Posted on 07/04/2004 4:58:00 PM PDT by STARWISE
This is beautifully done .. God Bless our Brave Troops
From The Military Man
THE MILITARY MAN (From BrandonBlog)
The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either.
He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and 155mm howitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.
He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.
He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime.
He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot.. A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."
When you see this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq. This can be very powerful....... Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine or Airman, prayer is the very best one. AMEN.
= = = = = = = = = =
Dear Lord, the young faces just break your heart ... their grit, the awesome responsibility is breathtaking. Dear God ..keep them safe.
Thought you'd like to see this.
Amen. God bless them and keep them safe.
.
Our American Soldiers...
Fighting for...
The Freedom of Others,
Those that train them and
Those loved ones who...
Wait for them...
To come home...
Or not...
Are...
......HOLY..!!!
Signed:.."ALOHA RONNIE" Guyer / Veteran-"WE WERE SOLDIERS" Battle of IA DRANG-1965
(Photos)
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set1.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set2.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set3.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm
.
Thank You
God Bless our men and women in the military.
group TROOP hug
.
JOHN KERRY came back from Vietnam to call us American Soldiers fighting for Freedom there...
...rapists & Terrorists
http://www.TheAlamoFILM.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1320
...as opposed to...
MEL GIBSON came back from filming our real Vietnam War Story "WE WERE SOLDIERS" ..deeply inspired to finally make his ultimate Story of Love and Sacrifice...
.."The PASSION of the Christ"
http://www.TheAlamoFILM.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=39081
I wonder who got the Story right..?
.
That is the wrong poem, I'm sorry. I'm asking to have the post removed.
GOD has truly blessed America through this current generation. I carry them in my heart at ALL times.
GOD bless ALL who fight for the cause of freedom! GOD bless and protect our Military, and civilian Patriots!
LLS
The text is pretty close to the opening chapter of Oliver North's book, "War Stories".
Thanks for the ping! (You might have warned me that I needed Kleenex, though!)
*sniff*
sorry :'-(
I saw a program today where a Liberal scoffed at those of us that said the US was the greatest country in the world. (Not that he's saying it wasn't because he was a liberal and they don't actually say anything.)
He should look these pictures and it would be very clear.
These young men and women are what makes this the greatest nation in history.
Thanks.
That's okay, it's just that these terrific kids (and all who are in service) are just so very precious that I puddle up when I see or read what they have given up for us and for the world.
We sang "America the Beautiful" and "My Country Tis of Thee" in church this morning, and I wasn't able to get through verses 3 or 4 of either song with dry eyes.
Thank you from the sister of a young soldier.
That was absolutely beautiful. Thanks.
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