ATTENTION: Military duty from 20th Aug-31st Aug 2007

Dear all:

I will be on compulsory military service from the 20th of August -31st of August for the Republic of Singapore.

You see, (to my American & foreign mates) this is compulsory service for every male Singapore citizen. Like it or not you have to do it.

Therefore there may a blog posting lag during this period. Occasionally i may be allowed to return home or to go out for a short period of time, before scurrying back to camp.

Therefore if you do see a blog post between the period of 20th August -31st August, I managed to re-appear in the civilian world. Somehow.

Many of my fellow countrymen complain about the 2.5 years of military service and subsequent yearly callups.  I will not get political here because i know big brother is watching closely…but i have a message to those who, like me, yearn for freedom:

Where you are right now, endure. Be strong.  I managed to survive 2.5 years of military service because i had a vision.

I saw myself in Sydney, Australia. I saw myself living in a nice suburb house, owning my own business.

I saw myself going to church in hillsongs, coming back with a smile on my face.

I saw myself enjoying winter, spring, summer and autumn with my family.

I saw myself never having to struggle with high inflation rates, cramped living conditions, and I saw my future generations free. Free in a country where they will never be told where to go, what to study, or what occupation to take up.

I have not given up the vision of being an Aussie. To my mates down under, I see myself drinking Victoria Bitter, watching aussie rules and munching Fish & chips with my left hand.

I see myself driving a Holden Monaro.

I have not given up on my dream. Neither should you.