Fact vs Fiction

This week, a very popular video game focused on military combat released its latest version.  **Let me pause and say that I am married to a man who plays video games...some are much like the one released this week...and I am not wishing to imply that I think these games are wrong.**  I teach junior high and high school boys.  They have been talking about this game for weeks.  Some of them camped out on a school night to make sure that they had it the day it came out.  Once they acquired the game, all they could do was talk about its greatness, compare notes, and make plans for their all-night game fest to be held this weekend.  If only they were this enthusiastic about their school work!  I would like to share with you a piece of a conversation I had yesterday with some of those students.

Boys: Mrs. S, did you get the new game this week? 
Me: No, I didn't.
Boys: Do you even play video games?
Me: I play a mean game of Tetris, but that is about it. My husband plays them though.
Boys: Does he like this new game?
Me: Yes, he enjoys military games.
Boys: Awesome! The graphics in this one are sick! The guys really look dead when you shoot them!
Me: I am glad you are enjoying your new game.  However, have you thought about the fact that, for some people, that kind of situation isn't a game?  It is their real job.  Soldiers risk their lives for the people of this country, including you, on a daily basis.  And, in real combat, there isn't a restart button. 
Boys: ..........

The silence was epic.  I went on to tell them about my family members in the armed forces.  How my grandfather served in the Army, was injured in battle, and was so affected by what he experienced that he wouldn't speak of it...even to our family.  How my cousin missed the birth of his first child earlier this year because he was serving in Afghanistan.  I shared with them the very real tragedy of PTSD and how it can impact soldiers and their families for the rest of their lives.  Thankfully, they listened.  they began to share about the veterans in their own families.  I watched them start to put a few more pieces of their "life puzzle" together as they realized that combat isn't just a video game.  That is a pretty cool experience...gives me chills every time I get to witness it.  I hope they left my room that day with a new-found respect for the soldiers they portray in their game.

Soldiers make great heroes, because they are real people...who have chosen to give more than they receive.  Thank you, veterans, for your great and sacrificial service to our country.