Bires: A soldier’s perspective on Memorial Day
By Nicole Bires Guest Commentary May 27, 2012 4:50PM
Army Reserve Major Nicole Bires, of Alsip, is a member of the Alsip Police Department who is serving in Afghanistan.
Updated: July 3, 2012 9:57AM
I am an Army Reserve officer in my second tour of duty overseas. This time in Afghanistan, the first time in Iraq during 2006 and 2007.
I have been asked on numerous occasions why I do the “Army thing.” I didn’t know that military service was so confusing to some people. I figure I can shed some light.
We wear dog tags around our necks, just in case. We weave dog tags into our boot laces, just in case. We keep tourniquets in uniform pockets, just in case.
We have been known to tattoo our blood type, names and Social Security Numbers on our bodies, just in case. We sign wills, have family care plans for our children (or dogs), just in case. We write “last letters” to our loved ones before we go, just in case.
We leave for months at a time and go to far-off places that are dangerous, unforgiving and inhospitable.
I have been asked on numerous occasions why I chose this path when I was 17 years old. The reason is that I serve for everyone who knows me. For those who call me daughter, sister, aunt, grandchild, cousin, niece, godmother, goddaughter, friend, ma’am and soldier.
I serve for my brother the Marine, my grandfather the World War II sailor, my uncles the Vietnam soldiers. I serve for those who call me a hero, even though I know I am not. I serve for those who can’t or won’t. I serve for the men and women of the Alsip Police Department.
I serve for all those who have served before me, especially those who given their lives for their country — the sailors at Pearl Harbor, the Marines in Beirut, the soldiers betrayed at Fort Hood and the firefighters, police officers and citizens during 9/11.
I serve for SFC John J. Tobiason, a fine soldier under my command, whom I failed to bring home the first time I went to war.
I serve for those who serve by my side today, and those who will be privileged enough to join the best military in the world in the future.
I serve regardless of the color, religion, nationality, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, political beliefs or gender of my fellow soldiers.
I proudly serve with Brits, Aussies, Kiwis and members of other allied nations who also have answered the call to protect freedom.
I serve because I swore an oath to protect this country from all enemies, foreign and domestic. I serve for my president, my country, my God.
I do this of my own free will, knowing that at any moment my family can get a knock on the door, announcing the worst.
I have been in the military for more than half my life, and I don’t regret it for one moment.
Why do I wear the uniform of the United States of America? I do it for you.
Army Reserve Major Nicole Bires, of Alsip, is a member of the Alsip Police Department who is serving in Afghanistan.
