"Hey soldier, you think I could have one of them cigarettes?"

 "Sure, you need a lighter?" I asked.

"Yeah, pathetic ain't it?"

He took a seat next to me on the step.

"Man, I just got here last night. I gotta go home and bury my father," he said looking off into the distance. His voice held the sorrow of a man who has accepted his fate, but has not had enough time to feel it.

"How long have you been in country?" I asked

"I've been in Tikrit, since November working on trucks. I did the 11 bang bang thing last year in Afghanistan. When did you get here?

"This is my first night in country"

He gave a knowing smile and exhaled deeply.

"You got any words of wisdom?" I asked

He took his time answering. I didn't mind. A fresh pack of butts allowed for plenty of time.

"Be selective with who you associate with. Communicate with your family. Pray a lot. Don't get caught up with women or people that complain all the time.........Pray a lot."

I registered that he said that twice.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/ben-king-describes-army-advice-2012-6#ixzz1xyjc26mL