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Propaganda from pro- and anti-war groups tell conflicting ideas of soldiers’ experiences.  Only soldiers can tell the everyday realities of their surroundings.  Idaho soldiers—Corwin Cole, John Seward, Travis Whitman, Matthew Willie, and others who wish to remain anonymous—tell their attitudes about, and experiences with, the U.S. military.

SPC (E-4) Corwin R. Cole, 21, enlisted in the United States Army just over three years ago.  He joined the Army after 9/11 because he “never wanted anyone to have to suffer and go through the pain and fear of attack ever again.”  He “wanted to protect his friends and family, and everyone in the country so they will never have to learn to live in fear.”  Cole grew up in, and returned to Pocatello after sustaining injuries.  Cole has dark hair, dark eyes, and always radiates kindness.  He is saving money to be able to return to college for a degree in physics, and hopes to someday become an officer in the Army.

“I have hurt my right shoulder, which has led to concurrent injuries of the shoulder, back, and hips, all of which are tied to my service,” stated Cole.

Cole, despite such service-related injuries, remains positive about the military.

“Honestly, it’s both humbling and boosting for me to serve,” said Cole energetically.  “I am proud and honored to wear the uniform.”

Twenty-one year old PFC John W. Seward, of Idaho Falls, enlisted in the Idaho National Guard about a year and a half ago.  He joined the Guard because he “wanted to do more for my country” and he “wanted to make a difference.”  Seward liked the benefits that he got by enlisting, and he “wanted to do more with my life and make myself better.”  He has an infectious smile, and a gentlemanly manner.  Six feet tall, he asks his friends call him A.J.—short for Asian John.  Seward, like Cole, suffers from service-related injuries and shares similar positive feelings toward the military. 

Before enlisting in the Idaho National Guard, “I just saw it as a great force and very organized, very professional, just the best of the best,” affirmed Seward.  “I think the military is a good thing for people, especially the guard, because it can benefit people and still allow them to serve their country.” 

Several soldiers in the U.S. Army and Idaho National Guard, however, wished to remain anonymous due to the negativity of their opinions.  They wanted their voices and opinions to be heard, yet still protect their families and reputations in the service and in civilian life.

When asked how he feels about the military, one Army soldier simply said, “oh boy, let me remind you, I’m still enlisted.”

An Idaho National Guardsman declared, “I never knew how many worthless people there were, and how unorganized and wasteful the military is.”

SPC Travis Whitman of Boise enlisted in the Army two years ago.  Growing up in Pocatello, he dreamed of being a soldier.  The twenty-one year old is now deployed in Iraq. Whitman, extremely compassionate towards others and their situations, also can make anyone smile from the inside out with his sense of humor.

If they had the choice again, knowing what they know now, would they still have enlisted? These local soldiers reached a range of conclusions.  Whitman agreed that he would still enlist because “it’s a great life experience.” 

“Although the Army has been a good path for me, I’m honestly not sure if I would do it again,” mentioned the anonymous Army soldier.  “It is hard to maintain a social life when you are getting deployed for 18 months at a time.  I also can’t help but wonder if the cause in Iraq is still worth risking my life over.”

The military has had a very different impact on all the lives of those who serve.  Pocatello resident PFC Matthew Willie, 20, enlisted in the United States Army about a year ago.  He enlisted with his two brothers because it “helped pay for school, it’s fun, and of course to serve my country.”  A lighthearted person, his smile towards his wife and two children radiates joy.  It only takes him moments to demonstrate that they are everything to him.  “I’m away from home a lot. Being married, I’m sure it gives my wife plenty of free time without me,” said Willie jokingly.  Seward found that “it has affected my parents a lot.  They are worried that I will go to war and get hurt, and that would definitely be bad!”

“I am away from everyone a lot,” explained Whitman.  “It’s hard on relationships; adds extra stress especially when you are away for a year at a time without getting to see anyone, just the occasional phone call.”

Serving their country also impacts how they view ethics, society, and themselves.  Whitman feels more disciplined, focused, goal-oriented, and confident.  Cole, like Whitman, feels more confident and self-assured, but feels he had to replace his own sense of morality with the military’s.

“My entire decision process, and sense of right and wrong, [has been affected by service]” avowed Cole.  “Since joining, I have become the defender of freedom and the Constitution and laws of this city, state and country.  As a result, my personal feelings on many things have taken a back seat to the right and wrong I swore to uphold and cherish above all else in my life.” 

Idaho soldiers must deal with the many different effects of their service everyday, and in every way: health, family life, ideas and goals. 

Propaganda or no propaganda, U.S. citizens have the right to their own opinion of how soldiers are doing… but only the soldiers can know the whole truth.