Aaron Heckert sat in a rested position while talking about his time in the 1st Infantry division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1-77 Armor, Bravo Company in the U.S. Army. Heckert joined the army on July 11, 2005, and during that time he worked as a tank driver, loader and gunner. He was stationed in Germany, and deployed to Iraq.
“I love it in Germany,” Heckert, an Eastern Michigan University student, said. “It was one of my favorite countries besides the U.S. of course.”
But making the decision to join the Army was something that Heckert took time doing, and was not taken lightly. Not really feeling the desire to attend college, he felt compelled to join the army.
So he went and watched military movies to gain an understanding of Army life, and talked to others who had served. Among these people were his father and grandfather, who told him one of the better pieces of advice for making it, especially in regards to attitude.
“They told me not to laugh at them when they yell at you,” said Heckert.
But of course he did – and got himself into some trouble.
“It’s not for the thin- skinned,” he said about the military life, saying that the talk in the Army is blunt. Heckert was relaxed as he explained his story, but visibly still maintained that sense of military strength. However, this calmness is something that took time for him obtain.
Heckert was done with his contract with the U.S. Army and came back to civilian life in February of 2010. Like many who have served, his adjusting was a struggle.
“Took me a little while for me to be considered normal,” said Heckert.
With a heavier tone, he talked about how within the first two years back, he found himself in the recruitment stations trying to get back in. Heckert still talks to the men in his platoon and if you ask him, he will gladly say how the brotherhood he formed with his fellow soldiers is one of the best parts about the Army.
The sister- and brotherhood of those who served is applauded and honored on Veterans Day as establishments and companies provide services to them. For Heckert, this is something he does not personally care for.
“I don’t like the idea of it,” said Heckert. “Makes me feel like a freeloader.”
To someone who served for many years, this is not shocking. For Heckert and others who have selflessly represented our nation, it seemed only right. To them, we say thank you.
