In honor of Veterans’ Day this week and in memorial to the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, William Paid salutes the men and women of the armed forces as our Roommates Who Rock.
Like most “battle buddies,” Staff Sergeant Schuyler Nippert, now of Fort Hood, has pretty much seen it all in terms of living conditions during his two deployments to Iraq. “Sometimes, you share a giant tent with 50-70 soldiers, lined up side by side on fold out cots. Sometimes, you share a small room with only one other individual. Sometimes, you sleep in a sleeping bag in a ditch for shelter.” But, according the Nippert, just like most of us, “When you don’t get along with your roommate, the days drag on.”
Unlike most roommates, though, military personnel have a 24/7 relationship with their roommates – there is no escape. Not surprising, not everyone gets along. That said, “Eventually, after enough time together, any two people can become friends.”
That’s part of what Nippert says is a common Army term – “embrace the suck.” The more difficult things are, the greater the bond becomes because of the shared challenges. “You will share a special bond with the people that you experienced the hardship with. Most of my longer term deployment roommates are still my best friends today.” Studies support this theory - proximity and circumstance strengthen relationships.
So, when you think you have it bad with a roommate (you know who you are with all the tweets out there complaining about your roommate), think about our military men and women. And, take some advice from Staff Sargeant Nippert. “Having a roommate made the days go by much quicker. You’ll become very close by the end of a year…even if you try not to like each other.” (That said, we suggest actually trying to build a relationship with your roommates!)
So, ladies and gentlemen of the military, we salute you, and we appreciate your sacrifices. In their honor, let’s all embrace the suck.
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