Every day soldiers fighting the war in Iraq are killed, whether it be by a roadside bomb or improvised explosive device.
Occasionally, even journalists are killed, wounded or kidnapped while reporting on the war.
The recent kidnapping of American journalist Jill Carroll and the serious injuries of ABC anchorman Bob Woodruff and his cameraman undoubtedly have been on the minds of journalists all over the world. Including mine.
My question to you is could you do it? Could you leave your comfort zone in America, stay behind enemy lines, put yourself in harms way in order to do your job?
I’ll be the first to admit that’well, I sure couldn’t.
While studying for my degree in journalism, I often pondered at those like Carroll and Woodruff who put themselves in that kind of danger for the love of their job.
I, personally, prefer to write the heartwarming, make-you-feel-good feature stories over the adrenaline soaked, stress-filled lives of war reporters.
The most excitement I see is the occasional car accident or structure fire, but not often.
Call me a coward, but I know I wasn’t born with that curiosity gene.
It’s the same gene I believe is divinely placed into our soldiers all over the world as well. That need for excitement, to serve a greater purpose, even if their life’s at stake.
My uncle returned home from serving in Iraq last summer a changed man. He barely could speak of the horrible images he saw. His emotions have been raw ever since, and yet, he said he’d go back if they asked him to.
Once they return home and heal, I have to believe Carroll and Woodruff wouldn’t think twice about going back to Iraq either. It’s in their blood. It’s their purpose.
To me it’s like burning your hand on the stove as a child only to touch it again moments later. Or like getting back on a horse after you’ve had a serious fall.
Major Bill Taylor of the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division was quoted recently as saying he knew Woodruff didn’t mind the dangers of being embedded with the Iraqi military ‘because he felt there was a story that he wanted told.?
Forget bombs, military ride alongs and interviews with dictators, give me a mother seeking help to purchase a wheelchair lift for her disabled son or people taking mission trips to third world countries.
Stories of ordinary people with extraordinary lives.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate and respect everything war reporters and our soldiers do, I just hope they have the same appreciation and respect for my work as well.
That’s my purpose in life, and I’m sticking to it.