Article June 20, 2005 Issue

A LETTER TO SARAH

FOR TEENS

HERITIER DIAKABANA

For as long as 20–year–old HERITIER DIAKABANA can remember, he has wanted to be in the military. The discipline, camaraderie, and confidence it inspires was what most appealed to him. He just never expected he would join up right out of high school.

In his senior year, Heritier learned from a recruiter about the academic opportunities the United States Army offered, and after graduation he was on his way to basic training. A year and a half later, he was sent to Iraq with his division, where he was stationed for six months in Baghdad. Along with his military gear, he carried his first–aid pouch with him at all times, which included his pastor—the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.

Last June, Heritier returned safely from Iraq. Shortly after, high–school student Sarah wrote to him with a question. Here was his reply, which she shared at a chapel service at her school, the Principia Upper School in St. Louis, Missouri:

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About the author

Heritier Diakabana is a native of Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. He has been living in the United States since he was nine years old and will be entering the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, later this month.

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