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While Billy believes God intended for him to be a soldier (“saving our guys lives and taking out the bad guys”) he detests the thought of mankind destroying itself by war. He also believes, however, that, “…[I]f America does not stand up to evil the world will be an even uglier place”. So, what’s his ideal solution? Disputes between countries should be “handled by the mothers of the soldiers fighting- that way there would be no killings,” he jokes.

America is fortunate to have Sgt. Massingale on our side. Regardless of public opinion, he is passionate about the goal that needs to be accomplished for everyone to come home. He believes that if it is not handled completely now, we (America) will end up fighting terrorism on our own streets. Billy captures several bad guys a month whose agendas include bringing the war over here. Iraq’s democracy “just needs some more help guarding their borders while they adjust to their newfound freedom.” On the upside, it is gratifying for Billy is to see the children whose lives he is helping save. Their gratitude truly touches his heart.

So, what about life after Iraq? When Billy gets home (cross your fingers it will be as soon as this summer), he wants to complete his degree in Geology. He also keeps suit with his humanitarianism by planning to work with under privileged children and the homeless. In addition, he has volunteered with The Boy Scouts of America for many years and looks forward to getting back involved.

Most of all, though, Massingale can’t wait to see his family and friends, and to thank them in person not only for their prayers, but for their understanding and support. When asked what being a soldier means to him, he initially doesn’t have any words to describe it. After more deliberation, he concludes, “When I wear this uniform my chest is out, my head is up and everything feels right. People that play sports refer to it as being in the zone- that is what being a soldier means to me.”

Deuce For The Troops This month's feature soldier is SGT. Billy G. Massingale

Sgt. Billy Garner Massingale was born February 11, 1968, to Bill and Joanna Massingale. He was raised in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, and grew up knowing he wanted to be in the ARMY. In 1986 he fulfilled his lifelong desire by enlisting. Billy’s first chance at the enemy came in 1987-88 when he was on a team that jumped into Honduras to push the Nicaraguans back across the border. He was in the 82nd Airborne from 1986-91; F Co 51st Infantry Long-Range Surveillance from 1995-97; and then back to the 82nd from 1997-99. He even got called on a few missions while on inactive reserve status between the years of 1991-94. So, after all that time served, why do it all over again? Before re-enlisting in December of 2004, one adage that wouldn’t escape Billy was “[A]ll that evil needs to triumph, is for good men to do nothing.” Massingale’s inherent sense of heroism and responsibility overcame. “I got off my lazy, fat ass and got back in shape and I’ve been here for 21 months now doing good things,” he explains.

While Billy believes God intended for him to be a soldier (“saving our guys lives and taking out the bad guys”) he detests the thought of mankind destroying itself by war. He also believes, however, that, “…[I]f America does not stand up to evil the world will be an even uglier place”. So, what’s his ideal solution? Disputes between countries should be “handled by the mothers of the soldiers fighting- that way there would be no killings,” he jokes. America is fortunate to have Sgt. Massingale on our side. Regardless of public opinion, he is passionate about the goal that needs to be accomplished for everyone to come home. He believes that if it is not handled completely now, we (America) will end up fighting terrorism on our own streets. Billy captures several bad guys a month whose agendas include bringing the war over here. Iraq’s democracy “just needs some more help guarding their borders while they adjust to their newfound freedom.” On the upside, it is gratifying for Billy is to see the children whose lives he is helping save. Their gratitude truly touches his heart. So, what about life after Iraq? When Billy gets home (cross your fingers it will be as soon as this summer), he wants to complete his degree in Geology. He also keeps suit with his humanitarianism by planning to work with under privileged children and the homeless. In addition, he has volunteered with The Boy Scouts of America for many years and looks forward to getting back involved. Most of all, though, Massingale can’t wait to see his family and friends, and to thank them in person not only for their prayers, but for their understanding and support. When asked what being a soldier means to him, he initially doesn’t have any words to describe it. After more deliberation, he concludes, “When I wear this uniform my chest is out, my head is up and everything feels right. People that play sports refer to it as being in the zone- that is what being a soldier means to me.”

It is people like Sgt. Massingale that make me proud to say, “I am an American”. Billy has become one of my best friends and each day I ‘X’ off the days on the calendar until he comes home. I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Next month, I will tell you about another soldier close to my heart. If you know someone who is now fighting, or has fought for America- ask em ‘if they are willing to let me tell their story. Despite your political affiliations or personal opinions, it is my hope that we can come together as AMERICANS to support the men and women risking their lives for us and our freedoms. ~ Deuce..............................................................................
	Email Deuce with your soldier Nomination to deuce@randomfox.com

MILITARY SUPPORT LINKS www.presidentialprayerteam.net/troopsadopt.php troopssupport.com/ www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/help.html