Нет. I wished long ago I would fight for my country but that was a young boys fantasy that not came true. I was born in Russia. Very small town/village what you want to call it. I grew up in the rule of the USSR, you can also call it SU if you want to. I was born into 1966.
My family was indeed poor as was many people with us that we shared our community with. Poverty was a real thing during the Soviet rule, and we learned about a lot in communism, but what only the state wanted us to learn. Talking about the state in any negative manner would be like grounds for termination. You did not do it. Those who did would often disappear.
I likened it to living under the rule of my school teacher. A mean man, who would hit us for misbehaving. The state wanted obedient working class individuals who functioned like a bee in a hive, and so they we're given it. This, as many know now was not so well to the fact that the Russian people have a very long history.
In this history is included revolution. We, however, did not revolt. Those with power were either too scared to, or were fat, and content. They exchange their loyalty to the Russian people for their loyalty to the Russian government. So, people were naturally upset. I included because many times we did not have very many things to eat, and, what we did have to eat was not so good, or spoiled.
For a time I wanted to be a soldier. Not just any soldier either. I wanted to fly. I wanted to be a pilot! The best way to have done so would have been for agriculture, or in the military. It would have seemed at that time for many that the military was the best option for males. It was supposed to meant that you got well fed, and well taken care of. Most of the time, what I see though, that was not the case.
Eventually, the USSR collapsed though. We were faced with peril again, but you know, the Russian people are very strong. Indeed we are, as my American friend put it "Knuckle headed drunks" ha! "You spent all your money on vodka!" Yes, right!
Alcoholism is very bad in Russia. It effects most commonly men. It is unfortunate really. Quite sad. But in the end I know that my brothers, and my sisters will prevail, and Russia will, no matter what, become once again strong. It's in our blood. It's not our blood alcohol level, I swear it!
Eventually I move to the States. I live in California now, and work at a Smoke and Liquor store now with my uncle, and my brother. I have been here for two years now, and soon in a few years I wish, and hope to get my citizenship.