Memories of a Jewish serviceman in Afghanistan

CW2 (Chief Warrant Officer Second Class) Adam Sternglass, who lives in Elizabeth, came back from Afghanistan on medical leave. At our Sunday Platform at 11:00 AM on April 3rd he will discuss his decision to enlist at 18, inspired by stories from vets from WW I to Vietnam, over the objections of his parents. He will also describe his interactions as a Jewish soldier with Christian fellow servicemen, and with Moslems, and with a German contingent in Kabul, as well as various experiences as an American serving in Kuwait and Afghanistan and - back home - doing outreach in Elizabeth, as a soldier on a bicycle.

"After graduating from Great Neck South Senior High School in 1978, I joined the Navy for four years. I was in the engine room. As a young sailor, I was in the South Pacific and Japan. My favorite sea story was in the Philippines when I was 20. The locals stood around me and thought I looked like Jesus - I had a beard then. In college, I stayed in the Navy Reserve for two years. I did a weekend a month while at SUNY Buffalo. The VA paid most of my tuition.

 "I came back into military service in 2000 while I was earning good money as a computer tech. I worked on Wall Street and assorted consulting firms. I returned for extra money and retirement; I had already done six years, I told my wife. I did a weekend a month. After September 11, I have had three Mobilizations as well as little call-ups in the States. I did port security in NYC. I was in Alabama for two months. Since 2002, I have spent a total of 3 1/2 years away from home. I have a wife and three children. In my three MOBs, I've been to the Mediterranean, Germany, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan."

Sunday Platforms are at 11:00 AM at the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County. The Society is located at 516 Prospect St., Maplewood (at Parker Ave.). Attendance is free. The public is welcome and cordially invited. Call 973-763-1905, or visit www.essexethical.org for further information.

 "Building community through shared ethical values"

Ethical Culture Society of Essex County

www.essexethical.org