Serving to Protect Our Freedom

July Fourth marks an important date that signifies the freedom that we so richly enjoy in America. It is almost impossible to think about freedom without thinking of our military. A few months ago, the reality of war hit home when Brandon Sturdy was killed in Iraq. As the war continues, other young men from Gloria Dei are committed to serve our country. The following is from an interview with a soldier from Gloria Dei that recently returned home:

Adam Graaf, 23, joined the Army Reserve after his freshman year at Iowa State University. He returned home a few months ago after being deployed for 13 months to serve with the Third Corps Support Command in Balad, Iraq, a town approximately 40 miles north of Baghdad.

He served as one of the support staff to the General of the Command. Although his work varied from day to day, he would occasionally drive to Baghdad, write correspondences, and provide any other administrative support for the General and his staff.

Adam commented that during his stay in Iraq, he believed that it "was not a place to have an opinion, but a place to do the job at hand."

"The fondest memories during my stay were of the people I became close with - those relationships have continued," Adam said.

Not only did his troop support each other, but they also reached out to the community by adopting a nearby school to renovate. They would visit the school monthly to oversee the contractors that they were sponsoring.
His last visit held special memories as he played volleyball with the kids and brought them school supplies.

Adam commented that his experience in Iraq helped him to appreciate home, and helped him to understand the importance of being a responsible person.
"It is important to know what my responsibilities are, and then do them. I need to be accountable for my responsibilities," said Adam.

Adam encourages people to continue to support the troops by praying,
sending letters, and packages. "It is important for the troops to know that we think they are doing a good job," said Adam.

Adam is currently looking forward to going back to school this fall to study journalism and mass communication at Iowa State University.
As we celebrate our freedom this day, let us not forget about the men and women that are serving to protect that freedom.