An army brat. That's what I was always called. My dad was in the army my entire life. I can't remember a time when he wasn't in uniform, except on holidays and weekends. He was hardly ever home. He worked late hours and when the war in Iraq started he was deployed overseas. He came back for Christmas and Easter but that's it. I was always so worried that something would happen to him over there. After all, I heard all these stories about soldiers dyeing. I didn't want that to happen to him. That was my biggest fear. Well one day, my biggest fear was realized. A man from the National Guard appeared at my door with some bad news. My father had died protecting the other soldiers. A grenade was thrown and he jumped on it. It was either he died, or all of them died. He was with a group of 8 other people, all of whose lives he saved by jumping on that grenade. My dad was a hero. And I wanted to be his legacy.

"I can't believe you're going to be gone for 7 months!" My mom squealed throwing her arms around me.

"I know mom. But I'll be back for Christmas," I replied.

"But that's in December! It's May, Spencer!" She was whining like a child.

"Baby sis," I turned to look at my brother Glen. "Are you ready? Our flight leaves in 5 minutes."

I nodded. I was so ready for this. This was the day I go to Iraq. I was ready, but I was scared. My dad died 5 months ago, and you would think I would never step foot in Iraq after what happened. But when my dad died it only made me want to go more. To prove that he didn't die for nothing. He died for me, for those 8 soldiers, and most of all, for his country. I decided right then to join the army. I was 17 when he died, but I graduated and decided to do what I've always wanted to do. The only reason I wasn't peeing my pants right now was because of Glen. I was so glad when he decided to enlist with me. Clay said he would, but he was in college, Yale actually, and he couldn't.

I heard an announcement for our flight and tugged Glen's arm.

"We've got to go."

I gave Clay and my mom one last hug and then walked off with Glen in tow. This will definitely be interesting. I wonder who I will meet there. They say the friends you make in the army are lifelong friends. I sure hope that's true.

I board the plane and sit in Seat 12 C, with my brother sitting next to me. Sweet, I got the window seat! About 15 minutes later the plane takes off and I look down to see everything I'm leaving. Don't get me wrong, I want to leave, but I'm just excited to be rid off boot camp. I had to go for 3 long months. It was hell. Now I'm on my way to the army base somewhere in Virginia. Roanoke, I think. From there we will go to Iraq. I looked over to Glen. He was in uniform, as was I. Suddenly it hit me. I was in the army. I was going to go to Iraq, where there are guns, tough conditions, and death. I think I just peed a little.