First Draft…so far: Final Project

When asked what they were doing after high school, most 17 year old high school boys wouldn’t say going to war. For Richard Rawson his future after high school was decided when he signed his papers for the army in 12^th grade. Richard Rawson, called Richie by his friends, was a doe eyed, neive senior at North High School. He along with other students were enticed by the United States army’s recruiters at school. They were accompanied with t-shirts, backpacks, gift cards, and the idea that any boy or girl could be brave and fight for their country. Swept up by the “performance” and prizes Rawson signed the next 6 years of his life to the United States Army.

May 2010 was his deployment date, and he would be shipped off to Afghanistan. When the day came for him to say goodbye to his family and friends, pride and fear filled everyone’s mind, including Richie’s. (insert quote from Rawson) Before leaving for the death filled wasteland Rawson purchased one important item. A international cell phone. With this he could call home to his friends and family on a few occasions. He kept in touch with everyone, but the calls started coming less and less as the months went on.

After a year had passed Rawson was sent back to the states. He had finished his first tour of duty on May 18, 2011. He flew home on a military airplane to the airforce base in South Dakota. Awaiting his arrival were his parents Lawny and Tammy Rawson, his sister Jenny Rawson, brother Brad Rawson, and his close family friends Linda and Kelly Conolly. (insert quote from family) Back in Sioux City his friends and other family members were waiting for him. The night of his return there was a huge family feast. (insert quote Rawson)

Rawson didn’t act the same. Those close to him thought that maybe it was just jet lag and trying to adjust to his surroundings. However, this was not the case.

 

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