An act of love

Members of the military do not have the luxury of time or resources for Valentine’s Day, but their expression of love is more profound and encompassing. February 14 is like any normal day for them: foot patrols in their area of responsibility, as they keep watch against terrorist activity in the hinterlands. (PNA photo)

MANILA — Valentine’s Day is a momentous occasion for lovers, married couples, families, and practically everyone who hopes to convey their feelings. It is a time of giving flowers, and chocolates, cards, and handcrafted gifts, all meant to be romantic gestures expressing love.

For members of the military, they do not have the luxury of time or resources for Valentine’s Day, but their expression of love is more profound and encompassing.

“You know there’s a running joke among the troopers why they call remote patrol bases ‘detachments’,” said Lieutenant Marcus, a soldier of the 1st Infantry Division, PA of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

“If you find yourself stationed in one, you’ll be forcibly “detached” from your social life, and your love life.”

“By now you’re probably seeing cheesy military love stories on social media: soldiers proposing to their girlfriends, or some other sentimental cliché mumbo jumbo. Good for them, we’d say. But for the most of us, we’re spending hearts’ day in the field.”

February 14 started for Marcus and his men on a cold morning in their patrol base in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Their duties for the day were as usual: foot patrols in their area of responsibility, as they keep watch against terrorist activity in the hinterlands.

Part of their area of responsibility had an LGU-initiated irrigation project. “Making this happen means improving the livelihood of the people around here. So we exchanged pleasantries, and told them we’d be happy to provide security anytime,” Marcus continued.

Marcus’ group passed by another village the edge of the municipality they are assigned to, where an immunization program was ongoing.

The town chief had told them the medicines and supplies came from the municipal center, which were connected by rough roads.

“The thought only highlights the importance of our mission to secure the critical government infrastructure projects laid out all across the area,” Marcus remarked. “Their security from terrorist atrocities such as harassment, extortion and burning means being able to deliver the basic government services to the people.”

Despite their routine, the thought of doing something Valentines-like still crossed their minds.

“One of the troopers had the idea of picking a flower and asking a student to hand it to his teacher, along with his regards,” Marcus said as he mentioned a local elementary school in a sitio they were patrolling in.

Lunch for Marcus and his troop was instant noodles and dried fish, nothing like the Valentine’s Day fare in the metropolis.

“They’re probably enjoying their nice candlelit dinner dates on hotel rooftops right about now, with their fancy ramen, gourmet chocolate, expensive wine, and all that sophisticated stuff,” he said. “I’m sure the boys would like to take their families out to dinner today, but it’s a soldier’s life for us. And we’re still on the job.”

As Marcus’ troop returned to base, he mused about how they would like to be with their families, wives, or girlfriends on Valentine’s Day. However, it is the people they mingled with during their everyday patrols that need more of their attention and care.

“Those faces we came across during the patrol are the people we serve,” he explained. “Anyone of these people could be anybody’s family, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, and whatnot. Then we’re not so different after all. In a way, they are the extension of the people we love and cherish in our lives.”

Marcus shares the feelings of every trooper around the country, as they forego the comforts of city life, including the feeling of being in the arms of their loved ones on Valentine’s Day, to fulfill their sworn duty as keepers of the peace and protectors of every Filipino life.

“We, the Army troopers, believe in our mission, not just in mind but in our hearts,” he said.

“So that where there is fear, we may bring hope. Where there is darkness, we may bring light. Where there is chaos, we may bring order. This is the core purpose etched into the uniforms we wear with pride: To serve the people, and to secure the land.”

“So while others may give extravagant gifts of affection in flowers and chocolates, this is how we show our love. Our sacrifice and dedicated effort to our mission is not just a simple act of duty.

It is an act of love,” he added.