AMERICAN PRIDE

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[SLB]

The average age of the Infantryman 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 Howitzers. 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-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 wea! pons 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.

[SLB]

If this has already been posted, sorry for the duplicate. I felt it was worth putting up for all to read. Too bad it will not be mentioned in Hollywood on Sunday night or at any of the NCAA games.

[SLB]

A bump from an older soldier.

[CheneyChick]

Amen. Bump from an ex-soldier girl!

Cheers! CC :)

[ST.LOUIE1]

BUMP!

Thank you for your service, SLB.

God bless our military!!!!!

[dansangel]

{{{{{{{{{SLB}}}}}}}}}

Bless your heart for posting this. It gives me a lump in my throat the size of TX.

We must never forget our military - we must keep them in our prayers and close to our hearts.

Pings to a few of my FRiends, including some "older soldiers."

[Sabertooth]

Thanks for the ping and the post, Old Soldier, and for your service to our country. I'm happy my ping list could be of service to you, heh heh.

Regards

[FreeTheHostages]

thanks for the ping. into the rally thread it goes

[boxerblues]

big ole Proud American Bump

[dansangel]

Thank-you {{{{{{FTH}}}}}}}} and especially thank-you for all that you do to support America!

[FreeTheHostages]

Frankly, we all do so little compared to the guys out there. Two marines have died in combat -- well, according to the press -- the guys in the helicopter count too for goodness' sakes. God Bless their families and give them some measure of peace.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Happy to Bump! again. : )

[backhoe]

Thank you, dansangel... having some troubles here, my Mom seems to be slipping away today- the nursing home say she's entered the dying process. Say a prayer for Alice Rollinson, former Master Sergeant, WACs, and quite a woman in her day. I just hope she doesn't wake, and goes peacefully.

[bassmaner]

God bless our brave troops, and let's support ending the following injustice that will affect them when they come home: "not old enough to buy a beer".

If 18 is old enough to put your life on the line for your country, it should certainly be old enough to enjoy a Budweiser. A pox on MADD and the nanny state in this time of national sacrifice.

[dansangel]

I'm so sorry. That's the very least I can do - saying a prayer for you, Emily and Taffy as well.

Gracious Father, please take your daughter Alice gently into your loving embrace where she may reside with You in peace and joy for all of eternity. Please send strength to her family to bear her loss on earth. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

{{{{{{{backhoe}}}}}}}}}

[dansangel]

God Bless their families and give them some measure of peace.

Amen.

[HiJinx]

Backhoe, our prayers are with you. Our family has gone through this now three times in as many years...it's been hard every time, but friends and faith give us strength to make it.

May our Lord give you and your family peace, and the strength to endure. In Jesus' precious Name, Amen.

[backhoe]

Thank you both... I hope the Good Sheperd will take her to a kinder world, without any more suffering- like most old folks, she has seen far too much already.

[dakine]

I've been in 21 years, and the young folks now in the military are smarter and much more gung-ho then when I 1st enlisted....

[ALOHA RONNIE]

One Young Soldier in the opening days of the Vietnam War in 1965:

'Ronnie Guyer Photo Collection'

http://www.LZXRAY.com/guyer_collection.htm

[ALOHA RONNIE]

NEVER FORGET

...The Sudden Death of September 11, 2001's Tower 2 Hero RICK RESCORLA is now being avenged before our very eyes:

http://www.LZRAY.com

(PETER ARNETT, who took the Photo of RICK RESCORLA at the Battle of IA DRANG-1965 appearing on the above 7th Cavalry website, is now in BAGDHAD witnessing RICK's Revenge firsthand)

NEVER FORET