Young warriors defend democracy

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

Chase Stevens and Eli Borton both understand the importance of serving in the military as part of a commitment to their country and Native American culture.

The 19-year-old cousins-who are both lance corporals in the U.S. Marines and recent Shepherd High School graduates-are now stationed in southern Iraq.

Stevens enlisted shortly after graduating two years ago and recently spent seven months in Iraq as an infantryman, primarily in Najaf. He said it came as no surprise that he would be sent to some conflict in the world.

"I expected it," said the son of Gloria and Bill Mulbrecht. "When I enlisted, we were in the middle of Afghanistan, so I figured I'd being going someplace. Then the whole Iraq thing came up."

Stevens said he selected the military as an option to develop his education and career opportunities before enrolling in college right after graduation. He would eventually like to pursue a career in law enforcement.

As predicted, Stevens was chosen for a second tour to Iraq.

"It was obvious that Iraq was going to be a long-term ordeal," he explained in a Aug. 22 telephone interview from Twentynine Palms, Calif. three days before he was to be deployed. Twentynine Palms is the home to the world's largest Marine Corps base. "Our unit was Baghdad right after it fell.

"A lot of people think U.S. involvement in Iraq is a bad deal, but they do not understand. Whenever we come rolling through, hundreds of people line the streets clapping. From April through June, people-little kids even-would thank us, hand us flowers and tell stories about Saddam. They welcome us."

During the recent 20th Annual Little Elk's Retreat Powwow, Stevens was able to do something he hadn't had the opportunity to do while visiting home before-dance.

"That was the whole reason I came home this last time-to catch the powwow," he explained. "One of the most difficult aspects of being in the military for the past two years is not being able to take part in powwows and the culture. I had been home lots of times before, but this last time was the hardest to leave."

Borton's path to Iraq is slightly different, but equally difficult as it will be his first time in a foreign land after leaving Camp Lejune, N.C. on Aug. 23.

The son of April and Larry Borton graduated last year and left for boot camp in San Diego, Calif. the evening of graduation.

"I always wanted to be part of one of the greatest and elite fighting units," he said of joining the Marines. "It was President Ronald Reagan who said, �Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.'"

After boot camp, Borton attended Central Michigan University and wrestled. On Dec. 4, he was notified that he was being called to active duty once he completed his second semester of classes.

Upon returning from Iraq, Borton said he wants to return to CMU and resume his wrestling career.

"I'm anxious and nervous at the same time," he said before leaving for the North Carolina base to complete his training. "But most of all, I am confident."

Stevens said his military experience has taught him several valuable lessons.

"Most people my age are going to school," he said. "You'd be surprised what most people take for granted. Spending time overseas has been a big eye-opener. I've grown up a little faster and have been able to see the bigger picture of what is going on in the world."