Posted on 06/23/2004 11:11:39 AM PDT by SheLion
The average age of the military member is 19 years ....
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.
This is a prayer wheel for our military... don't break it. Send this on after a short prayer.
Prayer Wheel
"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 in our time of need. Amen."
Thanks for the ping! God bless our fighting men and women, grant them swift victory, bring them home safe.
I love it when we get to see pictures of our troops. They are such a special breed, and I admire them so much. Words can't express the thanks I have in my heart for them.
CSM sent this to me in email. Then I had to save the photos at my site on the Net, then load them into FR to post. I can email it to you. You can give me your email addy in FReep mail if you like.
Check your FRmail, and thanks.
On it's way to you!!!! :)
Thank you!
Now....check your regular email again.
I join in prayer for all our heroes and their loved ones!
Thanks for the ping SheLion. Very nice. I also offer humble prayers for their safety, every day.
Prayers for these brave warriors, whose essence will never be understood or appreciated by their enemies on the left.
Very moving. I am glad I stumbled onto this thread.
So happy everyone likes this.
Thanks Tonk! These kind of efforts make me so proud of all those who serve and those who support those who serve.
God Bless ALL our military
In Memory and Honor of your brother.
SilentServiceCPOWife,My Granddaughter Karen was 19 when she went to Iraq,just got back on Easter.
SheLion,Made me cry,thanks,fatima
Bump!
Thank you. I am honored. Are you trying to make me cry? :)
Hey by the way thanks for the daily posts too! I try to sneak in visits at work whenever I can.
That's great news. I'm sure your family is thrilled. And I bet you're very proud of her.
How long was she there?
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