My buddy Dave has had a bad week. Last Tuesday, his mother died. Yeah. Not much else to say there.
This Tuesday, he got more bad news.
A few days after Sept. 11, he signed up for a 2 year active duty. His contract was supposed to be up in late 2003 but he actually didn't get out until July 2005. He didn't complain, of course. But now that he's out, he went to college - he couldn't afford it before. Now he can, thanks to the GI Bill and some loans.
He has completed 2 semesters.
The army just called and has given him 30 days to report for active duty. He's done his time - and more. He doesn't want to go back. He was a good soldier before, sure, but this is asking a lot. The guy needs some time to get his life in order.
My question: How can I help him get out of this? He has a bad back thanks to having daily runs wearing a heavy pack. His foot is bad for the same reason. Those are his only physical problems, though. The guy served his country. He put in almost twice the time he signed up for.
If he has to go back to Iraq, I'll be livid.