The word HERO triggered energy within myself, and that is why I am responding. I spent one and a half deployments in Iraq, so I have heard and Experienced the word hero heard thousands of times personally. Before, during and shortly after my first deployment I felt immense proud and gratitude to those who said it and from within. Between my first and second deployment, I had a major perspective shift. I never again felt the effects of that word as positive when directed to a military soldier, or any being who utilizes violence, for any reason. I have now come to understand Hero as an inner journey, what the Tibetans call a Nangso, an "innernaut"( as opposed to an astronaut). One who follows the Hero's Journey inward and is often times, if not always, finding himself alone to follow inner truths that surface. I honor those beings in the military who follow their inner truth.Not because they are soldiers, but because they follow INNER truth. But I have to say, after being in the Army and interacting with thousands of soldiers: I can count on my hands alone those who follow their personal Truth. Many replies to my question of,"If you don't belief it's right, why do you reenlist?". Almost every time their answer has been,"What am I gonna do, change oil for a living?". I don't judge them in a negative manner for following the crowd and choosing job security over inner truth. But I don't support the use of the word Hero when it is applied to those beings who do not have the courage to do what they believe is right. I support those that are true to themselves. I support honesty. I support Truth. Judge me as you will,. I will still love you.
Dennis Welch
dennis1welch@yahoo.com