Do you think I am?

On one of my social media accounts there is a picture of a badge I wore on my body armor in Iraq that says, "infidel". I received a comment on that picture the other day saying, "You are killing innocents and proud. #terrorist".

Terrorist. Noun. One who uses violence and intimidation in pursuit of a political aim. I was a paid employee of a private military contractor doing a job related to anti-terrorism/force protection. I was an acknowledged actor of a private company with the military as a customer to whom I provided a service with no political agenda. Do those definitions match?

Can this person deduce all of my actions and intents in a war based off of one photograph of a patch? Would someone in AQ or ISIS consider me a terrorist? Enemy combatant? I wore no uniform, but I was held to the SOFA and UCOMJ. The nature of private contractors in combat roles does need more legal and ethical study, I will grant that.

You might be able to throw terms like "mercenary" or "war profiteer" or whatever at me and maybe, maybe, make it stick. The phrase, "I was just doing my job" has a hauntingly and hollow ring to it when you hear it uttered from your own mouth.

But I am not/was not a terrorist proudly killing innocents. You want to see that? I can show you the videos and pictures online of just what that exactly looks like and then see the difference between me and them.

Have I ever killed anyone? I would never answer that question.

If I had, were they innocent? No, they would not have been.

Would I be proud of such an action? If I was proud of it, you would have heard me say that I'd killed someone.

I don't think the accuser's claims stick. Do you? You have almost 7 years worth of my adult life here to read and make that judgement. Or email me and start a conversation. rowdystyle@gmail.com

Who and or what do you consider makes a terrorist? When would killing be justified? Who are the enemies of your God, your country, your ideals, your family?

Who or what would you die for? Kill for? Do you think I'm a terrorist?