The seven years that I served were the most influential times in my life. In combat, I witnessed true horror, carnage, remorselessness, a lack of humanity, moral fortitude, perseverance, selfless service and gallantry. Although, I now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, not one fiber of my being holds any regret for the time spent overseas nor in garrison. Some might ask, "why no regrets? Were not men and women in your unit hurt or killed? Did it not resemble hell on Earth and did you not come face-to-face with pure evil?" To them I would answer with a solemn yes, on all counts. With every experience, good and bad, opportunities are had to learn and grow. Often times the more grueling the task the more impactful those moments become. Trials and tribulations tend to make one stronger, shaping us into the individuals that we are destined to become. This is why I hold no remorse, and If the needs of our nation ever called upon my return to service, I would undoubtedly accept.