NSU Student Interviews Sister About Military Life
|
Posted By: Jehan Bunch on January 05, 2010 FEATURED Content By Jaliza Braxton -- Black College Wire The Spartan Echo Army Lt. Nichole Braxton Comment on this article Imagine not being able to see your brother or sister for months because he or she is at war. Last February, my sister, U.S. Army Lt. Nichole Braxton, was deployed to Iraq. After months of preparation for deployment, from a huge farewell party to putting her furniture into a storage unit, she set foot on a plane with the duty to complete a mission. Since then, I have physically seen her and our only means of communication have been via e-mails and instant messages and sending letters in care packages filled with new music, movies and treats from home that are not readily available to many deployed soldiers. Recently, during time before classes, I had a Q&A with my sister about how she has changed since she had been deployed. “It allows you to see a broader picture on life and social economics,” she said. “A lot of third world countries don’t have liberty as we call it.” J.Braxton: “How can you tell a soldier that has never been deployed to prepare for the changes in environment and mental stress?” Lt. Braxton: “Being able to talk to someone is key. Keeping it inside will only eat you away over time.” J.Braxton: “What do you suggest for those who are looking to enlist? “ Lt. Braxton: “Be focused, know that serving your country is a distinguished honor. A lot of people are afraid to enlist or just don’t meet the standards of the military.” J.Braxton: “Do you think all soldiers need to be a leader?” Lt. Braxton: “Eventually, all soldiers become leaders through the eyes of their peers when they are Jr. Enlisted.” J.Braxton: “What is the first thing that you are going to do when you come home from deployment?” Lt. Braxton: “Get beautiful again.... And kiss all my family and friends at the welcome home ceremony.” Since February, I have conditioned myself into being prepared to answer stray phone calls from my sister at 3 a.m., just to help her have some piece of mind in a hostile environment. Something as simple as hearing a familiar voice gives her a sense of feeling at home. From a civilian point of view, going to war may seem as if it is just another job that comes with the risk of tragedy. I have come to realize that it includes situations that can be detrimental to the simple things in life, which are put aside to perform the duties that servicemen and women perform to protect our country. Not only does deployment take a toll on the men and women of the armed forces, it takes a toll of worry and anticipation on those soldiers’ loved ones who try their best not to think of the worst scenario. Until her return, I will be keeping in touch with her and keeping her entire platoon in my prayers. Comment on this article Jaliza Braxton writes for the Spartan Echo, the Norfolk State University student newspaper, which originally published this article. Posted Dec. 31, 2009 If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Jehan Bunch
From Columbus, OH Central State University class of 2005 Member Since January 2006 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Darby Allin shows you don’t need muscles to become a wrestling iconPhoto: Darby Allin standing in the AEW ring with his signature half‑skull face paint, slim physique, and fearless expression in professional wrestling.
Professional wrestling has always cele ...more
Joel Savage • 52 Views • October 11th, 2026 |
 |
Inside your mind: 10 surprising truths about how your brain shapes your worldSurreal panoramic illustration showing ten psychology concepts: Illusions, dreams, connection, memory, decisions, embarrassment, emotions, personality, phone addiction, and consciousness.
Psycho ...more
Joel Savage • 96 Views • October 10th, 2026 |
 |
Daddy, Wherever You Are, Remember Me- Lucky DubeLucky Dube of South Africa: One of the world’s greatest reggae legends
Many great people die and fade into silence. Their achievements disappear with them, their names swallowed by time. However, L ...more
Joel Savage • 125 Views • October 9th, 2026 |
 |
How climate, AI, health inequality & globalization define our futureAn image showing diverse global communities affected by climate change, technology shifts, health disparities, and globalization.
Climate and Food Security
Climate change continues to reshap ...more
Joel Savage • 116 Views • October 9th, 2026 |
 |
Baton Rouge Southern Hip Hop Artist B SMOOTH Release New Single "HBCU Do Wit It"@BSMOOTH #BSMOOTH
https://www.instagram.com/yaboii_management
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTRHnrjh9/
https://www.tiktok.com/@b.smooth8?_r=1&_t=ZT-9AN7iCxmVUT
Boss Moves:
https://yout ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 219 Views • October 8th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 75,465,125 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 122,659 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 81,602 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Hija Chang • 64,677 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
 |
Black College Student Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Kissing a White GirlAlbert N. Wilson, a former University of Kansas student, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison and a lifetime of probation after being convicted by an all-white jury of raping a white teen girl. Bu ...more
Roger The Great • 57,447 Views • June 4th, 2020 |
