By Alejandro Holguin
Social Science Major, History Minor
Sacramento State

Alejandro Holguin at Sacramento State

When people talk about the difference between military and civilian life, the conversation is usually along the lines of discipline, training and culture.  That is probably true, but the biggest difference to me after my deployment in Iraq was the intensity.  Military service, especially when you are in a warzone, is profound.  It’s not just the life and death situations, it’s everything that goes into and supports the people in the field.  Every action is critical, every task is important and the people that surround you are all working to achieve the same mission.

Upon my return from Iraq I came home to a blessed and loving family of my wife and two (as of eight weeks ago) daughters.  Yet, even in the best of home environments, there is a need to reconnect family relationships, which can be difficult. More …