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This e-mail was just received from a Marine military lurker.
Parts of it have been edited per his request.

"....I have been home on leave and lurking in the Canteen.
It makes me proud to see so many supporters of the military here.
I wish I had time to thank each one of you.
When I do get the chance to come here I always get a chance to laugh, to learn and to feel at home.
Today I see so many of my Marine brothers doing their part at home......"

THE YOUNG MARINE

The Young Marine

By Frank G. Gross I/ 3/ 7/USMC

The ballad below is in reference to the freezing bitter cold that the all troops suffered at the Chosin Reservoir

The road was long and freezing
in this cold and frosty scene
in the Korean War at the Reservoir
for this weary tried Marine

As his frozen feet would shuffle
and his purple toes were tapped
his naked face and burning skin
was wrinkled cracked and chapped

The stiffness of his moustache
his painful face would show
as the nasal drip had made a grip
from the chilling winds and snow

In the fear it could get colder
when the sun would chose to rest
he clinched his arms together
in the attempt to warm his chest

The stinging cold of numbness
as freezing sweat would rub
that changed to ice with in his boots
and on his hands beneath each glove<

A vapor cloud of warmness
from the puff of body breath
help to give resistance
of freezing half to death

The tremor of the snow and frost
a chilling winter scene
fell upon his cover
of his helmet brown and green

Conditions that turned to frost bite
a plague to soon unfold
as the blizzard snow and the enemy foe
had fortified their hold

A typhoon of freezing fury
with snow upon his back
as the lack of allowance
was throwing off balance
of aggression and blizzard attack

The infested Korean mountains
with a foe so sly and coy
in a mass atack their burpp guns crack
with the purpose to destroy

From the Oriental proverb
the Chinese troops all know
when the young Marine at the
Chosin Scene
spoke their words Gung Ho

For the term means work together
with siprit and with pride
as the army and ally nations
were ffighting by his side

For this Marine Corps Band of Brothers
speak not of retreat
as they walk into the jaws of death
and carry out the teeth!

I must second the notion of feeling proud, laughing and learning. As a Freeper for over a year now, the CANTEEN is a place for those of us to share experiences, advice, learn, and laugh. I have met some OUTSTANDING folks!!! Whether it be by land, sea, and or air, the Canteen gives us the PRIDE and support we need to defend our country. Many active, like myself "lurk" on a regular basis. Alot of vets, retiree's, reservists share their stories here. When time comes to be with those we have not seen in ages, the feeling of being on leave is tremendous. Let alone if from a small town, the remarks of "Thanks for wearing that uniform" just send chills up and down your spine. Take the time to visit the Canteen. You'll be glad you did.

SK1 T