From the Heart of a Soldier: Interview of SSG Billy G. Massingale, US Army
October 7, 2009 by HHC
Filed under Heroes of Today
After 17 years of active duty, SSG Billy G. Massingale is home on leave before he deploys again to Afghanistan for his last active tour of duty in the United States Army. While on leave, SSG (Staff Sergeant, Aco 1/121, 48th Brigade) Billy Massingale graciously agreed to do an e-interview with Decotta Brooks, Founder of the Housework Haters Club. “I have known Billy since he was just a child and have witnessed his dedication through his selfless acts of kindness and humanity while in the United States Army and his efforts to make a difference in the world in general,” reminisces Decotta. During the Summer of 2008, Billy spear-headed a school supply drive for the children of Afghanistan which resulted in 92,000 items of school supplies. As you will see from the photographs, interview and video, he has a special place in his heart for all children. Congratulations also go out to Billy and his wife, Tina, as they are expecting a baby in June of 2010.
Q: When did you enlist in the Army and why?
A: I enlisted in the Army on my 17th birthday (February 11, 1985) because it was the only thing I ever wanted to do since I was a kid (still is).
Q: What are your reasons for re-enlisting and staying in the Army all these years?
A: The basic reasons I’ve stayed are still the same, but with each tour there are more reasons to keep volunteering to go back. I would have to say the children over there are the biggest reason. I see the hope of a better future in their eyes and want to help provide that for them.
Q: What do you feel is your most important contribution during your years of service?
A: My most important contribution is two-fold — I train my men not only to be a better Soldier, but I encourage them to seek higher education. Also the lives of people I touch over seas, I let them know that they aren’t just a face but I care for them and generally they know I am there to help.
Q: What honors, awards or medals have you received for your service?
A: I’ve received the Combat Infantrymen’s badge; four good conduct medals, eight Army Achievement medals, five Army commendation medals, and the Bronze Star.
Q: If you had one message to give to the people of the world, what would it be?
A: My message to the world “Enough already!” –or– “Can’t we all just get along” (Even though it would put me out of a job.)
Q: Describe a typical day “at work” for you in Afghanistan.
A: There is no such thing as a typical work day for me anywhere, much less Afghanistan. One day I’m handing out school supplies and the next I’m doing a vet cap mission where we examine livestock to make sure it is healthy; and then the next day we are doing a search and destroy mission looking for Taliban.
Q: How do the people of Afghanistan differ from those in the United States? How are they similar?
A: If you take away the culture differences, the people of Afghanistan are the same as people here. What I do like about over there is the importance they place on family. One thing I don’t like is the slow pace. I’m very to-the-point in meetings and want to get to the business at hand, but I have to remind myself to slow down a bit over there and get through the small talk to get to the business.
Q: What is most difficult for you and your fellow Soldiers in Afghanistan and how do you/they cope?
A: Obviously the most difficult thing is being away from home, but it is easier now than in past deployments because of the internet and other communication tools offered. On a more personal note, I keep a blog at WRCBTV, and that helps me talk about stuff from a heart to heart standpoint and it helps me to stay in touch with everyone back home.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Soldier? The worst?
A: The best thing about being a Soldier is helping others. The worst thing is I have to get up early to do it.
Q: Congratulations on your upcoming role as a father! What is the most important thing you would want your child to know about war?
A: The thing I want my unborn child to know about war is how to live without it.
Q: When you finish your last tour in 2010, what are your plans?
A: After my tour ends, I want to get an instructors job to train other Soldiers then retire from the military after I reach 20 years. After that, I’m going to finish my 4-year degree in geology and work with a global mapping agency.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: My favorite quotes are:
“If there must be war, then let it be in my day so my child may know peace.” –Thomas Paine
“There never was a good war or a bad peace.” –Ben Franklin
“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which things that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless made or kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. –John Mill
Q: Who is your role model, hero or inspiration?
A: My heroes are my Dad, Mom and Sister, all for different reasons. And recently I’m going to say the LFO (Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School) cheerleaders for standing up for a noble and worthy cause. Although I can’t give official support from a military standpoint, I can give 100% support from a fellow LFO Warrior, husband and father. I wish them all the best and I hope the School Board stops violating their First Amendment rights.
SSG Billy Massingale’s Tours of Duty Include:
Sinai, Egypt 1986
Honduras in 1988
Panama in 1989
Saudi Arabia/Kuwait/Iraq 1996
Iraq 2004-2005, 2006-2007
Afghanistan 2008-2009
You may leave Billy a Message of Thanks/Congratulations in the Comments below
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Note from Decotta:
As we sit in our homes (probably hating housework) with our families and/or friends, let us always remember our Soldiers and the many sacrifices they make to protect our Freedom. While they are far away from their loved ones, may they know that they have the complete support of the People whom they protect. May God Bless them, keep them safe and bring them home.
I could not be more honored to be Mrs. Billy G. Massingale! I think God sent me a man, better than I could have ever imagined to be my husband and the father of our children. I thank him everyday! Decotta: Your an amazing writer! Thank you!
Thank you to you and all your buddies for the service you provide for our country. I sleep better at night knowing our military is on the job. I am so proud of you. Come home safe and soon!
Thank you SSG Billy G. Massingale for your service to our wonderful country. Your selfless contributions make this world a better place. Also thank you Mrs. Massingale for your selfless giving so that we can have soldiers like your husband. Best wishes to your family.
Hello Billy,
Thankyou for defending our freedom. You are amazing to me that you put your life on the line for this beautiful free country so much and all the sacrifices you have made will not go un noticed. I appreciate everything you do.
Git r done and get home safe!!!!!
Jackie
Thank you all, I continue to be humbled by all your kind words.