BOY ARMY CAPTAIN
Captain David Moses, Lost Boy of Sudan
By Jason
ELLENSBURG, WA – A boy, who looks no older than 13, stands in front of a college journalism class and tells them about his experiences in Iraq. His voice is soft, but strong, as he talks about being a captain in the U.S. Army.
He doesn’t look like military. He seems more round than well-built, with a face shaped by remaining baby fat more than war. There are no visible scars on his dark skin, he carries no weapons, and wears no camouflage; his only resemblance to a military man is his buzz cut. He looks too young to serve.
Yet, as Captain David Moses fields the students’ questions with a mix of military brevity and humor, it’s of no doubt that he is who he claims to be, and that he’s been through more trying times than most army captains. For Captain Moses is a Lost Boy of Sudan.
At the age of 13, Moses fled from his war-torn Sudanese village, trekking across hundreds of miles by foot to reach a relief camp in Kenya. Originally, he began traveling with 10 people. By the time he reached his destination, there was only one left.
“They didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Moses. “I had faith. I was one of those guys that believed that no matter how bad things get, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
This faith has been tested. Moses is a Christian and was pressured to conform to Islamic beliefs through bribery, betrayal, and torture. He recounts that the government used religion as a tool to turn refuges. But he refused. “I’ve never questioned my faith,” he said.
Moses’ unwavering devotion has been rewarded in more ways than one. He’s found his brothers and sisters in Canada, and his parents back in Africa. His other sister, who was thought missing or dead, was found three months ago. “I was so happy; it was a happiness beyond explanation.”
Since he came to U.S., he’s gone through high school and job corps, been student body president, and graduated college with a political science major. “Education wil be the key to resolving future conflict in that part of the world,” he said
Captain David Moses has been standing in front of the journalism class for an hour by the time class ends. He looks different now. His boyish appearance seems to have faded, replaced by the experience of 28 years. A knot on his forehead is more prominent and his face is solemn. But he’s found his place as an American, and that shows as well.
I went to Weber State with David and was a friend with him for as long as he was in Weber State in Ogden. I knew he will reach this heightbecause of how serious he took on what ever he was doing. I was introduced by him to the ROTC program in Weber, and mark you, he was the smallest guy but most resilient in all the activities like push up, 10k, and ranger challenge. I am very happy to know David as a friend and, i want hom to keep the light burning.
Just had the privilege of watching Captain David Moses speak at the 2008 Viet Nam Memorial Day event on CNN.com. He is an exceptional human being. I hope we all live up to his truths.
Mr. Captian David, I send my greetings to you and all of your releations in that end. hopefully life is teating you great there.
David moses, I’m greatful to find out that your doing very wonderful United Stated Army. I’m in the Army know and I just can’t write much but I want to hear from you. I do understand that has been a very long time sense you visited us in crearifield job corps.2002 to 2003. however here is my e-mail addresse, nelson.morgan87@yahoo.com
PS stay up.