I want to thank Sargent John Behammer, United States Army Airbourne Ranger. He saved my life! If he's lurking out there, I hope he reads this. He had a disability, you see he couldn't hear. He always had us "boots" say things repeatedly, and louder. He also made us do things that were against our nature, he made us do the impossible, and he made us expect it of ourselves.
Drill Sargent Behammer...SIR (sorry, that's automatic), I wish to tell you that I made it, I made it through the sh!t and I made it home. I engaged the enemy and I was not afraid (except for that first time, like you said). I did my job, just like you taught me, and I did it well. My mama & daddy made the boot, and they polished it daily, but you put the final "spit shine" on it and made me a man.
Thank you Drill Sargent Behammer...SIR (sorry again, it's automatic). I THINK his first name was John. He gave me the knowledge, the courage, and a little part of him to save my life and fight a war. Never forget the guys that got you here!