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A “soldier” returns home The Associated Press reported recently that Clifford Cornell has returned from Canada. Cornell, a soldier in the United States Army, fled to Canada in 2005 as his unit was preparing to deploy to Iraq. It is likely that Cornell would still be in Canada except for the fact that Canada was apparently about to deport him. Cornell faces possible charges of “desertion” and imprisonment for his actions. Cornell, 29, has stated that he left for Canada because he “doesn’t think the war has improved the lives of Iraqis, and he couldn’t stomach the though of killing.” A soldier for three years before he ran, Cornell said “I didn’t join the military to kill innocents.” Or perhaps the soldier just didn’t want to face danger and death. Certainly Cornell wants people to believe he is a tough guy. The AP reported that Cornell has a dragon tattoo on his forearm and skulls on both biceps. But, when interviewed, Cornell broke down, dissolved into tears, and said, “I’m just not a fighter ... I have a really soft heart.” Yet, from 2002 until 2005, Cornell wore the uniform, accepted the pride that goes with being a soldier, and took the pay. In the end, he left his buddies, who depended on him, to face the danger without him while he fled north. Some would not call that honorable. Some would call that cowardice. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, “desertion,” in law, is “the forsaking of a station involving public or social duties without justification and with the intention of not returning. In military law, it is the abandonment of (or failure to arrive at) a place of duty without leave; in time of war, especially in the face of the enemy, desertion is punishable by death.” At the present time, there are some 200 deserters hiding out in Canada, according to the War Resisters Support Campaign. Imagine a police officer saying, “I didn’t become a cop to give tickets and arrest bad guys. I just want to wear a badge and a gun.” Imagine a firefighter proclaiming, “I didn’t join the fire department to go into burning buildings and save lives. I just want to ride around in a big red truck.” Imagine a priest or pastor who states, “I didn’t become a minister to deal with people. I just want to preach, pray, and wear nice suits or cool vestments.” Imagine, now, if you can, a soldier who refuses to obey his oath of enlistment, deserts his post for nearly four years, and then tries to justify himself. No civilized person wants war or desires to fight, but there are millions who have faced their fear and served honorably in the nation’s military. There are also those brave and courageous souls who were, during those days when men were drafted into the military, genuine pacifists who accepted their service and served as medics, chaplain’s assistants, and in other non-combat roles. Some, who refused to bear arms but did their duty, are on the rolls of those who have received the Medal of Honor. They didn’t run. They didn’t hide. They served with honor and distinction. These — and not those who fled and try to excuse themselves — are the heroes. For those who want to come home, there’s a cell waiting at Fort Leavenworth. Canada can keep the others. [David Epps is the founding pastor of Christ the King Church, 4881 Hwy. 34 E., Sharpsburg, GA 30277, between Peachtree City and Newnan. Services are held Sundays at 8:30 and 10 a.m. He also serves as a bishop to the Diocese of the Mid-South. Bishop Epps is also the mission pastor of Christ the King Church in Champaign, IL. He may be contacted at frepps@ctkcec.org.] login to post comments | Father David Epps's blog
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