Spring Break
The search for a role model
Paul Hawkins
Issue date: 4/14/09 Section: Opinion
I started writing opinion columns for The East Carolinian this semester. I have to admit, this is the first time I've had writer's block. This usually doesn't happen. I just could not decide what to write. I've already established that I'm pretty conservative, so I was going to write a column of half-hearted criticisms of the president's recent G-20 trip. I was probably going to throw in some shots at the media for their ridiculous fawning over Michelle Obama during the trip. As I stated in a previous column, I really don't have many criticisms of the president's foreign policy -- only a few minor differences truly exist. That's when I looked next to me and found this week's topic.
I'm currently reading a book called "The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education." I don't usually say this, but everyone should read this book. It is a memoir of the life of Craig Mullaney. He is truly one of the most impressive people I've ever read about. He graduated from West Point in 2000 and won a Rhodes scholarship to study at Oxford. He completed Ranger School and served as a platoon commander in Afghanistan. Recently, after leaving the Army, he advised the Obama campaign on matters related to Afghanistan. He's an imposing intellectual who is also a skilled soldier. I haven't finished the book, but I can already confidently recommend it. You do not have to be interested in the military to be moved and inspired by this book.
Mullaney truly represents a role model for our generation. He is both an American patriot and a sophisticated citizen of the world. He married a Hindu, Indian-American classmate at Oxford while still holding firm to his own Christian identity. He answered the call of duty in Afghanistan where he became a true American hero while serving in an army of heroes.
His story is one that our generation can relate to. His recollection of several attempts to woo his future wife, Meena, is both humorous and touching. His vivid descriptions of life at West Point as well as the ridiculous toughness of Ranger School (he lost 30 pounds at Ranger School even after four years at West Point) will leave you with tons of respect for him and anyone who went through those programs.
I'm currently reading a book called "The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education." I don't usually say this, but everyone should read this book. It is a memoir of the life of Craig Mullaney. He is truly one of the most impressive people I've ever read about. He graduated from West Point in 2000 and won a Rhodes scholarship to study at Oxford. He completed Ranger School and served as a platoon commander in Afghanistan. Recently, after leaving the Army, he advised the Obama campaign on matters related to Afghanistan. He's an imposing intellectual who is also a skilled soldier. I haven't finished the book, but I can already confidently recommend it. You do not have to be interested in the military to be moved and inspired by this book.
Mullaney truly represents a role model for our generation. He is both an American patriot and a sophisticated citizen of the world. He married a Hindu, Indian-American classmate at Oxford while still holding firm to his own Christian identity. He answered the call of duty in Afghanistan where he became a true American hero while serving in an army of heroes.
His story is one that our generation can relate to. His recollection of several attempts to woo his future wife, Meena, is both humorous and touching. His vivid descriptions of life at West Point as well as the ridiculous toughness of Ranger School (he lost 30 pounds at Ranger School even after four years at West Point) will leave you with tons of respect for him and anyone who went through those programs.
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