Pat Joined the Marines

One of my good friends from back in St. Joseph, Patrick Evenson, recently posted this on Myspace. I am very proud of him and I wish him all the best!

Here's the news people - I joined the United States Marines.

For the past 3 weeks since I enlisted I have been kinda hesitant of actually telling everyone. Even though most of the people I've told have been pretty supportive, and excited, a big part of me would like to keep ahold of the present as long as possible. These next 3 months will be the last of this part of my life. Even though I'm excited about moving onto something greater, I will miss St. Joe, the people I've grown to love, the life I've come to know, and in many ways my young innocence.

I think the biggest question people have is my motive of making a huge decision like this. It's the last thing anyone would think I'd sanely make at this time of my life. Even though I am bored with life and where I'm at right now, this isn't a "early middle aged crisis". Just a life changing moment.

The truth is that I've just turned 27, I have amazing friends (which you can visit through myspace) but I feel I haven't made much effort and strides in my professional life. I'm not going to list off the things I don't have, but personally I know I can do much better and be a much bigger man.

I have my entire life to live. I have no family, no girlfriend, no big financial obligations, just a ton of wishes and wants and dreams and ambitions that have come to nothing. I have a fear of future regret in the life I might live. I desire adventure, challenge, confidence, courage, accomplishment and a story to tell!

I'm going into Media Ops. I'll have the opportunity to train as a graphics specialist, combat photographer, reporter and combat motion media photographer. Pretty cool huh? I've been spending the past few years working at a church and not really doing much with my talent. Here's my chance to do something and be what I've always wanted. That was the big selling point for me. You see I won't be getting off course of what I'm wanting to do or the career I've already chosen. I'm just building on it. What's 5 years in life? The amount of time I've been in St. Joseph? Think of what I could accomplish in that time.

I'm sure we're thinking about Iraq right about now. Well, so am I and I'm very aware that this path might lead me there, and a big part of me hopes so. That's where the story is after all. I say that all 'gun-ho' like, but I'm not saying it flippantly. I might be going in for media, but I'm very aware that I'd be a Marine foremost. It's just a responsibility and duty I'm willing to take. I believe the armed forces are some of the most honorable and courageous men and women out there and I'd be proud to wear that uniform and call myself one of them.

And too the friends I'll be leaving behind... you have no idea how hard this is going to be for me. You have no idea how hard this next few months is going to be. The last time I'll live with you. And eat Cheddar's with you. Starbucks, church, movies late at night, hanging out, and always being available. I love you, I'll miss you, but I want you to know that I'll always be your friend.

Unfortunately I know how hard long emails are to read, so I'll try to keep you guys updated on my summer and everything going on in my life. I already have a couple blogs in mind to write; to release some thoughts.

Love you guys,
don't miss me too much.
just something I have to do.

~patrick