By: Angela Amirkhanian
amirkhaniana@hotmail.com
Military life is not for everyone, but it has become the life the Avanesian family has adapted to.
The Avanesian family, blessed with three sons, emigrated from Iran in 1995. Their oldest son, Vartan Tony Avanesian, 23, decided to live life differently than most adolescents nowadays, as a Marine.
“When I was younger, I always wanted to stand amongst the few and the proud. I wanted to learn new skills that could never be taught anywhere else, such as leadership, discipline, determination, and the will to never give up and to always find a way to accomplish anything,” said Vartan, a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. And so he did…
It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon. As she comfortably sits on her classy couches, Ishkanoui Avanesian, 45, holds the most recent letter from her son, and proudly begins the tale of a son at war.
According to his mother Ishkanoui, Vartan was not serious when it came to school, his studies, and discipline. He concluded that the military is the only solution to help him improve his character and lifestyle.
At first, Vartan’s family did not accept the fact that their son wanted to enlist into the US Marine Corps. Coming from a place like Iran, where joining the army was mandatory for every male citizen, the Avanesian family experienced and survived eight years of war between Iran and Iraq. With many discussions caused by the issue, it was difficult for the family to sign the papers for Vartan to join the service, since they thought he had other options in life and the military should be his last.
“We were not supportive of Vartan’s decision, but we couldn’t find a way out; he was determined,” said Ishkanoui.
As someone who adores and looks up to his older brother, Varand Avanesian, 22, doesn’t want his brother near harm. However, the thought of his brother coming out of this experience both smarter and wiser, puts a bright smile on his face.
“We are very proud of our son who underwent difficult training and was honored to wear the Marine Corps uniform,” said Ishkanoui. Even though many arguments arise in the family, she is glad that her son is seeing life from a different perspective. They hope that when he completes his term, he will use the lessons he has experienced towards a brighter better future.
Vazrik Avanesian, 15, the youngest child, thinks that his brother being away for over half a year and coming home for only a two-week vacation greatly affects his family. Also, the constant thought of Vartan being safe and out of harm has become a big concern in Vazrik’s life. The Avanesian family misses their son dearly, but has strong faith that if something should happen to him, it will happen regardless of the time and location. “My family and I know that he is being looked after by God since he is serving our country for what he believes is right,” he adds.
“He has gained a lot of respect ever since he became a Marine and we’re really proud of the man he has become,” said Vazrik. Vartan has always tried to set good examples for his brothers to follow and realizes now that his parents tell his brothers to be more like him when they do things they shouldn’t be doing. “When my parents came to my graduation they could not believe the transformation I had gone through. Now, all they do is brag about me to family and friends,” said Vartan. He feels extremely blessed and thankful to have his family supporting him every step of the way because he feels that he is the person he is today because of his strong roots.
“I do not necessarily hope that my brothers follow in my footsteps and join the military, I just hope they make good decisions,” said Vartan. He feels that the Marine Corps is not for everyone and that it is a lifestyle that most people would be unable to adapt to.
Ishkanoui strongly believes that her sons will not join the army because they realize that Vartan does not have complete freedom and “what is promised to him is quite different from reality.”
The idea of joining the Marines has passed through Varand’s and Vazrik’s minds just to prove to themselves of their capabilities, but soon realized that it is simply not for them due to personal reasons. “I have trouble grasping the idea of putting my life in the hands of a government who begins a war for weapons of mass destruction…” he firmly concludes. Now, the idea of joining the Marines is the last thing on their minds, “We realized what our family went through with Vartan, and do not want to put them through that again.”
Vartan is currently a data communications watch supervisor in Iraq, in charge of training 14 Marines in their field of work, as well as enforcing customs and courtesies. His end of active service is October 11, 2009. He is also taking a course which will prepare him for life after the military in terms of education, jobs, medical issues, veteran benefits and so on.
“I can always proudly say my brother is a Marine,” said Varand.
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