Where is ... Lyndon Amick? (cont'd)

For Amick these days, every race is a night race.

"We see the races on TV, but it's in the middle of the night," said Amick, who was promoted to sergeant in December. "I miss my friends in NASCAR more than anything ... well ... except actually driving a racecar. I wish them all well. They're doing their part by entertaining the troops on TV."

How much has life changed for Amick? Once, he faced a field of 42 other drivers who were doing their best to beat him to the finish line. Now, he faces an enemy intent on doing him harm.

He's not been in combat, but the possibility is there.

A question about the dangers he's faced seems to spark something in Amick, and he gives by far the longest answer of the interview.

"I have been all over this province, from the best places to the worst, and I have been blessed to have not had any IEDs (improvised explosive devices) or shots fired at me," Amick began. "It's not that I don't want to get into a fight. I am well trained and ready to do my job. I have had my finger on the trigger two times. In this country, you have to assess every situation and every person.

"Are they a threat? Is this car swerving to avoid something or is it a suicide bomber trying to take me out? They're decisions that you have to make every day."

Playing soldier is not an option for Amick. He's a real soldier, up against a very real danger. There may be those of his comrades in arms who want a little action, but not Amick. Not necessarily.

He just wants to come home, safe and sound, to Melanie and their kids. He's scheduled for a 15-day leave in January, and should return for good just a few months after that.

"A lot of people want to get in combat," Amick concluded. "I guess they signed up for it. It doesn't matter to me if I get in it. I will do my job as I have been trained. I know that nothing is worth someone getting hurt, not me or my guys. If it happens, so be it. I take comfort in the fact that I am a Christian, and I am saved. I am well trained as an infantry soldier to do my job. That is in my control."