understand what he is going through. Madrid said his mother, Deanna, is what one would expect.
“My mom has the same fears that any mother would,” said Madrid. “She doesn’t like that I am over here, but at the same time is proud. I am her only son, so she keeps that in mind.”
Deanna, who works at the Army Proving Grounds in Yuma, shows her support to her son by sending care packages and remaining his biggest fan, he said.
After his 15-month deployment ends in March, Madrid plans on re-enlisting in the Army. However, he is looking to change jobs because of his interest in photography and video.
FR WAR NEWS!
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