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thedrifter
04-06-08, 05:37 AM
Why Marines? Man offers honorable, amusing list
Robyn Passante
rpassante@islandpacket.com
843-706-8131
Published Sunday, April 6, 2008

It's been a little more than five years since the United States invaded Iraq.

At the time, Cpl. Stephen Savory was a 15-year-old Hilton Head Island High School student who was finding his groove in the discipline and honor of the school's ROTC program. He came by it honestly -- both his parents spent eight years in the Navy, where they met and married.

"He really thrived in that environment," said his mother, Vickie Milsom. "He loved it."

Stephen wasn't fooling around when he told his parents he wanted more of the military life. As soon as he graduated high school he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he has been serving as a traffic management specialist based out of Savannah. It was a relatively safe job, and his mother was pleased and proud.

But a few months ago, Stephen, 20, asked to be switched to infantry.

"I just can't see any other reason to go into a combat zone unless you're going into combat," said the soldier, who then volunteered to be deployed to Iraq.

It was his third time offering to go, he said, but the first time that offer was accepted. After securing the job change and deployment orders, he told his mom. She's still proud, but definitely not pleased.

"I'm angry that my son might not come home. He doesn't have to (go), but he volunteered to," she said. "He told me he's doing it for us, so we can live where we want to live and do what we want to do."

Since November, Stephen has been at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina getting the necessary combat training for his eight-month deployment, which started Saturday when he left for Al Taqqadum, Iraq. Earlier this week, he shared his feelings about his impending departure.

"It's always good to have a little fear, but I'm more prepared than anything," he said. He slipped home to Hilton Head last weekend to say goodbye to family and friends.

Vickie is, understandably, worried sick, but she stands behind her son, his fellow troops, and the commander in chief who set this war in motion.

It's been a little less than four years and 10 months since President Bush hoisted a "Mission: Accomplished" banner and declared major combat operations in Iraq had ended. Stephen said he's heard we are finally close to making good on that declaration. And he's hoping to be part of that final push.

When asked why her son didn't follow in his parents' footsteps and become a sailor, Vickie's answer surely won't score any points with the Navy.

"It takes a certain type of person to be a Marine," she said. "He wanted to be the best. He's a perfectionist, that's just his personality."

On his MySpace page, Stephen posted his own reasons as to why he's a Marine. His words speak louder than any I could offer on the subject, so with his permission, here they are.

I joined for:

You, her, him, we, us, them.

Anyone who has never had anything but freedom.

Anyone who has had everything except freedom.

The unborn.

The dead.

The red, the white, the blue.

People who hate me.

People who don't even know me.

A reason to try and follow the rules.

Free drinks in some bars.

Kisses in parades.

But most importantly not for myself and certainly not for a haircut.

I joined because:

Long hours and low pay are so underrated.

I had never shot an assault rifle.

I love the ladies ... ladies love the blues.

My mom instantly disapproved.

Whether I die two hours from now or 20 years from now, my name means something to someone.

I believe in the idea of putting others before yourself.

Why not.

I love this country.

I fear failure.

I am crazy.

Life is too dull and too long to be in any other service.

You wouldn't.

I needed to grow up.

At heart I am a gentleman in town, a warrior in the field, and a lover in the bed.

Hearing total strangers saying "Thank you" while shaking my hand or hugging me, etc., is an incredible feeling that never gets old.

I joined so:

You or someone you love won't have to.

I can be more than "All I can be."

John Kerry can call me stupid.

America is a safer place for you.

I can give back to those who gave me an opportunity.

My sister can see that hard work can mean a good life.

Cops might just maybe think twice before writing me that ticket.

I can try to get some muscles.

I can have a foolproof excuse to drink underage, get an obnoxious amount of tattoos, and look down on the Air Force.

Ooh-rah and Godspeed, Stephen.

Ellie