Armed Forces Day a lesson for prospective soldier

When my 12-year-old cousin, Curtis Wais, was born, my aunt pledged she wouldn't have a violent child.

So of course, Curt's first question when I told him I'd take him to Saturday's Armed Forces Day celebration at Cantigny Park near Wheaton was if it would be OK if he brought a gun.

Not a real one, of course. But Curt does have a small arsenal of pain-inflicting toy guns. They are an extension of his dreams.

I can't recall Curt ever speaking of any career choice other than being a soldier. His arsenal is based on saving his allowance and then ordering spring-loaded or electric-powered "Airsoft" guns that shoot plastic pellets. He has at least a half dozen of these guns that hang in his closet like an armory.

Trust me, they hurt if you're shot by one.

When I pick him up, he's wearing Army-style camouflage pants. He immediately starts talking about the latest video game he has that involves blowing things up with rocket launchers, etc.

And that's part of why I wanted to take him to Cantigny. Not only would Curt enjoy the tanks and military history, but the celebration promised to have real soldiers on hand. Some of them would be on their way to Iraq. Others just returned.

This would be a chance for Curt to see and learn what it really means to be a soldier, outside of a video game or Hollywood movie.

It didn't take us long to find something that intrigued Curt once we arrived. We headed straight for the Humvees, complete with real armor and guns in place. Even better, there were real soldiers.

Curt quickly engaged Capt. Andrew Thompson, a 6-foot-2-inch 220-pound soldier who's already done one tour of duty in Iraq. He's heading back for another in about 25 days.

They began chatting about the intricacies of guns and Thompson smiled as Curt wowed him with his knowledge, showing just how well his toys mimic the real thing.

But then things got serious as Thompson ventured into a discussion about the damage a 50-caliber round can inflict.

"I don't want to gross you out, but it's pretty bad," Thompson said. "It will cut you in half. It's not nice at all."

"Did you ever get, like, bad dreams after you came home?" Curt asked.

It struck me as a good question. Curt is already thinking beyond the explosions and heroics. He understands there's an emotional and mental price to pay.

"Well, when I come home I just try to leave what happens there behind," Thompson said. "When you're there, it's like being in the gym all the time. You're constantly going. When you come back you have to slow your heart rate down."

Curt nodded.

Thompson told him about the 147-degree temperatures in Iraq, the harsh living conditions and dealing with cultures vastly different from your own.

"Have you ever been injured?" Curt asked.

"No, but I've seen some interesting things," Thompson said.

"Some of my buddies haven't been as lucky as I have," Thompson said, looking away for a beat or two. "They aren't here anymore."

It was suddenly quiet. So I asked Thompson if he had any advice for a young man who wants to become a soldier.

Thompson told Curt to consider ROTC in high school. He told Curt he's not too young to have a plan and set goals, both long term and in the near future, to prepare himself.

"When you're a soldier you think about missions and survival," Thompson said. "You learn to adapt. You have to change constantly."

Curt is upbeat as we walk back to the car to leave.

"What did you think of all the things the soldier told you?" I asked.

"That was interesting," Curt replied. "I learned a lot."

"Do you still want to be a soldier?"

"Yep."

"What if you get shot?"

"Well, if it was for my country. . ."

He doesn't finish the sentence, just shrugs and nods his head. I know he probably still doesn't have a full understanding of a soldier's life. Then again, who can unless you've lived it?

Curt may or may not become a soldier. But at 12 years old, at least I know he's starting to ask the right questions.