Callan Ruderman is a Monmouth College junior, but recently his life became drastically different than the average college student. Lance Corporal Ruderman is currently overseas in Iraq fighting for our country, as a member of the United States Marine Corps.

Naturally, many upperclassmen may know of L Cpl. Ruderman, but they may not have had the chance to contact him since his departure to Iraq. Ruderman is currently located in Sakwali, Iraq. Luckily, even in the situation that he is in, Ruderman was able to use some of his limited internet time to answer some questions for The Courier.

Since taking a leave of absence from Monmouth College, Ruderman has spent most of his time at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, 29 Palms Marine Corp Air to Ground Combat Center and March Air Force Base, which are all located in California. Also, along the way to Iraq, Ruderman made stops in Maine and Germany. Finally, Cal arrived in Iraq, and, for him, this moment was long-awaited .

Ruderman stated, “I’m really happy to finally be over here,” adding that, “training was good, but it was really lacking the real thing.” That “real thing” is what Ruderman explains as the realization that everything is so real, and that he “has the mindset that he has to do everything he can to make it out of there.”

One feeling that Ruderman says he and his fellow marines all share is the missing of family and friends. Ruderman also half-jokingly noted that, “One thing I’m going to miss is spending Scots Day with friends.” Ruderman seems to be in good spirits about everything, noting that “time hasn’t been dragging on too much,” and adding, “me and the guys keep ourselves busy by playing pranks on each other.”

While Ruderman tried to reply with as much clarity and depth as he could, understandably his internet time is strained, and there is also some information that could not be disclosed. Ruderman’s bravery and utter maturity is remarkable, and his services are certainly commendable. With a girlfriend, Heidi Benson, overseas as well (she is studying abroad), and his friends and family here at school and home, Ruderman certainly has many constantly thinking about him and his safety.

Although Ruderman noted that he is unsure of when exactly he will be back, he said he plans to return to Monmouth in 2008. However, Ruderman further explained, “I’m not sure what semester I’ll be able to make it back for.” Until then, we will all be waiting, if a bit unpatiently, for his safe return.

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